Get good career experience in whatever job you're in

by Jen P
(Seattle, WA)

I'm an environmental studies graduate, and the only jobs I've been able to land since graduation are office assistant positions. They're not bad jobs; it's just not what I want to do with my career. So what do I do while I'm in these positions? I don't just bide my time and look for other jobs (though I do that too). I do my best to get experience in my field where I'm at, even though it's a lowly office assistant position at law firm.

My example of getting good experience where you're at is starting up a sustainability initiative. I started out small, getting the firm to switch over to 30% recycled paper. From there my boss had me put together a green team, and now we're looking into doing an energy audit, putting into practice paper saving measures, and switching over to green cleaning and office supplies. Not only am I doing exactly what I want to be doing as part of my job, I'm also building up my resume for the future.

If you can't start your own (pick your field) initiative, try asking your boss for tasks and projects that 1)teach you new skills and 2)have something to do with the field you'd like to move into. For example, if I were interested in accounting, I'd ask for more in-depth work from the accounting department.

Look for learning/experience opportunities outside of work as well. There are plenty of opportunities for volunteering and internships. It's a win-win situation - you learn new skills and get something to put on your resume, and they get free labor.