Get Real-World Experience for an Easier Career Transition
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
One thing people should do when making a career transition is to get real world experience in the new role. Here’s what to do and what you should achieve doing it.
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I’m Jeff Altman. People hire me for No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because I make finding a new job and succeeding in it much easier.
Volunteering or interning in a field you are considering is an opportunity to bridge the gap between your existing skills and the demands of the work you are thinking of doing. Here’s how to make the most of this step:
Research organizations, associations, nonprofits, or companies related to your new career that offer volunteer or internship opportunities. Consider both paid and unpaid positions. If you are not working, consider working full-time for them. If you are currently working, find a way to do part-time work. Not every organization will be flexible to you as a volunteer. Start somewhere.
Leverage your network to find leads for potential opportunities. Friends, family, colleagues, and mentors may have connections or recommendations for you. Remember, this may take time. Don’t expect instant results.
Check with professional associations and industry-specific organizations in your target field. Often, they have resources or listings for internships or volunteer work.
Customize your applications, informational interviews, and conversations to highlight your passion for the industry, your willingness to learn, as well as transferable skills. Explain your career transition journey and how the experience will benefit both you and the organization.
Remember to emphasize your transferable skills when networking or applying. Showcase the skills and experiences from your previous career that are relevant and useful to the new role.
Be open to different types of opportunities. Part-time or project-based roles can provide valuable experience for what it is really like to work in your new field.
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Before applying, research the organization you’re interested in. Speak with people who work for them to find out how it aligns or doesn’t align with your career goals. This helps you understand what you are stepping into.
Just as you would for a job interview in your current type of work, prepare for interviews for potential volunteer or internship opportunities. Be ready to discuss your motivations, your skills, and what you hope to learn during your experience.
Make the most of your time by actively looking for opportunities to apply your new skills and knowledge plus continue to learn through the work. Ask for additional responsibilities and take on tasks that stretch your abilities.
While interning or volunteering, take the opportunity to connect with and network with colleagues, supervisors, and industry professionals. Building relationships can open doors to future opportunities.
Ask for regular feedback from your supervisors and mentors and use it to improve and demonstrate your dedication to personal and professional growth.
Document your achievements, projects, and contributions during your internship or volunteer work. Ask yourself “What did I do this week? What did I learn?” Write it down and create a portfolio of your work that can prove your practical experience to a firm interviewing you for a full-time position.
At the end of your experience, request recommendations or references from your supervisors. These endorsements can enhance your credibility when applying for paid positions. Ask for them on your LinkedIn profile!
Commit to excellence while doing your volunteer or internship role and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Do everything world-class. Employers value people who are proactive, dedicated, and passionate.
Ask about paid positions within the organization or use your newfound experience to secure paid roles elsewhere.
Remember, the goal of volunteering or interning is not just to gain experience but also to confirm your interest in the work to yourself as well as demonstrate your commitment to your new career and your ability to contribute meaningfully. It’s an opportunity to learn, network, and build a practical foundation for your transition.
I’m Jeff Altman. Visit my website at JobSearch.Community where I have a lot of free information to help you. In addition, if you become an Insider, you’ll receive all of my other video courses, books and guides to job search, plus be able to ask me questions. Become an Insider+ member and you receive all that PLUS be able to schedule several Zoom calls with me. Become an Insider Premium member and we’ll be doing either group coaching or one one-on-one coaching to help you find your next job.
Have a terrific day. Be great!
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers
easier. Those things can involve job search,
hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2700 episodes.
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You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, JobSearch.Community Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.
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Also, subscribe to JobSearchTV.com on YouTube and No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast for job search with more than 2700 episodes over 12+ years.in Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.
You can also have your #jobsearchquestions answered Tuesdays at noon Eastern. Search for Career Coach Office Hours on LinkedIn and mark that you’re attending. You’ll have access to the recording if you miss it live.
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