Students on-campus often find it difficult to land valuable work experience whilst studying for their college degree. And, they’re right in the thick of the campus environment, with on-site work placement module options, collaborations with local businesses and access to the latest information and news about vacancies.
So, if on-site students are finding it difficult, it’s even more tricky if you are studying for your degree remotely. When studying for your online masters degree in history, you know that having relevant work experience in this field will give you more credibility and favor with future employers.
So, how can online students improve their chances of landing great work experience? Let’s find out.
#1. Volunteer
Offering your time as a volunteer is perhaps one of the easiest ways to gain work experience as an online student. Since many businesses in all industries take on volunteers to support their workforce, there’s no need for companies to have an affiliation with your college for you to work there. For example, if you are currently studying for an online master of art in history program, volunteering at a local museum or historical site can be a great way to get your foot on the career ladder. Volunteering as a student often leads directly to paid work with the company later.
#2. Travel
There’s no rule that says you can only get work experience in your hometown or even your home country! Today, more and more students are attending overseas voluntary programs or moving overseas to work abroad for a while. As an online student, you have an even bigger advantage; you can take your studies from Norwich University with you. Gaining work experience abroad is not only an awesome opportunity to travel; you will also widen your opportunity pool for graduate work.
#3. Year in Industry
Many degree programs are now offering students the opportunity to take a year out to work in an industry-related job before returning to complete the rest of their college degree program. Although these programs are primarily offered on-campus, you may be able to find some that offer at least some online modules. If you’re hoping to gain experience via a year in industry, there’s no harm in giving your chosen college a call to find out if they can arrange anything for you.
#4. Freelance
Since you’re studying online, then you might as well take advantage of the fact that working online has never been easier. Today, an increasing number of people, including students, are quitting their jobs and becoming online freelancers. If you have a skill that you can offer online, then you have the potential to make money from it. For example, you could offer freelance writing services, web or graphic design, virtual assistant services, or social media management. Working from home will give you more flexibility to study, whilst the skills you can develop through working for yourself will look impressive on your resume.
Do you have any work experience tips that you’d like to add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
