6 ways to gain professional experience before your first job.

Achieve professional experience before first jobThis is one of the biggest challenges for young people starting 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 acquire valuable professional experience, which can make a candidate's profile more attractive, add value to their resume, and increase their chances of success in the job search.

1. Volunteering: Developing Skills and Expanding Networks

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

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 with 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 field, WWF allows volunteers to collaborate on environmental projects, developing skills in research and communication.

These experiences, in addition to improving skills, expand one's 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-World Corporate Experiences

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

They provide a 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 161 times more likely to get a job within six months of graduation.

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

Companies like AmbevNestlé, Itaú, and Unilever have structured programs to prepare participants for future positions within 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 fundamental in fields such as Law, Engineering, and Information Technology, where practical experience 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 seeking flexibility and independence.

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

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr facilitate access to projects where young people can apply their skills, gaining recognition and practical experience.

Recent studies show that freelance work is growing rapidly.

In 2023, a survey conducted by Upwork revealed that 601,300 freelancers report monthly earnings comparable to or exceeding those of formal jobs in their fields.

Furthermore, the flexibility of freelance work teaches skills such as 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: Skills Demonstrated in the Resume

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

According to a Coursera survey, 24% of students with certifications in technical fields reported securing jobs in their respective sectors 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 like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, and Alura offer a wide range of certified courses, allowing young people to choose short programs with relevant content.

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

In addition to adding value to a resume, courses and certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, a quality highly valued by companies seeking entry-level candidates.

5. Networking and Participation in Professional Events: Opening Up Opportunities

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

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

This highlights the importance of a solid network of contacts, especially at the beginning of one's career.

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

For young people, these events are crucial because they can learn about new trends and the most valued skills in the market, as well as interact with mentors and potential future employers.

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

Maintaining an updated profile and interacting with colleagues and companies in the field increases the 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 app, or puts together an online portfolio, they demonstrate initiative, self-management skills, and dedication.

Adobe, a leading graphic design company, reports that professionals with online portfolios are up to 451 times more likely to be invited for interviews at companies in the sector.

Among personal projects, highlights include blogs, YouTube channels, portfolios, and even small businesses.

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

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

Importance of Early Work 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 JobsAccording to the World Economic Forum, employers value candidates with practical skills and experience in real-world projects, whether through internships, freelance work, or volunteering.

These professionals, in addition to being more competitive, adapt better to market challenges and have a greater chance 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 starting your first job is an essential investment for career success.

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

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

Nara Sampaio

SEO writer, digital content creator, and virtual assistant. An introvert who found in writing a way to express herself and share knowledge!

November 7, 2024