Building Your Resume with School Experience
For many students, getting meaningful work experience while juggling classes can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve seen internships that require three months of prior experience, or “entry-level” jobs asking for at least a year or more in the field. Even freelance clients often want to see proven results before hiring.
So how do you build that all important experience when you’re still in school? The answer is to tap into opportunities that are already at your fingertips. Peruse the CUNY SPS website to find career resources, on-campus roles and even student organizations. There are multiple ways to strengthen your resume while earning your degree.
Why Do I Need Work Experience?
Having a degree or the right credentials isn’t always enough. Employers look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate both hard and soft skills. Showing that you’ve worked on a team, engaged in a professional setting, and can take direction, helps make your application stand out. Your resume highlights the measurable results of your work, while your cover letter adds depth that tells employers who you are. Together, they prove you’re more than just qualified but ready to contribute to their team.
SPS Work Resources
Through Career Services you can connect with advisors who help you craft a results-oriented resume and cover letter that highlight your strengths, relevant skills, and accomplishments. If your resume needs a polish, webinars like Refresh Your Resume can guide you in showcasing projects, part-time jobs, and transferable skills that employers value. These resources can help you position yourself on paper for that might feel overwhelming and intimidating to navigate on your own.
Working as a College Assistant
Another option is applying for college assistant position. These roles, available to both bachelor’s and master’s students, provide hands-on experience in a professional setting. While competitive, the benefits of the college assistant position are substantial and can provide you with a steady paycheck, networking opportunities, practical skills in organization, teamwork, professionalism, and real- world lessons in time management and prioritization. These positions can help with the bills and teach you how to handle the demands of a career while balancing multiple responsibilities.
Clubs and Social Media Management
Joining student clubs can offer more than community and connection; it can open the door to valuable leadership and digital skills. Many clubs elect officers such as President, Treasurer, or Secretary, but here’s the hidden gem: student organizations often manage their own social media accounts. If you are keen on entering digital marketing this role may be of interest to you because it helps you build in-demand skills and knowledge. You can gain experience in areas that employers actively seek such as building and engaging with an online community, content creation tracking analytics to spot trends, basic graphic design, and branding
Conclusion
Relevant experience doesn’t always come from traditional jobs or long internships. At CUNY SPS, opportunities like Career Link, college assistant positions, and student clubs give you multiple ways to demonstrate your skills, professionalism, and creativity.
The next time you worry about not having “enough experience,” the roles, and communities you engage in during school can be just as valuable as paid positions. You just have to know how to be savvy about how to apply it to your next role. Use them wisely, and you’ll graduate with more than a degree.
