8 answers
Kai
Student
Tolland, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
711 views
How do you go about the job search for your first job or internship if you lack job experience?
Hi,
I am a 16 year old rising junior who is interested in a career pathway which potentially includes engineering, business management and entrepreneurship. And I am unsure of which jobs to search for that would help me gain the skills I need for the career pathway I envision.
8 answers
Andres Zepeda
Internal Audit Intern
21
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Andres’s Answer
In highschool for engineer-related experience I would promote volunteering, robotics clubs, and math tutoring as the best experience related to your career, and it can even help you get into a good university. No one expects you to be a working professional the moment you enter university.
Though for people reading these answers who are in university: Just like with getting "real" jobs, the easiest way to get an internship and work experience is via referrals. Do you have a family friend who can refer you for a role in CAD or Solving some software tickets, or a determined upper year friend who can give you a direct referral to where they first interned at? Second easiest is simply mass applying to places that you know hire people without any experience, I would not recommend any unpaid locations, but they exist too.
Though for people reading these answers who are in university: Just like with getting "real" jobs, the easiest way to get an internship and work experience is via referrals. Do you have a family friend who can refer you for a role in CAD or Solving some software tickets, or a determined upper year friend who can give you a direct referral to where they first interned at? Second easiest is simply mass applying to places that you know hire people without any experience, I would not recommend any unpaid locations, but they exist too.
Aakshi Taneja
Credit Risk Analytics
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Aakshi’s Answer
I recommend exploring various job descriptions or learning about companies and facilities that spark your interest or align with the field you wish to advance in. Don't hesitate to engage with professionals in your community or via LinkedIn who work in areas you might like to pursue. Many of them will gladly share insights about their roles and the necessary skills required. With this newfound knowledge, you can better steer your choices regarding beneficial activities, school projects, or even nearby jobs that can bring you closer to your desired career path. As you network and connect with professionals, there's a chance they might have opportunities for you as well.
Thank you, Aakshi for the advice.
Kai
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Kai,
It's absolutely fine that you don't have as much experience right now! Given that you're still in high school, it's completely normal and employers understand this. They're not expecting you to have amassed years of experience just yet.
I would recommend considering entry-level and part-time positions in areas like retail or the fast food industry, which are popular choices for many teens. Even if your future aspirations lie in fields such as Engineering, Business Management, or Entrepreneurship, the valuable soft skills you'll gain from these jobs will undoubtedly serve you well in the future! Another great avenue to explore is securing an internship that aligns with your career interests.
Wishing you the best of luck!
It's absolutely fine that you don't have as much experience right now! Given that you're still in high school, it's completely normal and employers understand this. They're not expecting you to have amassed years of experience just yet.
I would recommend considering entry-level and part-time positions in areas like retail or the fast food industry, which are popular choices for many teens. Even if your future aspirations lie in fields such as Engineering, Business Management, or Entrepreneurship, the valuable soft skills you'll gain from these jobs will undoubtedly serve you well in the future! Another great avenue to explore is securing an internship that aligns with your career interests.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Amanda Coleman
Technology
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Since you are still in High School, you have a lot of time to gain experience in different fields to find what you will be interested in after your undergraduate education is finished. As soon as you start college, get involved in different clubs and groups based on your interests, you can help gain knowledge from older students and professional guidance for your potential career. Use all your resources available to you, whether online such as LinkedIn or college professors that can guide you through the career process. Do internships during college to gain actual professional experience and vary the careers you are working in to understand more of your interests. Right now, with what you presented, you have a wide range of interests that can be combined successfully to create a strong career if you are motivated and put the time in to gain the necessary experience for a career, most of which will not be an option until you are pursuing an undergraduate degree. This experience may be in the form of internships, school projects, and networking with professionals. Do not stress about it yet, you have time to gain the necessary experience for a career in any of the mentioned fields.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Kai
Rachel Knapp
Project Manager
23
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
First of all - hello in Connecticut! I'm originally from Wethersfield! It sounds like you've already received some great advice! You have so much time to explore your interests and to narrow in on things that you like a lot, like a little, or do not like at all. Do not rule things out just from what you assume they may be, you never know where your career will take you if you keep an open mind. I would look around you for your immediate interests in terms of clubs or teams that you can get involved in. Explore areas that you would have otherwise overlooked for creative outlets or areas that may spark new interest - maybe you have a skill for acting that you never knew! Take this time to enjoy what you have available to you at school, in town, and within your community and do not stress too much about the future (there is plenty of time for that later in life!). Enjoy being young and like I said live life with an open mind and open heart and see what the world has to offer you :-)
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Kai
Victoria Li
Summer Analyst
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hello Kai! To be frank, I believe all work experience is valuable. No matter the job, it can offer benefits if you allow it to. Even if your initial job doesn't align with your ultimate career goals, it can certainly provide guidance towards reaching them. From my own experience, I've hopped between different jobs and sectors, gaining fresh insights, establishing new relationships, and acquiring knowledge at each stop. As long as you're open to learning and placing yourself in challenging situations, you're bound to succeed. Don't hesitate to start small and gradually climb the ladder. Maintain your eagerness to learn and make an effort to connect with as many individuals as possible. You never know where these connections might lead you!
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Kai!
The first thing I'll say is: don't worry about not having job experience while searching for jobs.
I suggest not panicking because:
(1) You're becoming a junior in high school. You have time (I swear).
(2) You can find unique ways to gain job experience.
Today, many employers encourage people to apply, even if they don't match up with the job 100%.
What's most important is you match what an employer is looking for...about 70%.
Regarding the second point:
You can actually create your own job experience.
You don't have to wait for someone to hire you to gain experience. For careers, you can DIY.
And for most fields, it's more important to show that you are capable, competent, and skilled enough than having X amount of years on your resume.
In your case, here's some ways you can create job experience:
Business: Create a business idea. | You can create a solid plan and use it as a project on your job applications. If you execute it well and has good results, you'll stand out as a candidate.
Here's some business guides for you:
- https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/market-validation
- https://www.innovationbykaizen.com/insights/business-ideas-validation
Engineering: Create a usable product. | You can build a device or system, related to engineering.
If you don't know if you can build it yet, design a prototype then research how to make it later. Making projects like this can also help you stand out.
Here's some engineering ideas for you:
- https://engineering.tcnj.edu/2021-2022/
- https://www.skyfilabs.com/blog/good-senior-design-projects-for-electrical-engineering-students
Making projects might feel intimidating. However, they are entirely possible!
During my sophomore year of high school, someone made a prototype of a plane engine using a household fan. Another person designed a subscription service using cardboard boxes and their hobbies.
You don't need to worry about getting it right at first. Just practice.
By the time you get to college and learn more about business, entrepreneurship, engineering, you'll have a solid education and you can use your education to kick-start your own personal projects.
You can add those projects when you apply for jobs.
The great thing about this? You're gaining experience in the fields you're interested in. You're gaining new skills that will help you on your job search in the future.
The key is to apply what you learn.
Essentially: Don't worry about finding jobs 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. Instead: Focus on building your skills.
Sending you encouragement with pursuing your career goals :)
Read more about how projects can help you with job searching: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/set-yourself-apart-from-job-search-crowd-how-value-validation-lee
The first thing I'll say is: don't worry about not having job experience while searching for jobs.
I suggest not panicking because:
(1) You're becoming a junior in high school. You have time (I swear).
(2) You can find unique ways to gain job experience.
Today, many employers encourage people to apply, even if they don't match up with the job 100%.
What's most important is you match what an employer is looking for...about 70%.
Regarding the second point:
You can actually create your own job experience.
You don't have to wait for someone to hire you to gain experience. For careers, you can DIY.
And for most fields, it's more important to show that you are capable, competent, and skilled enough than having X amount of years on your resume.
In your case, here's some ways you can create job experience:
Business: Create a business idea. | You can create a solid plan and use it as a project on your job applications. If you execute it well and has good results, you'll stand out as a candidate.
Here's some business guides for you:
- https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/market-validation
- https://www.innovationbykaizen.com/insights/business-ideas-validation
Engineering: Create a usable product. | You can build a device or system, related to engineering.
If you don't know if you can build it yet, design a prototype then research how to make it later. Making projects like this can also help you stand out.
Here's some engineering ideas for you:
- https://engineering.tcnj.edu/2021-2022/
- https://www.skyfilabs.com/blog/good-senior-design-projects-for-electrical-engineering-students
Making projects might feel intimidating. However, they are entirely possible!
During my sophomore year of high school, someone made a prototype of a plane engine using a household fan. Another person designed a subscription service using cardboard boxes and their hobbies.
You don't need to worry about getting it right at first. Just practice.
By the time you get to college and learn more about business, entrepreneurship, engineering, you'll have a solid education and you can use your education to kick-start your own personal projects.
You can add those projects when you apply for jobs.
The great thing about this? You're gaining experience in the fields you're interested in. You're gaining new skills that will help you on your job search in the future.
The key is to apply what you learn.
Essentially: Don't worry about finding jobs 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. Instead: Focus on building your skills.
Sending you encouragement with pursuing your career goals :)
T.J. recommends the following next steps:
Kaitlyn Ciak
Model Risk
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
The best way to get an idea of what jobs or experiences will be helpful to you in your career is by talking to people currently in that role/industry. LinkedIn is a great way to find professionals who are in the field you are interested in or working at a certain company that you like. You can reach out to people in different roles and have some informational interviews to learn about what they do, what skills are useful to them, and how they recommend you get started. This way, you can start to get an idea of what you're interested in specifically and use that insight to guide your career path.
Thank you for the advice, Kaitlyn.
Kai
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