2 answers
Leah
Student
Fort Pierce, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What experiences do I need to develop over the next 1–2 years to put myself in the strongest position to land my ideal career ?
Jr college
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Leah,
It's great that you are thinking about this ahead of time. Since you didn't indicate your major or your ideal career, I can only give you very general advice.
In pretty much any major and career, "experience" is valuable to secure a job. You'll have to figure out what that looks like in your field. Try to get internships in your field. If you are doing anything related to science or engineering, get involved in research projects at your school. If you are doing anything creative, develop a portfolio showcasing your work.
Another important ingredient to find a job are contacts and networking. Talk to your professors. Go to career fairs. Attend professional meetings. Present at a conference. You can also use LinkedIn to find professionals in your desired career field. Check what their path into the career you want was like. Make contact and ask for an informational interview.
General or transferable skills to develop would be e.g. communication skills, teamwork, or leadership.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's great that you are thinking about this ahead of time. Since you didn't indicate your major or your ideal career, I can only give you very general advice.
In pretty much any major and career, "experience" is valuable to secure a job. You'll have to figure out what that looks like in your field. Try to get internships in your field. If you are doing anything related to science or engineering, get involved in research projects at your school. If you are doing anything creative, develop a portfolio showcasing your work.
Another important ingredient to find a job are contacts and networking. Talk to your professors. Go to career fairs. Attend professional meetings. Present at a conference. You can also use LinkedIn to find professionals in your desired career field. Check what their path into the career you want was like. Make contact and ask for an informational interview.
General or transferable skills to develop would be e.g. communication skills, teamwork, or leadership.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
22
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
Hi - If you’re in junior college, I think the best thing you can do over the next year or two is focus on getting real experience, building practical skills, and figuring out how to talk about what you want. You do not need to have everything perfectly planned out right now. What matters most is that by the time you start applying for internships or jobs, you can show that you have done more than just go to class.
I would focus on a few things. First, try to get some kind of real experience, even if it is small. That could be a part-time job, an internship, helping with a family business, volunteering, joining a club, or taking on a leadership role at school. Employers like seeing that you have handled responsibility and worked with other people.
Second, build skills that transfer almost anywhere. Being able to communicate well, stay organized, work with a team, solve problems, and use technology comfortably will help in almost any career. Even basic things like writing professional emails, speaking confidently, and managing your time well can make a big difference.
Third, start making connections now instead of waiting. That does not have to mean anything fancy. Talk to professors, advisors, classmates, supervisors, and people you meet through work or school. A lot of opportunities come from people simply knowing that you are reliable and serious about your future.
I think the main goal is to make sure that in 1–2 years, you can say: “I’ve gained experience, I’ve built useful skills, and I’ve started figuring out what I want.”
That already puts you ahead of a lot of people!
I would focus on a few things. First, try to get some kind of real experience, even if it is small. That could be a part-time job, an internship, helping with a family business, volunteering, joining a club, or taking on a leadership role at school. Employers like seeing that you have handled responsibility and worked with other people.
Second, build skills that transfer almost anywhere. Being able to communicate well, stay organized, work with a team, solve problems, and use technology comfortably will help in almost any career. Even basic things like writing professional emails, speaking confidently, and managing your time well can make a big difference.
Third, start making connections now instead of waiting. That does not have to mean anything fancy. Talk to professors, advisors, classmates, supervisors, and people you meet through work or school. A lot of opportunities come from people simply knowing that you are reliable and serious about your future.
I think the main goal is to make sure that in 1–2 years, you can say: “I’ve gained experience, I’ve built useful skills, and I’ve started figuring out what I want.”
That already puts you ahead of a lot of people!