Some of the best, most fun, most exciting and challenging experiences you’ll have as a college student are on-the-job training. Traditionally, internships are the main way you can experience the job you think you want, but there are actually a whole bunch of other options if you’re looking to try different career hats on. So, yeah, internships are great, but so are these other ways of playing pro:
Volunteer.
This is one you can do anytime, anywhere you want to go. (For the most part.) Especially if you’re interested in working in the nonprofit sector, volunteering is a great way to get to know specific industries. Plus, no matter what you’re studying or what you want to do, community service is both good for your soul and good for your resume. Check out volunteer opportunities (volortunities!) here.
Research.
Saint Rose students are given the opportunity to study very closely with their professors on projects that have real-world impacts. Propose your own projects. Apply your coursework to topics that interest you. Test hypotheses and even present your findings at academic conferences. Student research is an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door of your dream career. (Find more about research opportunities here.)
Job shadowing.
This is somewhere between interning and volunteering. Shadowing might give you opportunities you wouldn’t have within the confines of an internship. Say a small business doesn’t have an internship program, for example. Job shadowing would still allow you to see the everyday goings-on of that business (if they agree to let you!) and gain real-world experience in a job that interests you. If you want it, go for it! There’s almost always a way to get that opportunity you’re looking for.
Want to know more about your options in real-world experience? Career Services is dying to hear from you!
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