6 answers
Kei
Student
Dumfries, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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How do you optimize the search for valuable job experience?
Between internships and actual jobs, how do college students balance school while looking for experience that is relevant, enjoyable, accessible, and/or well-paid?
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6 answers
Laura Turkienicz
Consultant
75
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Kei! To optimize the search for valuable job experience, clearly define your career goals and target industries, then focus on roles and opportunities that align closely with those objectives. Leverage networking, internships, and skill-building platforms to gain relevant experience quickly and demonstrate your capabilities.
Madison Shannon
Marketing
11
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Balancing school and gaining experience can be challenging, but I think it's important to remember that not every opportunity has to check every box. Sometimes an internship might give you great experience but not pay much, while a job might help you build transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
My advice is to focus on opportunities that align with your interests and career goals while still allowing you to be successful in your classes. Quality is often more important than quantity.
I also encourage students to take advantage of campus resources, career fairs, student organizations, professors, and networking opportunities. Many internships and jobs come from connections and conversations rather than online applications alone.
Most importantly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away. Each experience teaches you something and helps you learn more about what you enjoy and what you want from your future career.
My advice is to focus on opportunities that align with your interests and career goals while still allowing you to be successful in your classes. Quality is often more important than quantity.
I also encourage students to take advantage of campus resources, career fairs, student organizations, professors, and networking opportunities. Many internships and jobs come from connections and conversations rather than online applications alone.
Most importantly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away. Each experience teaches you something and helps you learn more about what you enjoy and what you want from your future career.
Monserrat Minero
Accountant
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Monserrat’s Answer
Hello Kei, I hope you're well.
I think you should find a job that allows you to have your own life. No matter what job you get, it’s important for the company to know that you are a student and that you will need permissions and flexible time. You will also need to learn not only technical skills but also teamwork and soft skills. I believe that a company that values soft skills offers a great opportunity to gain work experience and grow personally. The best advice I can give you is to prioritize your career — your job and studies can be equally important, and both complement your experience.
Find a good job
I think you should find a job that allows you to have your own life. No matter what job you get, it’s important for the company to know that you are a student and that you will need permissions and flexible time. You will also need to learn not only technical skills but also teamwork and soft skills. I believe that a company that values soft skills offers a great opportunity to gain work experience and grow personally. The best advice I can give you is to prioritize your career — your job and studies can be equally important, and both complement your experience.
Monserrat recommends the following next steps:
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
305
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Get any job while in school. It doesn't have to be relevant. You will build up your employability skills either way. Be aggressive about seeking out relevant internships while you are in school. That will be the best way to get to the experience and exposure you are going to need towards the end of your education. Find a mentor or advocate and high light projects, classes and pending certifications on your resume and linkedin. Keep it current and apply aggressively when the time comes to find a job. Treat looking for a job like a job and you will do well.
Brock Chism
Corrections Specialist
12
Answers
Oceanside, California
Updated
Brock’s Answer
Hi Kei, many college students try to optimize for everything at once: relevant experience, enjoyment, high pay, flexibility, and strong résumé value. The reality is that very few opportunities perfectly check every box, especially early on. Instead of searching for the “perfect” job, focus on opportunities that provide the greatest combination of learning and growth.
A useful way to think about it is to ask three questions: Am I learning valuable skills? Am I building meaningful connections? Am I still maintaining balance with school and my well-being? If an experience meets two or three of those, it is often worth considering. Internships can provide highly relevant experience and networking opportunities, while part-time jobs can build transferable skills such as communication, responsibility, leadership, and time management. Both can be valuable.
Balancing school and work often comes down to being realistic about time. Many students choose lighter work commitments during demanding semesters and pursue more intensive internships during breaks or summers. Protecting your academic performance and mental health is important because overloading yourself can lead to burnout.
Also remember that valuable experience does not always come from a formal internship. Research projects, campus organizations, volunteer work, leadership positions, personal projects, and networking can all contribute to future opportunities. Sometimes a role that seems unrelated ends up teaching skills that become extremely useful later.
Rather than asking, “Which opportunity looks best?” consider asking, “Which opportunity helps me grow while still allowing me to succeed in school and enjoy life?” That balance is often what creates long-term success.
A useful way to think about it is to ask three questions: Am I learning valuable skills? Am I building meaningful connections? Am I still maintaining balance with school and my well-being? If an experience meets two or three of those, it is often worth considering. Internships can provide highly relevant experience and networking opportunities, while part-time jobs can build transferable skills such as communication, responsibility, leadership, and time management. Both can be valuable.
Balancing school and work often comes down to being realistic about time. Many students choose lighter work commitments during demanding semesters and pursue more intensive internships during breaks or summers. Protecting your academic performance and mental health is important because overloading yourself can lead to burnout.
Also remember that valuable experience does not always come from a formal internship. Research projects, campus organizations, volunteer work, leadership positions, personal projects, and networking can all contribute to future opportunities. Sometimes a role that seems unrelated ends up teaching skills that become extremely useful later.
Rather than asking, “Which opportunity looks best?” consider asking, “Which opportunity helps me grow while still allowing me to succeed in school and enjoy life?” That balance is often what creates long-term success.
Jamie Northcutt
Senior Forensic Auditor
60
Answers
Selmer, Tennessee
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
As you noted, it is a balance. School needs to come first because you are working towards a degree first and foremost. After that, any job or internship can be very valuable. You can learn a lot in any role you have. No matter if you are working at a donut shop or an accounting firm, you can learn so much just by working with people, working for the public, learning time management, learning strong communication skills, etc. To find opportunities for internships in the field you are interested in, I would reach out to your advisor, the career development center at your college, your professors, etc. Generally, these people are well-connected and can point you in the right direction at least. As someone else mentioned, don't put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect job the first day of college. If you keep working hard at the job you have, whatever that may be, the opportunities you want in the field you want will eventually come. Keep learning as you go. You'll do great!