“Seeking candidate with three years’ experience for entry level position.”
Sound familiar? If you’ve looked at many job descriptions you’ve likely noticed that even if the position is targeted toward recent college graduates, the employer still hopes to hire an individual with previous experience. This seemingly conflicting message may prevent you from applying for the position if you’re a new graduate. However, there are ways to gain valuable experience that don’t require you to have had a previous full-time job.
Complete a Certificate Program
Several universities and technical schools offer certificates in areas such as international competency, sustainable business management or becoming a certified crop advisor. While the amount of coursework varies, certificate programs can most typically be completed within one academic year or less. Completing a certificate program will not only increase your knowledge base on a subject matter, but it’s also a great way to demonstrate added value to a potential employer.
Learn Another Language
Agriculture is a global industry. Not only do we conduct business around the globe, but our workforce is becoming increasingly diverse in the languages spoken as well. Bilingual employees are a real asset to their organization. Whether it be through coursework in college, an online tutorial or resources checked out from the library, several mediums exist to help immerse you in a new language.
Utilize Online Learning Platforms
Online learning is convenient, affordable and responsive to industry trends. Whether it’s through your university or an outside organization, several opportunities exist to learn on your schedule. Check out the popular platform Lynda.com for courses in business, web development, photography, design, project management and much more.
Master Microsoft Excel
Unless you’re majoring in a business related major, chances are your coursework hasn’t exposed you extensively to Excel. No matter what job you seek, chances are that having a robust working knowledge of Excel will make you more efficient in your role and therefore more valuable to your employer. Best thing is, there are numerous avenues available that are free to the learner! Whether its through YouTube, tutorials on the Microsoft Excel Help Center site or other online learning platforms, several resources exist to help you gain a valuable skillset.
Short-term Internships
Not all internships need to last an entire summer to be valuable. Seek out opportunities for short-term internships that will expose you to areas of interest. Maybe an organization in your area is hosting an annual conference or other large-scale event- contact the planning committee and ask about an opportunity to help with planning and being on-site at the event. This is an immersive learning experience that won’t require you to relocate! While these opportunities may not provide compensation, they are an incredible way to learn by doing.
