How are young adults supposed to gain the experience needed to get their dream job if every job along the way requires experience that the person is there to gain?

Hi Molly,

Really great question!! I encountered this problem all the time when I was first starting out. I would see entry level jobs that required 1-2 years of experience and I never quite got how it could be entry level with that listed years of requirements. Internships are honestly the way to go to help build up the amount of employed time that you can honestly state on a resume. Internships are considered professional experience so do as many internships of substance/quality that you can so that you can build up that work experience. Also if need be, consider working a job to start off with that may not be your ideal to further build work experience. Most people, if not all, don't work their "dream job" as their first job out of college and that is totally ok. Working a decent job for 1-2 years to build up experience is common and nothing to be ashamed about.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!!

Best,

Austin

Hello Molly: Great question! I call dream jobs careers because you will want to learn as much as you can about that topic within which you will work and will continuously train for it throughout your career. Typically a career begins with college education, technical training,or an aprenticeship. During your first round of formal training, I encourage you to maximize the opportunities available to you to get to your dream job quicker. To maximize your opportunities, you will need to participate in college, have a strong g.p.a. and take on leadership roles in organizations. Most employers are looking for leaders who where engaged and invovled beyond the minimal class, study, and sleep. So, be sure to take on at least one internship. If you manage your time well enough, you may be able to take on two or even three internships in three seperate semesters. Internships are one of the key ways to gain real-world skills, knowledge, and experience hands on and gain references and possible jobs (some 40% of great interns are hired by the employers). If an employer likes your work ethic, dedication, committment, creative thinking, time management, etc. they may consider taking you on part-time or full-time as an employee. If not, you still have a solid reference which helps you gain employment in the future. Aside from internships, leadership positions in clubs and organizations let hiring managers know that you are capable of managing your time and are a clear communicator as well has possess strong organizational skills. Studying abroad informs the employer that you are capable of being independent, self-reliant, highly adaptable, and respectful of other cultures. In conclusion, define for yourself what your dream job is and requires you to know and have then begin gaining those skills and abilities even as soon as first-year of college, if not senior year of high school. Review onetonline.org to discover requirements for various career and job titles and to gauge your interest in those titles. Good luck!

Many people start by taking a job one step below what they really want. For example, assuming you have good office skills (very important!) you may be able to start as an Administrative Assistant, Records Clerk, etc. Try to choose a company you would really want to work for. In the interview, when they point out that the position is below your education level, simply say that you have researched the company, really want to work there, want to learn the operation from the ground on up, and are willing to pay your dues until a better opportunity opens within the company. It works!