Take the first chance you have to get into the field of your dreams.
Even if the job itself is not what you want, you will get a better idea of what that line of work entails, and you will begin to prepare yourself for the job you ultimately desire. Or you might find out it’s not the right job for you and that your future plans need to be adjusted.
Fred Marzocchi grew up with dreams of drawing for a living. “There aren’t many ways to make a living with your sketchbook, but advertising was one of them.”
When he couldn’t find a job as a commercial artist, Fred became desperate for experience. He found a large drugstore chain with an in-house advertising unit and offered to work for literally nothing. They took him up on the offer, and within weeks not only had he gained professional experience, but the drugstore decided to pay him for his efforts.
After working for a number of advertising agencies, Fred went on to open his own graphics design and photography business. He often looks back on the offer to work without pay. “I just needed a chance, a start in this business, and I haven’t had to work for free since,” he says with a smile.
College students who served in internships were 15 percent more likely to find employment after graduation, and 70 percent believed they were better prepared for the workplace because of their internship experience.
Knouse, Tanner, and Harris 1999