I Can’t Find a Job Without Experience

Podcast Summary

• Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities: Considering opportunities outside of your field can lead to new experiences, skills, and passions.

  Expanding your horizons and considering opportunities outside of your specific field can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Heeji shared her story of graduating from environmental design and graphic design, but struggling to find a job in those fields due to industry requirements. Feeling discouraged, she came across a company that specialized in creating miniatures for tabletop RPG games. Although she didn't have the exact experience they were looking for, she applied and was accepted. The company recognized her diverse background and was willing to teach her the skills she needed. This opportunity not only provided Heeji with a job, but also allowed her to learn something new and pursue a passion. It's important to remember that sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks can lead to unexpected and valuable outcomes.

• Applying for a job with required experience despite being a recent graduate: Don't let seemingly insurmountable job requirements discourage you. Focus on the potential opportunities and growth that can come from taking a chance on a job. Diverse experiences can make you a more versatile and valuable candidate.

  Sometimes, entry-level jobs may require experience that seems impossible for recent graduates to obtain. However, these opportunities can still be valuable and worth pursuing. The individual in this conversation shared their experience of applying for a job in environmental design, which they were graduating in, but were surprised to find they had two years of experience required. Despite this, they were able to secure the job by demonstrating their eagerness to learn and willingness to take on the role. Environmental design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on designing both interior and exterior spaces to be sustainable and eco-friendly. In this role, the individual supports the 3D printing unit, ensuring pieces don't fall during the printing process. What's interesting is that this job may not offer high compensation or seem particularly special, but the individual feels valued and appreciated by the company. They learned the necessary software quickly and were given the opportunity to grow within the organization. This experience highlights the importance of not being discouraged by seemingly insurmountable requirements and instead focusing on the potential opportunities and growth that can come from taking a chance on a job. Additionally, it's essential to remember that having diverse experiences under your belt can make you a more versatile and valuable candidate in the future.

• Having a diverse background can be an asset: A diverse background can make you a versatile candidate, attractive to employers in various industries

  Having a diverse background in various fields, as opposed to being highly specialized in one area, can offer unique advantages in certain job markets. When someone looks at your curriculum, they might not see specialization, but rather a mix of experiences. This can be attractive to employers looking for versatile candidates who can handle a range of tasks. For instance, in mental health jobs, having experience in different areas of mental health is beneficial. Similarly, in design fields, having a broad understanding of various aspects can open up interesting opportunities. So, while it's natural to have concerns about not digging deep into one area, it's essential to understand that having a diverse background can be an asset in various job markets.

• Leveraging a diverse background for career success: A diverse background allows you to learn new skills quickly, adapt to various roles, manage teams effectively, and increase job opportunities, potentially leading to higher paying roles.

  Having a diverse background in different fields can be a valuable asset in the job market. You can showcase your ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to various roles, making you a versatile and valuable employee. Additionally, having a broad experience base can allow you to understand different aspects of a business and potentially manage teams effectively, even if it's not your preferred role. However, it's important to remember that what you enjoy and what you're good at may not always align, so finding a job that utilizes your strengths while also bringing you satisfaction is key. Networking and persistence are also crucial in the job search process, as opportunities often come from building relationships and staying informed about the industry. Ultimately, having a diverse skillset and experience base can open up more job opportunities and potentially lead to higher paying roles.

• Believing in yourself and seizing opportunities: Stay optimistic, persistent, and adaptable in the job market. Believe in yourself, explore opportunities, and don't let self-doubt prevent applying for jobs. Success can come from unexpected places and taking calculated risks.

  The job market and career trajectory have changed significantly over the past few decades. While some people may find long-term success by staying with one company, others may benefit from job hopping every 2 to 5 years to maximize their income. The decision ultimately depends on the industry and individual circumstances. It's essential to believe in oneself, keep exploring opportunities, and not let self-doubt prevent applying for jobs, even if they seem out of reach. Success stories like Heeji's remind us that unexpected opportunities may arise, and taking chances can lead to rewarding careers. Overall, the key is to stay optimistic, persistent, and adaptable in today's dynamic job market.

• Stay persistent and resilient in job search: Employers value eagerness to learn and strong work ethic, even if you don't have all qualifications or experience. Keep applying, learning, and pushing forward for opportunities.

  While the job market can be competitive, it's important to remember that many employers are open to hiring individuals who are eager to learn and grow. The conversation emphasized the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of rejection or setbacks. Even if you don't have all the qualifications or experience for a particular job, showing a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn can make you a valuable asset to an organization. So, if you're feeling discouraged, don't give up. Keep applying, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. There are opportunities out there for those who are willing to put in the effort. And remember, every experience, even the ones that don't lead to a job offer, can provide valuable lessons and help you grow as a professional.