Four years of college have come and gone and now you are faced with the expectation of immediately jumping into your career with a full-time job. This is a daunting task for many graduates, especially for those who are unsure of what career path they want to take.
If you are having trouble deciding what to do after graduation, an apprenticeship, post-grad internship or fellowship may be the perfect fit. These non-traditional opportunities offer the chance to gain hands-on experience in your field of interest while still allowing flexibility for your future. Here’s why they may be the right path for you.
Discover Your Interests
While college helps prepare you for your career, you won’t know if you’ll enjoy a job or not until you experience it firsthand. An apprenticeship, internship or fellowship allows you to understand the ins and outs of an industry, as well as the many different job opportunities it provides. While working in a non-traditional position, you come to understand different roles and their responsibilities, helping you discern what aspects of a job you might enjoy. Not only does this provide the opportunity to determine your interests, but it helps you articulate them better. With these opportunities, you develop a deeper sense of where, why and how you want to begin your career.
Gain Necessary Experience
For many, the post-grad job search is frustrating. Most entry-level positions now seem to require one to three years of experience or skills requirements you never gained exposure to in college. In a non-traditional, temporary role, you’re presented the opportunity to develop required knowledge and skills while still working in your field of interest. Taking this time to learn more before diving into a full-time position can help bolster your skill set and resume, boosting your knowledge (and confidence) when applying for future job opportunities.
Potential opportunity for full-time employment
Apprenticeships are the perfect opportunity to test drive your position at a company without a long-term commitment. Like an internship, at the end of an apprenticeship there is the possibility of a full-time job offer. While this is never a guaranteed offer, it is a good goal to strive for during your time as an apprentice. If you find that you enjoy the work you are doing, then you already have a head start against other applicants for a full-time position.
Make Important and Helpful Connections
If nothing else, you will leave a post-grad experience with industry connections and mentors who can serve as helpful resources throughout your career. Connections are one of the greatest tools you can have, no matter what field you choose. By surrounding yourself with industry professionals, you have the opportunity to ask questions and observe top talent. Building strong relationships while in a non-traditional role helps grow your professional network and exposes you to future opportunities.
It’s important to remember that settling into a career isn’t always a linear path. While pursuing an apprenticeship, internship or fellowship may not be the traditional option , these unique opportunities may be the most helpful and beneficial options when figuring out your post-graduation plans.
Interested in a public relations apprenticeship? Learn more about our opportunity at https://buchananpr.com/careers/ and send your resume and cover letter to Careers@buchananpr.com.