Job application BS

[Stinkbug]

Re: Job applicaion BS

As everyone else said...this is common. You can try volunteering to help a professor for 10 hrs a week for a semester. Then you will have some experience and a good reference. (assuming you do a good job [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ) After that it should be easier. If you truly enjoy your major it won't be that much of a burden for you.

[Mr White]

Re: Job applicaion BS

Good thinking. I do enjoy psychology, Im probably one of the few people on my course with a genuine interest.

James

[rjohnstone]

Re: Job applicaion BS

My wife has her Masters in Counseling and had to put in a full year of 30 hour work weeks as an UNPAID intern just so she could get experience. It was also a requirement for her degree.
It was a royal pain, but she said it was worth it.
Hang in there... you will get the experience.

[Newc]

Re: Job applicaion BS

I disagree strongly with working for free (as in no money in hand) regardless of the "experience" or "connections" you get out of it. It's insulting in this day and age when corporations are raking in billions hand over fist but they still expect someone to work for free (even hospitals are owned by corporations, they have investors, and are getting financial support from other corporations - philanthropy is a very small percentage).

My personal opinion? The grocery store doesn't give me free food, the gas station doesn't give me free gas, and University certainly isn't free, so where does anyone get off expecting anyone to work for free?

[Emthrax]

Re: Job applicaion BS

[ QUOTE ]
Pretty common, they want someone with experience. Had that a lot in my time as well man. How can you get the experience when no one will give it to you. Usually, you'll get it by giving them a free employee. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]



[/ QUOTE ]

John is absolutely right.
There is something to say for volunteer work though, that is what I did to get to where I wanted to go. Worked like a charm. Not only do you gain a wealth of experience, but you establish a work ethic that is immediately noticed (and is hopefully positive!), and your resume becomes more and more impressive. If you don't have one already, get yourself a mentor in your field. They can really help you.
Yeah, it's tough. But you'll get there. Just keep applying and keep looking and get your ass out there. Your hard work will pay off. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Good luck!

-Em

[Mr White]

Re: Job applicaion BS

Thanks Em - sound advice!
Newc, Whilst I disagree with working for free in the manner you state, I wouldnt be doing it for 'the man', I'd be doing it for myself. Just imagine if the US Jackson factory didnt need any more workers right now but would let you do bit work here and there without getting paid, knowing it would put you in a good position if the Jackson factory or GMW (even though they're history couldnt think of anyone else) needed a skilled guitar maker with experience.
Short term pain for long term gain.

Ive already arranged a meeting with the woman to see about voluntary work [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

James

[QuantumRider]

Re: Job applicaion BS

Mr White-

I have a psychology degree, too.

I know that this has been posted in this thread already, but I would recommend an internship as well, especially if you can get university credit for it.

The requirements for credit for internship in your field of study at the school that I went to were pretty low, time-wise. That is, I could get half a credit by volunteering 4 hours a week for a semester, or a full credit by volunteering 8 hours a week for a semester (or something like that). So although you won't get paid, it won't take away too much time from your other job or your studies.

After I graduated, I ended up getting hired at the psychiatric hospital that I had volunteered at. I had planned on working there to get some clinical experience before pursuing a Psy. D. (Ph.D. equivalent for clinical psychologists in the US).

After two years, I decided that that particular field wasn't for me, and began working in an IP law firm.

During my employment at the hospital, we had a volunteer who was a double major engineering/psychology. He wanted to choose which field to pursue. Upon his arrival one day, I warned him,

"Hey, watch out! A patient threw some feces on that wall there." His reply,

"I probably won't hear that when I show up for work in an engineering firm, will I?"

[metallicarocks]

Re: Job applicaion BS

Working for free sucks, but it could pay for itself in the end from all of the experience and connections. If you don't work for free, it could be very difficult to get your foot in the door. I don't know, I'm not in your area and don't know what it's like, but with some jobs I'd imagine it's alot like this. You might end up making more money because you have the connection to a really good job and experience enough to be looked at seriously for the position.

Good luck man!

[Mr White]

Re: Job applicaion BS

Metallicarocks - I think its a case of connections and foot in the door in this game. Thanks for the luck! Ill need it! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Quantum Rider - Thanks for the advice. Your old job sounds like something very similar to what Id want to do. I think I could quite easily manage 8 hours. Im going to get emailing my lecturers to get more info on this! Thanks a lot mate!

James