Employers often want experience, but how do you get experience when you're still studying? The answer is that there are many ways to build relevant experience beyond a traditional job. In this guide, we go through the possibilities and how you can take advantage of them.
Relevant experience doesn't just mean a paid job in your field. It can be internships, project collaborations, volunteer work, association positions, or side projects. The important thing is that you can demonstrate skills that employers value.
Why relevant experience matters
When you graduate and apply for your first job, you'll compete with other graduates. The ones who stand out are often those who have:
- Practical experience in addition to theory
- A network within their industry
- Concrete examples of what they can do
- Shown initiative and self-drive
The earlier you start building experience, the stronger you'll stand when it matters. It's not about having 10 years of experience – it's about having something to talk about and show.
Ways to gain experience
1. Internships
An internship is one of the most direct ways to get relevant experience. Many programs include an internship, but you can also find one yourself.
Advantages:
- Real work experience within your field
- Building a professional network
- Opportunity for a permanent position after
- Something concrete for your CV
Tips for finding an internship:
- Use your university's internship portal
- Contact companies directly
- Network at company events
- Ask your professors about contacts
2. Student job in a relevant company
A student job related to your field is ideal. Even if the job is administrative or support-related, being inside a relevant company gives you industry knowledge and network.
Many student assistants get offered a permanent position after graduation because the company already knows them.
3. Project collaborations
Many companies offer students projects as part of their studies. It could be thesis projects, semester projects, or case collaborations.
Advantages:
- Combines studies and practice
- Real problems and real solutions
- Contact with the business world
- Can lead to future jobs
Ask your professors about company collaborations, or contact companies directly and propose a project.
4. Association work
Active membership in a study association, sports club, political organization, or similar can give valuable experience:
- Event organization
- Budget responsibility
- Team leadership
- Communication and marketing
- Project management
Many employers value association work highly because it shows initiative, responsibility, and the ability to collaborate.
5. Volunteer work
Volunteer work counts as experience. It shows that you take initiative, care about something bigger than yourself, and can make a commitment.
Examples of volunteer work:
- Tutoring or mentoring
- Event helpers
- Board positions in associations
- Volunteers for organizations
- Fundraising
6. Side projects
Your own projects can be very valuable. Whether it's a blog, an app, a YouTube channel, or a small business – it shows initiative and practical skills.
Document what you do so you can talk about it in applications and interviews. Create a portfolio if possible.
7. Relevant courses and certificates
Additional courses and certifications can supplement your education. Particularly in digital fields, courses in specific tools or methods can be valuable.
Examples:
- Google Analytics certification
- Programming courses (Codecademy, Coursera)
- Excel or data analysis courses
- Project management certifications
- Industry-specific certifications
How to present your experience
Getting experience is only half the battle. You also need to present it in a way that impresses employers.
Focus on transferable skills
Transferable skills are skills that can be used across different jobs and industries:
- Communication (written and oral)
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Problem solving
- Project management
- Customer contact
- Data analysis
- Leadership
Even if your experience comes from unrelated areas, you can highlight these transferable skills.
Show results, not just tasks
When you describe your experience, focus on what you achieved:
Instead of: "Was responsible for social media"
Write: "Grew the association's Instagram following from 200 to 1,500 followers over 6 months"
Instead of: "Organized events"
Write: "Organized 4 career events with 100+ participants each"
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long: Start building experience early in your studies
- Being too picky: Sometimes "less ideal" experience is better than none
- Undervaluing experiences: Association work and volunteer work count
- Not documenting: Keep notes about what you do and learn
- Not networking: The people you meet are just as valuable as the experience
Practical tips
- Start now – don't wait until next semester
- Combine your studies with practical projects where possible
- Say yes to opportunities, even small ones
- Update your CV and LinkedIn whenever you do something new
- Ask for references from people you work with
- Reflect on what you learn along the way
Try it yourself
Take 15 minutes and:
- List 3 types of experience that would be relevant in your field
- Find 1-2 concrete opportunities you could pursue now (internship postings, associations, volunteer positions)
- Identify 1 person who could help you get started (a professor, older student, or professional contact)
The most important thing is to get started. Experience builds over time, and every step counts.
FAQ
What counts as relevant experience?
It depends on what you're studying and which field you want to work in. Generally, it's experience where you've used or developed skills that you'll need in your future job. But even seemingly irrelevant experiences can be presented as relevant if you focus on the transferable skills.
Does unpaid work count?
Yes, absolutely. Volunteer work, association work, and unpaid project collaborations all count as experience. It shows that you take initiative, take responsibility, and care about developing yourself.
What if my university doesn't offer internships?
Then you can try to find an internship yourself. Many companies are happy to take on an intern if you contact them directly. It may require some work, but it can pay off.
Next step
Now you know how to gain relevant experience. But how do you ensure that your job doesn't take over your life as a student?
In the next guide, we look at work-life balance – how to combine a student job with studies, social life, and your own well-being. It's about finding a sustainable balance.