Job search experience

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Avoid unpaid internships if you need income to survive, as they exploit workers' labor under the guise of opportunity.
Employers may claim the opportunity is more valuable than pay, but this ignores the worker's need for income to eat and value their own labor.
one person who lived it
Volunteer in your target field before graduating to gain resume-worthy experience.
It looks better on your application if you lack prior work experience.
2 people, independently
Lower your expectations regarding location or salary and treat the first role as a stepping stone.
it may be the only way to break into the field
one person who lived it
Seek Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) funded by the NSF for reputable science internships that look great on resumes.
They are known to be reputable.
one person who lived it
Be flexible and respectful when workplace dynamics or tasks change unexpectedly.
Going with the flow and being respectful ensures you will be just fine.
one person who lived it

Value practical experience and recommendations over high GPAs when seeking graduate programs or jobs.
High GPAs alone may not secure admission, while good experience and recommendations can lead to acceptance into prestigious programs even with lower grades.
one person who lived it
Focus on gaining experience to stand out among equally qualified candidates when seeking interviews.
Experience can be the deciding factor in getting an interview when resumes are otherwise comparable.
one person who lived it
Treat volunteering as an investment in your prospective career.
It can demonstrate passion and diligence, potentially leading to job offers.
one person who lived it
Contact local organizations directly, such as schools, nonprofits, or community groups, to ask for volunteer help.
Many small, local organizations are always looking for volunteers and often do not require previous work experience.
one person who lived it

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Use volunteer opportunities to network and meet interesting people.
3 people, independently