Gaining experience is one of the best approaches to finding the right career fit. It is normal not to be sure what you want to do in the future. Maybe you selected a college major and are preparing to graduate, but are not sure how to apply your degree to potential employment. As a college professor, I meet hundreds of students each year who are not sure what they want to do with their life. Often college education does not provide students relevant real world experience to test out their ideas and skills and to make meaningful connections.
Fortunately, you have the power to make your own connections and to create your own opportunity. This begins with finding relevant experience. There are several ways to do it, but persistence is key. Do not wait for opportunities to arise but create your own. Do you have computer science skills? How do you want to apply these skills? Can you find ten companies that could use your skill set? You will need to do research to be successful. Remember to think outside of the box. As wonderful as it may be to obtain an internship at Google or Microsoft, your skills may be more valuable to a small or start-up company.
Don’t write: “I’m a computer science major in my 5th year looking for an internship.”
Do write: “I am a computer science major and noticed that (Company Name here) may need an app designed to assist your customers with scheduling appointments. I would be eager to speak with you about the possibility of an internship or other opportunities.
Can you see the difference? Show the company that you have done your homework, that you have outstanding research skills, and that you are an independent and creative thinker.