How to get relevant work experience as a student
The classic dilemma for students is that jobs require experience, while experience requires a job. Fortunately, there are many routes to relevant work experience alongside your studies. This guide shows you how to get work experience as a student, so that you are in a stronger position both during your studies and as a recent graduate.
What actually counts as relevant experience
Many students think that only paid, permanent positions count, but relevant work experience as a student is about much more than that. A role in a student association, a student company, volunteering, project assignments and part-time jobs all give you experience that employers value. What matters is what you learn and which skills you can point to, not just the title of the role.
When you consider what is relevant, think about which tasks and qualities your goal requires. If you want to work in project management, having led an event counts. If you want to get into technology, your own coding projects count. By taking a broad view of what experience means, you will discover that you probably have more to build on than you think.
Concrete routes to experience alongside your studies
There are several practical answers to the question of how to get work experience as a student. An internship or work placement gives you targeted experience in your field. A relevant part-time job gives you income and routine at the same time. Roles in student organisations, volunteering and a student company give you responsibility and teamwork, while your own projects and freelance work let you build a portfolio you can show.
Do not underestimate your coursework either. A bachelor's thesis or a project done in collaboration with an external company gives you both experience and a valuable network. Be active, contact companies yourself and suggest working together. Many employers appreciate initiative from students and are happy to open the door for the one who takes the first step.
Build a network and get visible
A lot of relevant work experience comes through people, not just through job ads. Go to careers fairs, company presentations and professional events, and keep in touch with the people you meet. A good network means you hear about opportunities early, and a recommendation from someone who knows you often carries more weight than an application among a hundred others.
A simple way to stand out is to send a CV and cover letter that fit each job. With Selja you get a professional, ATS-friendly CV and cover letter for every job in under a minute, and you can practise the interview before you meet the employer. Combined with an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, this considerably increases your chances of getting a foot in the door.
Record your experience and put it to use
Experience only becomes truly valuable when you can communicate it. Write down what you have achieved, which results you contributed to and which skills you have developed, while it is still fresh. This overview makes it much easier to update your CV, write well-targeted applications and answer interview questions well.
Use each new experience as a springboard to the next. Your first part-time job or your first role in a student organisation makes it easier to get an internship, which in turn opens doors to junior positions when you are a recent graduate. By working deliberately to get relevant work experience throughout your studies, you build, step by step, a profile that stands out in the competition for jobs.
Get started this week
The most important step is often the first one. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, you can start small this very week. Update your CV, tidy up your LinkedIn profile and make a short list of companies and industries you would like to work in. Small, concrete actions create progress and make it easier to take the next step. Set yourself a small weekly goal, for example two approaches a week, and you will build experience steadily.
Send a few targeted approaches, sign up for a professional event or get in touch with a student association. The more active you are, the more doors open. Remember that almost all relevant work experience starts with someone taking the initiative, and as a student you have everything you need to be the one who does exactly that.