Graduate from University next year with no experience

[MS_Project]

Hi,

I will be graduating from University next year with no IT/Business experience in my field of study. However, I've worked part time at a supermarket, factory, and Co-op at an organization many years ago. Like I said, it was about three years ago and it may not be relevant anymore. I'll be graduating next year in October with no industry experience, limited networking skills, and no references. I regret for these past few years for not searching a summer jobs due to school. However, I've battled all the way close-to my fourth year in University.

I'm very motivated at the moment to work next summer (four months) to gain additional work experience before I finish off the degree.

What are my chances of getting hired next summer with little or close to no work experience at all? I will be competing against people with networking skills and work experience. Do you have any suggestions of places or preferably organizations that tend to hire students with little or no work experience?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you

[GemInite]

start looking for a co-op job right now or see if you can get any experience.

The odds of you getting a full time job in your field when you graduate are limited but if you get some part time / co-op work in your field it'll lead to full time later.

[Phlegmbot]

You'll be fine - it will likely take you (a lot) longer to get a job than your more experienced peers, but you'll get something eventually.

Make the most of the time you have left and try to get some experience during the rest of this summer and the next academic year. It'd be worth it regardless of its impact on your studies.

[harry131]

Start applying in January (or maybe even before, depending on your field)..... Don't delay the application process till April.

You get into the line when there are less people applying (~January) and almost all jobs are on the market already..... you have more chances of landing a job.

[MS_Project]

Thanks for the responses. I'll try my best next year.

[cq358]

Start Applying job at early October!!
There are 2 peak hiring season for the New Grad. October has more opportunities than January .

[sleepyguy]

Definately start networking around though, just don't be abnoxious (sp?) about it. Go to social gathers and talk about job prospects and such. You'll be surprised how much simple talk can land pretty decent jobs. -sg

[BiGGiEx3]

Education is important, but so is experience. Definitely try to land a co-op, part-time, or volunteer position before next summer - get it now if possible.

Your changes of getting a job depend on the industry you're going into, and from the sounds of it you're in IT. The good news is that IT is a little more forgiving with experience, at the very least you should land a tech support position.

Good luck.

[steevee]

Volunteer NOW. Get a part-time job NOW.

[BiGGiEx3]

Volunteer NOW. Get a part-time job NOW.

I couldn't agree more - there is really no excuse (for most people) for not getting a job.

[affy]

I couldn't agree more - there is really no excuse (for most people) for not getting a job.

Its not exactly easy to find a decent job with no experience as a student. Unless its a walmart or tim hortons gig.

[Mystix]

I am kinda in the same boat. Where are some good places where I can find volunteer or a job now? It seems places like monster and workopolis look for people with experience. Should I consider jobs that are not related to my field?