The world of employment can be cutthroat, especially for military spouses who have an educational background but no work experience. We prepare ourselves in the best way we know how, but what happens when we have degrees in hand but cannot find the job we studied so hard for? How are military spouses supposed to obtain the normal 5-10 years working experience?
Three things I have seen happen: you pray for someone to give you an opportunity, you get discouraged and stop the job search or you settle for an entry-level position that may not even be in your field. It is a snowball effect, and you need to prepare yourself on how not to let this happen.
Here are 7 things you can do when you have no work experience in your desired field:
1. Volunteer work
We know that military families volunteer at rates three times higher than the general U.S. population. Why are military spouses not putting volunteer experience on their resumes?
Volunteer work does count as work experience and can help employers learn about your interests and experience just as much as a paid position. Include your volunteer experience in the work experience section or create a separate section for all volunteer work. When listing your volunteer work, focus on your achievements rather than just your responsibilities. Responsibilities may put you on par with other applicants, but your achievements are what will set you apart.
2. Find an internship, paid or unpaid
Internships are not just for college students. Most internships today are considered the new “entry-level” jobs and are great for obtaining the work experience you will need one day. Find an internship that will let you develop the skills you need to obtain the job you want. Internships are also a great networking opportunity; it is all about the people you meet and the connections you make. Use it to your advantage.
3. Use your college experience
As a college student, you should never underestimate your accomplishments and experiences. Whether you are fundraising for a school group, writing for your school paper, or even conducting research for a paper that had extensive information – this is all valuable work experience that should be shared on your resume. Make a list of your educational experiences and make a bullet point for each skill obtained on your resume. Employers can now see more of your experience and relate how it will apply it to the position you are seeking.
4. Build relationships
Sometimes we bury ourselves so deep into finishing school that we forget to build relationships and network with those we can use as business contacts. Who you know in your field will be of value to you. If you do not have the work experience, find people that do and connect. LinkedIn is a great tool to use and build relationships with business professionals. You never know when someone may have an opportunity for you.
5. Ask professors for help
Professors know how hard it is to build work experience. Ask them for a letter of recommendation or list them as a professional reference. Your professor will be the first person who could serve as a reference to an employer on how you conduct yourself within a professional environment. They can also list any skills you obtained in class that may assist you in your job search. Even if you are an online student, build a relationship with your professor, and do not hesitate to reach out.
6. Use your entrepreneurial skills
Do you have any side hustles? Even if you run your own website or blog, this has the potential of being listed as an entrepreneurial operation. Many military spouses run their own businesses on the side and forget that this counts as work experience. You are serving as an organizational leader, so why not list your experiences in this role?
7. Do not be afraid to lead
If you belong to any groups or organizations, do not be afraid to offer yourself for a leadership role. You can use this as an opportunity to add event planning, project management and business leadership to your resume. Many military spouses belong to an organization where they are looking for help. Employers always positively view any type of leadership activities. It never hurts to lead.