It’s a competitive world out there. Recession and the pandemic combined have pushed forward changes in career demands. To differentiate yourself from the competition, exposure to real-life practice is a must.
Before jumping into the world of work, the earlier you begin, the more it will offer opportunities to start your career faster. Some institutions help bridge the gap between the industry and academia. The hands-on real-world learning opportunity can improve your employability skills and better your chances of becoming self-sufficient.
At LearnAtRISE, we focus precisely on that. We provide you a real-world learning experience. Mentored by a team of industry experts, we make you ‘industry-ready’ through live project work. The whole experience is set to help freshers hone their skills in the behavioral and technical arena.
If you are actively looking for a job or a fresher wanting to start their career, you should certainly give this article a read. Here, we’ll discuss the importance of practical experience so that you can add value to your job role.
Recruiters seek candidates who have either completed an internship or gained some work experience. Sure, it adds to your CV and demonstrates your skills and capabilities. But it is a lot more than that.
So Why is Practical Experience so Important for Job Seekers?
There are several reasons for the same. First and foremost, it preps you for your desired career. Taking up a part-time job as an assistant can help you distinguish between expectations vs. reality. It’ll also help you understand if you are suited for the role.
On a brighter note, you might even find yourself enjoying the work. And post your experience; you can add it to your resume and mention the skills you picked up as part of the role.
Another reason why applied experience is helpful is because of extensive exposure. Wherever you work, there are a few things you learn & experience as part of the company/team culture. Teamwork, discipline, problem-solving ability, communication skills and leadership skills are big takeaways. Employers are on the lookout for candidates who possess these skills. Think about it, don’t you want to be an employee who adds immense value to your role – apart from your theoretical skills?
Thirdly, the company you intern for might even offer you a full-time job after you graduate. The reason is that the employer already knows your strengths & weaknesses, skills & abilities. Since you have an established acquaintance, they will be more comfortable working with you on future projects.
Still, need a little more assurance? Fret not. We have put together some advantages of work experience on live-projects that you can go through. We are sure that it will give you the confidence you need to explore the world of work!
1. Develop Transferrable Skills
Don’t underestimate an internship or a temporary work placement. They equip you with transferrable skills that employers are on the lookout for. As the name suggests, these skills can be transferred from one role to the next. Take, for example, good communication or leadership skills. These are highly sought-after.
It will help the employer determine if you are a cultural fit. Additionally, it helps the person sitting across the desk decide what you can bring to the table.
2. It Makes You More Employable
Knowing the ins and outs of a company or industry gives you an edge over other candidates. Take, for example; there are five applicants for a job role. All of them, including you, have pretty much the same on their CVs. However, your advantage is that you have practical work experience. And it is natural for an employer to pick you over the rest. The bottom line is that hands-on experience gives a company the confidence that you are a motivated individual and want to learn & succeed.
3. It Broadens Your Network
Networking! In a digital age, we’re already doing it some way or another. However, when it comes to finding a job, networking is all the more critical. Suppose you have worked in an organization for a few months. Naturally, you establish a relationship with the team you work with. Or even across departments! If you are lucky enough, they might even recommend you to the employer. However, if it is a very competitive role, the least that they can do for you is consider you for future roles. Even having a word with the employer can give them the idea that you are keen on the role especially when future opportunities open up.
Summing Up
Gaining experience in the chosen field can help you elevate your chances of landing a dream job. Even if you can’t find an industry-specific opportunity, we suggest looking for volunteer work or contributing to community service. You will pick up many ‘people skills’ along the way that contributes to an organizational role. We hope you find your path to career success through these tips. Additionally, do reach out to us if you seek assistance in skill enhancement courses. We will be happy to serve you.