3 answers
Mackenzie
Student
Naples, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What are some of the best ways to set yourself apart from others when looking to enter the workforce as a student right out of high school?
Ill be attending the University of Central Florida and I am thrilled to have the opportunity of working in the area of Orlando as it's one of the fastest growing areas of the US. I just don't know what I should be doing now to better prepare myself.
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3 answers
Kristian Karlsson
Principal Product Manager
2
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Kristian’s Answer
When just getting into the workforce, the expectation is not for you to already have the skills the entry level positions are meant to help you build; however, coming prepared to learn, show up, as well as having a developed manner of communication will go a long way.
Use the entry level job as a springboard to show drive, resolute, as well as gaining the opportunity for a more advanced role. You want to enter with the intent of moving forward, not simply gain employment. Not saying to work unreasonable work hours or take on work which isn't yours, although getting to support more senior work does give you an opportunity to learn further, but rather approach the work with a fresh mind, even find new ways of how to do something in your role, as well as come with ideas to your management/leadership.
Use the entry level job as a springboard to show drive, resolute, as well as gaining the opportunity for a more advanced role. You want to enter with the intent of moving forward, not simply gain employment. Not saying to work unreasonable work hours or take on work which isn't yours, although getting to support more senior work does give you an opportunity to learn further, but rather approach the work with a fresh mind, even find new ways of how to do something in your role, as well as come with ideas to your management/leadership.
John Woollard
General Manager
60
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
At the entry level, employers are mostly screening for reliability, not experience. Most applicants your age are flaky, so showing up on time, consistently doing what you said you would, and being easy to work with already puts you ahead of half the pool. That reputation is what gets you rehired and recommended, and it is something the people who work with you will pick up on quickly.
On applications, lean on anything that shows responsibility, even from things like sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership roles, etc. It signals you can commit to something. In interviews, enthusiasm and a good attitude genuinely matter at this level, sometimes more than any specific skill.
For the job itself, look for something with a predictable schedule so it does not wreck your classes, and if you can, something even loosely related to what you want to study would be ideal. A student job in your field beats a random one, since it starts building relevant experience early.
There is a lot of hospitality, tourism, and retail hiring in Orlando, so student friendly jobs are easy to find here. That gives you room to be a little picky about schedule and fit rather than taking the first thing.
The main thing is just get started. It might feel hard to land your first job, but it'll feel much easier after not too long. After that, a solid track record of showing up and doing good work opens the next door on its own.
On applications, lean on anything that shows responsibility, even from things like sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership roles, etc. It signals you can commit to something. In interviews, enthusiasm and a good attitude genuinely matter at this level, sometimes more than any specific skill.
For the job itself, look for something with a predictable schedule so it does not wreck your classes, and if you can, something even loosely related to what you want to study would be ideal. A student job in your field beats a random one, since it starts building relevant experience early.
There is a lot of hospitality, tourism, and retail hiring in Orlando, so student friendly jobs are easy to find here. That gives you room to be a little picky about schedule and fit rather than taking the first thing.
The main thing is just get started. It might feel hard to land your first job, but it'll feel much easier after not too long. After that, a solid track record of showing up and doing good work opens the next door on its own.
Iuliana Godeanu, MBA, MSc
Business and financial Consultant
3
Answers
Bucharest, Romania
Updated
Iuliana’s Answer
Hi Mackenzie,
Definitely having some work experience differentiates you amongst peers. Just pick something you something that you like most or builds on your communication skills and confidence. The more roles you try the better you shine. Do not sit in a role more than 9m-1y if you feel you cannot add value to yourself. Do not leave job too early either as you have to demonstrate focus and commitment to an employer, present or future one.
Forward you go!
Definitely having some work experience differentiates you amongst peers. Just pick something you something that you like most or builds on your communication skills and confidence. The more roles you try the better you shine. Do not sit in a role more than 9m-1y if you feel you cannot add value to yourself. Do not leave job too early either as you have to demonstrate focus and commitment to an employer, present or future one.
Forward you go!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Mackenzie