When you're trying to get your first job in a new industry one of the most frustrating things is that companies are usually looking for some kind of relevant work experience. You might have just worked for Oakville airport taxi for four years while putting yourself through architecture school but people will be looking for the person who was able to spend their free time working at an unpaid internship at a company downtown. But there are things that you can do to build up your work experience before you get the position of your dreams.
The first thing that you should understand is that your experience does not have to be in the same field to count. If you have been working at an art studio marketing Michael Godard prints and are now applying to work as a law secretary than there are likely elements of your past position that will translate to your new one. All you need to do is figure out what those are and be able to illustrate them in your cover letter and interview. The worst thing that you can do is not apply for a position because you decide that you're not qualified.
With most jobs you're going to need to work your way up the ladder. If you want to be the editor of a publishing company than you will likely start out by reading a sheaf of paper a day as the assistant of one of the current junior editors. Be willing to start at the bottom and gain all of the knowledge from the experience as possible. There are many companies where you can work your way up quite quickly and could get promoted a couple of times a year if you're really motivated. Find a way to get your foot in the door and then prove yourself from there.
People are more likely to train you on the job if they don't have to pay you yet. There are thousands of internships that are offered every year in industries ranging from Toronto real estate to finance in New York. Some of them require you to drop everything and commit yourself to forty hours a week while others might just be for a couple of days a month. While you're working at an amusement park in Orlando you could be learning more about management, engineering, film, or even the culinary arts. This could translate to a job running a wedding catering Hamilton company some day or working as an animator. If you can't find your perfect internship than approach a company that you admire and try to create one.
| 