How can I get relevant work experience?

I am just about to graduate but all the jobs I look at want experience which I don’t have. How can I improve my chances?

A great way to get valuable experience is to volunteer with a local voluntary organisation in an area that interests you, e.g. conservation, women’s rights or youth work. Employers recognise voluntary experience as just as valuable as paid experience and the great thing is that you can volunteer in your spare time. It can also give you access to internal vacancy lists and sometimes lead to a job.

It may be worth considering doing an internship. These last from three months to two years and some organisations pay expenses, others pay a salary. Internships are highly competitive but give you great experience and training. Check out our web directory for more information.

You could also try temping. Give your CV to a recruitment agency which provides temping contracts with the charity sector (see our directory for more details) and this way you get paid whilst getting trained and also have access to the charity’s internal job bulletins.

It might be worth considering doing a short course in an area you are interested in or, if you are able, invest in a postgraduate course. Don’t forget to have a good CV and make the most of yourself. Good luck!