Every new graduate stumbles upon one (or probably many) attractive, entry-level job postings in their desired field of work. These positions offer networking opportunities, provide coaching and mentoring, and promote continuous learning through on-the-job training. Scroll to the ‘requirements’ section and they read one to three years of relevant experience required.
This is the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle.
If you’re doing the math, this means employers expect many years of relevant experience accumulated during school.
But with course schedules averaging 15 hours weekly, and a part-time job – many of which aren’t related to the field of study – to pay for those classes, how do you gain three years of relevant experience prior to graduation?
If you think post-secondary curriculums should complement theory with work, then you believe in the value of work-integrated learning – a learning environment with real-life work integrated into a curriculum to create an authentic experience, involving systematic training, structured work experience, and institutional partnerships.
A 2009 Australian report defined work-integrated learning as “an umbrella term for a range of approaches and strategies that integrate theory with the practice of work within a purposefully designed curriculum” (Patrick, Peach, & Pocknee).
But if you didn’t complete a placement, co-op, practicum, assistantship, internship, or volunteer your time during school, it’s never too late to find a work-integrated learning opportunity.
Career Edge offers work-integrated learning opportunities through paid internships to break the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle. These internships are beneficial for not only interns, but employers as well.
Employers receive fresh ideas from new graduates through a low-risk, cost-effective recruitment model.
Interns make industry connections and learn from a qualified mentor or coach. And most importantly, they won’t let one to three years of relevant experience required ever stop them from applying to a job again.