Four ways for students to gain experience before graduation

To have a few years of experience right after graduating, students need to prepare in advance by working part-time, joining clubs, doing internships or starting their own business.

Bui Minh Duc, 30 years old, is a master's student in Communication at Clark University, Massachusetts, USA. In more than 10 years of working, through many companies and organizations, Duc shares four ways to help new graduates prepare experience for their job applications.

Nowadays, many recruiting companies require experience for new graduates, or give priority to those with experience. So what do new graduates have to offer them?

Working part-time is the first solution. When you don't have a solid expertise, popular part-time jobs are tutoring, sales staff, serving in restaurants and cafes. When you have better knowledge of your expertise, you can find related jobs. With some professions such as design and content, many students can confidently take on "freelance" jobs (working without being restricted by time or location) while still in school.

Employers often give priority to candidates with experience related to their major. However, I believe that experience from jobs such as waiting tables or making coffee is still good because you have many opportunities to interact with reality, meet many people, and understand the value of money.

Choosing to work part-time or focus on studying depends on each person’s needs. During my university years, in addition to tutoring and freelancing, I spent the rest of my time focusing on studying as well as participating in organizations and clubs.

Bui Minh Duc, a Vietnamese student studying in the US. Photo: Provided by the character — Bui Minh Duc, a Vietnamese student studying in the US. Photo: *Provided by the character*

Internships are a second way for students to gain experience. This solution is easier than finding a job in your field, because most companies do not pay interns or pay them the minimum wage.

In my opinion, don’t wait until the mandatory internship period in your program (usually the second semester of your fourth year). By scheduling your internship earlier, you can gain 1-2 years of experience right after graduation. Many large companies have summer internship programs for students. This is also how they look for potential candidates.

Third is participating in student clubs. Compared to before, these activities are no longer limited to summer volunteer programs or blood donation. Activities to develop leadership skills, project organization, and professional knowledge of students are increasing. Through this, students can practice and expand their relationships.

I find that the experience from these places is sometimes more valuable than an internship at some companies. For example, when I joined a club that gives free tours to foreigners, I improved my English and how to handle complex situations. With another club, I was trained in project management skills, working with partners, organizing events, etc.

Fourth, you can gain experience from personal projects or starting a business. I think this is the most valuable, practical experience because you have to take responsibility for your own projects.

Choosing a job or activity to enrich your experience depends on each person's needs, time and ability. However, remember that the same job but each person has different views and experiences. Sometimes, the important thing is how you show the employer what you have learned, not necessarily "fancy" jobs or big companies to give you valuable experience.

I once shared my experience of traveling to all 63 provinces and cities when applying for a job at a travel company. Those experiences helped me have a comprehensive view of Vietnam tourism as well as better understand the culture - people - life in each land. Not everyone has such experiences, the important thing is how you convince the employer.

Bui Minh Duc

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