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How can a student with no work experience find and receive remote work (internships, volunteer work...etc.)?

I’m a senior majoring in Computer Information Systems, but I don’t have any experience in the field yet. I’m finding it difficult to secure remote work, as I either face rejections or come across opportunities that turn out to be scams. I could really use some guidance.

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Kobi’s Answer

Olamitokumbo, Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, it's common to face challenges at all phases of career moves, especially when starting out at first.

Consider focusing on building your portfolio with small freelance projects, internships, or contributing to open-source projects.

Volunteer opportunities at your school, County Library Systems, Charitable Organizations such as Goodwill often have computer and software training programs for veterans, etc. can be an invaluable resources to develop your skills, both hard and soft.

Doing some of these volunteering and internships help to develop passion and identify areas of your chosen career that you can be great at.
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Olamitokunbo,

It's understandable that finding remote work without experience can be challenging. However, with the right approach, you can increase your chances of landing opportunities.

1. Build a Strong Online Presence:
- LinkedIn: Create a polished LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills, projects, and academic achievements. Engage with industry professionals and join relevant groups.
- GitHub: For tech fields, showcase your projects and contributions. Even small projects or coursework can demonstrate your skills.
- Personal Website/Portfolio: Develop a personal website or portfolio to showcase your projects, skills, and any relevant coursework.

2. Leverage Networking:
- University Career Services: Utilize your university’s career center for job boards, resume reviews, and networking opportunities.
- Professional Associations: Join organizations related to your field. They often offer networking events, webinars, and job boards.
- Alumni Networks: Reach out to alumni from your program or school. They might offer advice, mentorship, or even opportunities.

3. Apply to Various Opportunities:
- Internships and Volunteer Work: Look for remote internships or volunteer opportunities in your field. Websites like Internshala, AngelList, and Idealist can be useful.
- Freelance Platforms: Consider platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to gain experience through small projects.

4. Enhance Your Skills:
- Online Courses: Take relevant online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Alison, edX, or Udacity to gain knowledge and certifications.
- Competitions and Hackathons: Participate in coding competitions or hackathons. These events can provide practical experience and help you network.

5. Be Cautious of Scams:
- Research Opportunities: Verify the legitimacy of the companies and opportunities you’re applying to. Look for reviews or testimonials about the organization.
- Never Pay for Opportunities: Avoid any job or internship that asks for payment or personal information upfront.
- Check Contact Information: Ensure that the organization has a legitimate website and contact information. Scammers often use free email services or have poorly designed websites.

6. Tailor Your Applications:
- Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting how your skills and coursework align with the role.
- Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate your passion for the field and willingness to learn in your application materials and interviews.

Starting with these steps should help you build experience and navigate the remote work landscape more effectively.

Best wishes!
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