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How hard is getting a job with no experience?
I’ve heard people say over and over again that it’s hard for you to job because I have no experience, but they can’t get experience because I can’t get a job and that’s pretty confusing to me and the profession I wanna go in probably is gonna need experience. It’s being a psychologist so I I’m going to need a job that can give me experience but doesn’t need experience to get it and I don’t know when I should be looking for that job considering I’m not really at the age to get a job but when should I really be looking for it and where should I be looking for it?
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Andrew’s Answer
Totally get why that feels confusing. Everyone says “you need experience to get a job,” but no one starts with experience. The good news is: early on, no one expects you to have real experience yet.
If you’re thinking psychology, the best “experience” at your stage isn’t a job. It’s doing well in your classes, taking psych-related courses, and getting exposed to the field. Once you’re in high school or college, there are a bunch of low-barrier ways to get relevant experience that don’t require prior experience, like join a psychology club or mental health org, volunteer (schools, hospitals, community centers, crisis lines — some have teen/college programs), do research with a professor once you’re in college.
Most psychology careers require long-term schooling anyway (bachelor’s → master’s/PhD), so you’re definitely not behind. Right now, your job is just to explore the field and build interest, not have a full résumé.
If you’re thinking psychology, the best “experience” at your stage isn’t a job. It’s doing well in your classes, taking psych-related courses, and getting exposed to the field. Once you’re in high school or college, there are a bunch of low-barrier ways to get relevant experience that don’t require prior experience, like join a psychology club or mental health org, volunteer (schools, hospitals, community centers, crisis lines — some have teen/college programs), do research with a professor once you’re in college.
Most psychology careers require long-term schooling anyway (bachelor’s → master’s/PhD), so you’re definitely not behind. Right now, your job is just to explore the field and build interest, not have a full résumé.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
sophia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sophia. Getting a job without experience is a common concern, especially when you're aiming for a career in a field like psychology, which typically requires some hands-on experience.
In psychology, having a degree is important, but experience is also needed. One of the best ways to get experience is to look for volunteer opportunities. For example, you could volunteer at a mental health clinic or a hospital. You could also work with groups that help people in crisis or support mental health. Volunteering like this will give you hands-on experience and will help you build your resume, even if it's not a paid job.
Another good option is to look for internships. These are short-term positions where you can learn while working. Some internships are unpaid or pay little, but they give you experience and help you learn about the field. An internship could lead to a full-time job later on.
Even if you're still in school and not ready for a full-time job, you can still look for part-time or temporary jobs. These roles may not need a lot of experience but can still give you valuable skills. For example, you could work as an assistant in a counseling center or help with research at a psychology lab.
In psychology, having a degree is important, but experience is also needed. One of the best ways to get experience is to look for volunteer opportunities. For example, you could volunteer at a mental health clinic or a hospital. You could also work with groups that help people in crisis or support mental health. Volunteering like this will give you hands-on experience and will help you build your resume, even if it's not a paid job.
Another good option is to look for internships. These are short-term positions where you can learn while working. Some internships are unpaid or pay little, but they give you experience and help you learn about the field. An internship could lead to a full-time job later on.
Even if you're still in school and not ready for a full-time job, you can still look for part-time or temporary jobs. These roles may not need a lot of experience but can still give you valuable skills. For example, you could work as an assistant in a counseling center or help with research at a psychology lab.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
It can feel like a chicken-and-egg situation to enter the workforce with "no experience," and many people are also confused by this. The good news is that there are entry points in psychology that are specifically made for students who are just starting out. The secret is to view this process as a build-as-you-go, gradual development pipeline rather than a single, big leap.
You are not expected to hold a job as an eighth grader at this time. Curiosity is what matters at your level. You're already laying the groundwork when you pay attention to your interests, the kinds of individuals you wish to assist, or the issues you find interesting.
You can begin gaining what universities refer to as "early exposure experiences" as you reach the legal working age in the area where you live, which is typically between 15 and 16. These don't have to be sleek or clinical. Volunteering in community centers, joining health or peer support groups, working at after-school programs, or assisting with kids camps are all acceptable. You're showing your ability to care, contribute, and show up, all of which are important psychological skills.
The talent pipeline grows by the time you attend college. Research assistant positions, student support internships, resident assistant positions, and mental health ambassador programs are examples of built-in positions that colleges usually offer without the need for prior experience. No one expects you to enter the room already trained; these are designed to provide you with experience while you learn.
Therefore, while the "no experience" conversation may seem scary online, what about in real life? For students just like you, there is a systematic, controlled path. You're not behind; in fact, the fact that you're considering this early shows an intentionality that most recruiting managers find appealing.
You are already beginning to build your future in psychology, not merely wishing for it. Taking little steps at a time. And that's exactly how people develop into solid, grounded experts in this industry.
Best wishes!
It can feel like a chicken-and-egg situation to enter the workforce with "no experience," and many people are also confused by this. The good news is that there are entry points in psychology that are specifically made for students who are just starting out. The secret is to view this process as a build-as-you-go, gradual development pipeline rather than a single, big leap.
You are not expected to hold a job as an eighth grader at this time. Curiosity is what matters at your level. You're already laying the groundwork when you pay attention to your interests, the kinds of individuals you wish to assist, or the issues you find interesting.
You can begin gaining what universities refer to as "early exposure experiences" as you reach the legal working age in the area where you live, which is typically between 15 and 16. These don't have to be sleek or clinical. Volunteering in community centers, joining health or peer support groups, working at after-school programs, or assisting with kids camps are all acceptable. You're showing your ability to care, contribute, and show up, all of which are important psychological skills.
The talent pipeline grows by the time you attend college. Research assistant positions, student support internships, resident assistant positions, and mental health ambassador programs are examples of built-in positions that colleges usually offer without the need for prior experience. No one expects you to enter the room already trained; these are designed to provide you with experience while you learn.
Therefore, while the "no experience" conversation may seem scary online, what about in real life? For students just like you, there is a systematic, controlled path. You're not behind; in fact, the fact that you're considering this early shows an intentionality that most recruiting managers find appealing.
You are already beginning to build your future in psychology, not merely wishing for it. Taking little steps at a time. And that's exactly how people develop into solid, grounded experts in this industry.
Best wishes!
Updated
Denise’s Answer
This is a common concern for most as a majority of employers ask for experience.
As someone who majored in psychology in undergraduate school, I struggled with being able to find a job that didn’t require some experience. My recommendation is to take any psychology related courses, volunteer as much as you can to get exposed to gain that experience you’ll need, and also apply for internships (they could potentially turn into a paying job).
As someone who majored in psychology in undergraduate school, I struggled with being able to find a job that didn’t require some experience. My recommendation is to take any psychology related courses, volunteer as much as you can to get exposed to gain that experience you’ll need, and also apply for internships (they could potentially turn into a paying job).