4 answers
Mia
Student
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1
Question
Updated
559 views
How hard will it be to transition into the work force without real-life experience after graduation form college?
I am a Community Health education major, who has volunteered in the community, but not been able to obtain employemnt.
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4 answers
Natasha Gilbert
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
Davenport, Iowa
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Any transition in life can be a challenge. However, approach each transition as a new opprotunity to learn the career path in which you've choosen to do. Every day you should be learning if it's your first day or your 20th year in the field. My advice is to have your eyes wide open, listen to those who have that experience, don't be afarid to go back to your books for a reference, or to question a practice. Sometimes the new ones are there to ensure that the relaxed workers with years of experience are remembering why things are done a certain way- you may be teaching them something new as well.
Speak up, stand tall, know that you just completed a great accomplishment and that those you'll be working along side, they were once just as new as you are.
Speak up, stand tall, know that you just completed a great accomplishment and that those you'll be working along side, they were once just as new as you are.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Mia,
It is great to hear that you are considering your career after college. It is great that you have volunteered in the community, but there may be a few things you can try. If you have not already, try getting an internship somewhere that is related to your major. Whether it is paid or unpaid, this is something else that be put on your resume. It is important to make connections in order to help obtain employment. LinkedIn can be a great place for this. You can also try asking your professors if they have any leads to opportunities. Don't be afraid to also go to companies in person to seek opportunities.
If your goal is to gain any kind of employment for financial purposes, try getting something related to your major in some way. If not, a job that has flexible hours for students would be best. A service job is always a good choice as it gives you general customer service skills, how to deal with and work with other people, and work at a timely pace.
Most importantly, know that it should become a bit easier to gain a job in the field of your choosing once you graduate and have a degree. Make sure to always work hard in order to find a good job once you graduate. For now, keep trying to add to your resume.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are considering your career after college. It is great that you have volunteered in the community, but there may be a few things you can try. If you have not already, try getting an internship somewhere that is related to your major. Whether it is paid or unpaid, this is something else that be put on your resume. It is important to make connections in order to help obtain employment. LinkedIn can be a great place for this. You can also try asking your professors if they have any leads to opportunities. Don't be afraid to also go to companies in person to seek opportunities.
If your goal is to gain any kind of employment for financial purposes, try getting something related to your major in some way. If not, a job that has flexible hours for students would be best. A service job is always a good choice as it gives you general customer service skills, how to deal with and work with other people, and work at a timely pace.
Most importantly, know that it should become a bit easier to gain a job in the field of your choosing once you graduate and have a degree. Make sure to always work hard in order to find a good job once you graduate. For now, keep trying to add to your resume.
Best of luck on your journey!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Transitioning into the workforce without formal employment can feel challenging, but it is achievable. Your ongoing Community Health Education studies and volunteer experience provide a strong foundation. Highlight unique aspects of your volunteer work and present it as professional experience by emphasizing measurable accomplishments, soft skills like empathy, problem-solving, and adaptability, and approaching each task as a professionally qualified applicant.
Internships, part-time roles, fellowships, project-based work, volunteering in underserved communities, or freelancing can provide formal experience while expanding your skills. Freelancing might include developing health education materials or leading community workshops. Networking with alumni and professionals can lead to referrals, especially when tied to specific health initiatives. Strengthen applications with a skills-based resume, tailored cover letters, and STAR-based interview preparation.
Teklemuz recommends continuing and deepening your volunteer service while applying to internships until you secure your first professional job. Do not feel discouraged, and treat all contributions as professional experience. Apply for entry-level roles, stay curious, build an online presence, and pursue short-term certificates or graduate programs with practicum experience. Creating a blog, social media presence, or organizing community health events can further showcase your skills. By framing experience strategically, working diligently, and networking purposefully, you can successfully transition to a meaningful career in community health.
Internships, part-time roles, fellowships, project-based work, volunteering in underserved communities, or freelancing can provide formal experience while expanding your skills. Freelancing might include developing health education materials or leading community workshops. Networking with alumni and professionals can lead to referrals, especially when tied to specific health initiatives. Strengthen applications with a skills-based resume, tailored cover letters, and STAR-based interview preparation.
Teklemuz recommends continuing and deepening your volunteer service while applying to internships until you secure your first professional job. Do not feel discouraged, and treat all contributions as professional experience. Apply for entry-level roles, stay curious, build an online presence, and pursue short-term certificates or graduate programs with practicum experience. Creating a blog, social media presence, or organizing community health events can further showcase your skills. By framing experience strategically, working diligently, and networking purposefully, you can successfully transition to a meaningful career in community health.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Mia. Your volunteer work shows that you care about your community and are willing to take action. Employers in public health and nonprofit organizations often value volunteer experience just as much as paid experience, especially if you can explain what you did and what you learned. When writing your resume or talking in interviews, you can describe the specific things you accomplished while volunteering. For example, talk about how you helped organize events, taught people about healthy living, or worked with a team to solve community health problems. These examples show that you already have practical experience using your education.
Networking is another important part of finding a job. Try to meet people who already work in public health or community programs. You can do this by attending health fairs or community events. Sometimes, job openings or internships come from people you meet rather than from online job listings.
You can also make yourself a stronger candidate by learning new skills or earning certifications. Learning things like data collection, health communication, or grant writing can also help you stand out.
While the transition from college to work might feel challenging at first, remember that your volunteer experience, education, and passion for helping others already give you a great start. Keep building your skills, you'll be able to find your place in the community health workforce and start making a real difference.
Networking is another important part of finding a job. Try to meet people who already work in public health or community programs. You can do this by attending health fairs or community events. Sometimes, job openings or internships come from people you meet rather than from online job listings.
You can also make yourself a stronger candidate by learning new skills or earning certifications. Learning things like data collection, health communication, or grant writing can also help you stand out.
While the transition from college to work might feel challenging at first, remember that your volunteer experience, education, and passion for helping others already give you a great start. Keep building your skills, you'll be able to find your place in the community health workforce and start making a real difference.