Here’s some insider advice on breaking into two popular career choices where experience is crucial; Marketing and IT.
Marketing
Paul Kenrick, Resourcing Partner at AstraZeneca says you will need to do your research to get into marketing.
Speaking to people who work in marketing roles to understand what their job entails is extremely useful, as is finding out about their career path into marketing.
Work experience is crucial to understand different marketing roles.
It also shows that this is a career you want to pursue while helping you gain some core marketing skills. You will need a very persistent and focused approach to get work experience, as it can be hard to come by.
Parents, friends and relatives are good sources – ask people if they offer work experience, or if they know anyone or a company that does, or might consider it.
Be proactive
Contact organisations directly as most firms do not advertise their work experience opportunities widely; in fact, some might not have considered it before you’ve dropped them a line - be proactive.
Try and get a direct contact if you can, otherwise send your details and request to the HR department. Give them a short overview of the skills and experience you would bring and how you think you can add value to the organisation.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as well as good project management ability and a sound grasp of core marketing concepts.
IT
Maggie Berry, Director of womenintechnology.co.uk says despite a shortage of graduates entering the IT profession, you still need to demonstrate work experience.
The best candidates will still get the best jobs so you will need to demonstrate both your technical competence and softer skills.
Be resourceful
Use all the sources you can think of - employer websites, your university careers service and also career networking portals. Many employers offer summer intern placements or year-long industrial placements which give invaluable experience.
Read up on your sector – and particularly the area you are hoping to specialise in. If you can, attend some related IT-networking events and meet people already working in the industry.
A solid technical background is attractive
Some IT roles are deeply technical whilst others have a greater focus on business orientated skills including project management, communication and marketing.
A solid technical background is always attractive to IT employers whether you want to become a hard-core developer, a business analyst or a project manager but lots of employers will also provide technical cross training for graduates with a non-technical background or degree.
However any technical or business abilities need to be complemented by soft skills. You should enjoy team work and be able to communicate effectively with all levels or people whether that’s colleagues, clients or customers.
Other strengths that employers look for will include problem analysis, judgement and decision making skills, drive and commitment as well as planning and organising abilities.