6 ways to get work experience before your first job

Get professional experience before the first jobis one of the biggest difficulties for young people starting out in their careers.

With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate practical skills and solid competencies.

However, there are several effective strategies for gaining this experience even before formally entering the market.

In this article, we will discuss six ways to gain valuable professional experience that can make your candidate profile more attractive, add value to your resume, and increase your chances of success in your job search.

1. Volunteering: Developing Skills and Expanding Contacts

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience without a formal relationship.

This practice helps develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving, which are highly valued by companies.

According to a Deloitte survey, 821% of employers consider volunteering a legitimate way to gain experience and learn job skills.

In Brazil, many NGOs, hospitals, schools and shelters promote volunteer programs for young people, facilitating access to these opportunities.

Examples of volunteering include working for organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, WWF or the Red Cross.

Each organization offers unique experiences: while Doctors Without Borders prioritizes work in the health area, WWF allows volunteers to collaborate on environmental projects, developing research and communication skills.

These experiences, in addition to improving skills, expand the network of contacts.

Often, contacts made through volunteer activities can open doors to future jobs or provide important recommendations.

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2. Internships and Trainee Programs: Access to Real Corporate Experiences

Internships and trainee programs are some of the most effective ways to gain practical professional experience.

They provide real immersion in the corporate environment and the development of technical and behavioral skills.

According to a report by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), students who participate in internship programs are 16% more likely to get a job within six months of graduation.

Many companies in Brazil and abroad offer internship programs and trainee lasting from a few months to two years.

Companies like Ambev, Nestlé, Itaú and Unilever have structured programs to prepare participants for future positions in the organization.

During the program, young people have direct contact with the company's processes and projects, receiving guidance and feedback from experienced mentors.

Internships are essential in areas such as Law, Engineering and Information Technology, where practice complements theoretical knowledge and is required for the complete training of professionals.

3. Freelance Work: Flexibility and Development of Autonomy

Freelance work is an excellent option for young people looking for flexibility and independence.

In sectors such as marketing, graphic design and software development, freelancers have many opportunities to gain experience and build a strong portfolio.

Platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr facilitate access to projects in which young people can apply their skills, gaining recognition and practical experience.

Recent studies show that freelance work has been growing rapidly.

In 2023, a survey conducted by Upwork revealed that 60% of freelancers report monthly earnings comparable to or higher than formal jobs in their field.

Additionally, the flexibility of freelance work teaches skills like time management and organization, which are highly valued by recruiters.

Among the advantages of working as a freelancer are the possibility of working on multiple projects at the same time, and the development of autonomy.

Professionals who already have experience as freelancers have a versatile and resilient profile, essential characteristics for professional life.

4. Technical Courses and Certifications: Proven Skills on Your Resume

Technical courses and certifications are practical ways to gain specialized knowledge and professional experience in high-demand areas.

In a Coursera survey, 24% of students with certifications in technical fields reported having landed jobs in the sector after completing their courses.

For young people who want to start a career in areas such as Information Technology, Digital Marketing, Finance or Graphic Design, these courses are highly recommended.

Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy and Alura offer a wide range of certified courses, allowing young people to choose short-term programs but with relevant content.

Among the most sought-after courses, certifications in Excel, Power BI, Google Analytics and Python programming, which are fundamental technical skills in today's market.

In addition to adding value to your resume, courses and certifications demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning, a quality that is highly valued by companies looking for candidates at the beginning of their careers.

5. Networking and Participation in Professional Events: Opening Opportunities

Networking is a practice that provides access to employment opportunities indirectly, and is crucial for those looking for professional experience.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, up to 70% of vacancies are filled through referrals and professional relationships.

This highlights the importance of a solid network of contacts, especially at the beginning of your career.

Participating in professional events, such as career fairs, workshops and conferences, offers the opportunity to meet influential people in a variety of fields.

For young people, these events are essential, as they can learn about new trends and the most valued skills in the market, in addition to interacting with mentors and potential future employers.

Social networks like LinkedIn and Behance also play an important role in building this network, especially for professionals in creative fields.

Keeping your profile up to date and interacting with colleagues and companies in the field increases your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

6. Personal Projects: Initiative and Creativity in Action

Personal projects are an effective way to demonstrate practical skills and a commitment to professional development.

When a young person creates a blog, develops an application or puts together an online portfolio, they show initiative, self-management skills and dedication.

Adobe, a leading graphic design company, reports that professionals with online portfolios are up to 45% more likely to be invited to interview at companies in the sector.

Among personal projects, blogs, YouTube channels, portfolios and even small businesses stand out.

For example, young people who want to work as writers can create blogs where they publish articles and reviews, which allows them to practice writing and develop an audience.

These projects not only prove the candidate's technical skills, but also reveal their ability to plan, organize and execute, essential qualities in any profession.

Importance of Early Professional Experience

Investing in professional experience before getting your first job brings clear benefits to a young person’s career.

According to the research Future of Jobs, from the World Economic Forum, 80% of employers value candidates with practical skills and experience in real projects, whether through internships, freelance work or volunteering.

These professionals, in addition to being more competitive, adapt better to market challenges and have more chances of being promoted.

"Practical experience is the bridge between theory and practice, increasing the value and competitiveness of each individual in the job market." — Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks

Conclusion

Seeking professional experience before your first job is an essential investment for career success.

Whether through volunteering, internships, freelance work or developing personal projects, each experience strengthens your CV and increases your employability.

Adopting one or more of these strategies helps young people develop skills that go beyond technical competencies, preparing them for real market challenges and recruiters' demands.

Nara Sampaio November 7, 2024