Career

Roundtable

Experience Required

by Andrea King
Q: I graduated last year from Hospitality Management but the Hotel Industry would not hire me because they say that “they need someone with experience”. How can I get experience in that field if I don’t get a chance? - Mayelin

A: Many career fields require experience, even for entry level positions. I advise you to secure an internship or volunteer position if there are no entry level jobs that you qualify for. You may need to work a survival job until you accumulate enough experience in your field. Talk to your former professors, network with those in the industry, connect with the career center at your alma mater, and let everyone you know you are seeking a position in this field. Some areas, likely those in rural parts of the country have less requirements. Are you open to relocation?

Best wishes,

Andrea King, MS, NCC
Andrea King, M.S., N.C.C. is a Career Counselor in private practice located in Portland, OR. She assists clients nationwide with a wide variety of career-related issues. Find helpful links at her website: www.careerful.com. If you have a question for Andrea, please send it to roundtable@poisemag.com.