How to get your first internship or entry-level job when you have no experience | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep40

Today’s episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast by College Recruiter job search site focuses on a key career issue for those early in their careers: how to get experience when no one will hire you because you have no experience. 

The episode is based on a College Recruiter article, “11 biggest job-related issues facing students, grads, and others early in their careers“. The discussion between our cohosts addresses the challenge of securing a first full-time job. This issue is a major concern for early-career candidates, who often feel trapped in the “experience paradox”. This paradox refers to the common problem that people need experience to get a job, but they need a job to get experience.

The podcast episode also addresses the role of internships as a crucial stepping stone into the workforce. However, it brings up the debate around unpaid internships, including the fairness and equity concerns associated with unpaid internships. Many early-career candidates are advocating for more paid opportunities, especially for those who may not be able to afford to work without compensation.

As they conclude, our cohosts offer some strategies for overcoming a lack of experience, including leveraging the expertise of the experts who work in your school’s career service office.