Working In USA And Europe

Internships, scholarships, co-ops, volunteer positions: the opportunities for real-world experience abound for students who are interested either in the private sector or federal government jobs. These programs, whether paid or unpaid, offer tremendous advantages for students.

Network Building

What better way to start building your professional network than to work side-by-side with professionals in the career of your choice? Though there are no guarantees of post-graduate employment, working in an internship or other student employment opportunity allows potential employers to see just how smart you are in person.

Even if your internship can't translate into a job after graduation, you ought to be able to get good recommendation letters from your supervisors (don't forget to ask). Also, make sure you keep track of the contact information of people you worked with, and ask if you can use them as references in your future job applications. Once you go back to school, make sure you periodically touch base with your coworkers so they don't forget about you.

Government Career Planning

Working in the job will help you understand the kinds of coursework the organization values and that will be helpful to you in your long-term career pursuits. You will also have ample opportunities to ask professionals in your chosen career for their suggestions. Take advantage of lunch breaks in the staff lounge, and ask your coworkers serious questions, like, if you could start all over again, what would you do differently? What kinds of things do you think I can do now to improve my chances of getting a good job after graduation?

Don't be shy. It is often difficult for college students to feel like they "fit in" in a workplace where most people are 15-20 years older than they are. Sometimes lunches out with your older workmates can feel excruciatingly uncomfortable without the common topics you share with your classmates (as in, what dorm do you live in?). But if you ask a few questions, you can get the gurus talking, and if you listen actively, their perspectives can be extremely helpful for your long-term career planning.

Building Relevant Experience

The number-one reason recent graduates don't get jobs is a lack of relevant work experience. Years down the road, this will turn around-the number-one reason experienced people don't get jobs is because the organization went with someone right out of college who was less expensive.

While you're young, you can help build your experience through internships, co-ops, and volunteer activities. Your past determines your future, so be sure to pursue opportunities that fit into your long-term plans. If you don't have a firm long-term plan, at least try to define major interests (like writing or math) and build on them.

A Glimpse of Reality

Sometimes we build an image of a job or workplace that is far detached from reality. For example, if you have always wanted to be a TV reporter, you may have an image of a glamorous life flying from one national crisis to another. However, if you work as an intern at a major network news department, you might see an entirely different side of the life. This experience could sell you completely, or it could point out some major issues you aren't willing to accept.

If that's the case, it's better to know early on, so that you can start making alternate plans and readjusting your educational plan.

Whether you love or hate the real-life environment you see during your internship, it's important to understand that this can be one of the best experiences you will have to make connections and gain experience for many years. Often, agencies have special support programs for their interns and co-ops, which not only help you meet other students, but also provide opportunities to meet higher-ups in the organization. Make the most of the opportunity - this is a gift you won't get back again.