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As Ebenezer Scrooge discovered, experience, or the active
participation in events or activities leading to the accumulation of
knowledge or skill, is the ultimate teacher. The majority of
mistakes are made early on when practicing a new skill. The common
perception is, those with experience have already made the majority of
their mistakes. Employers also value experience because of the
costs associated with training and the productivity levels of
experienced employees versus those with no experience. Experience
is used as a general indicator of one's ability.
So why should adults who have "been there, done that" seek
experience? Nobody is perfect. Experience is a very
effective method of bringing one closer to perfection. Any one job
or career can consist of several or even hundreds of skill sets.
Professionals who seek to improve on these skill sets are wise to seek
experience in these skill sets. For example, Toastmasters
International is an organization with local chapters all around the world that exists
to help individuals build communication and speaking skills through
experience. This organization is has given millions of ambitious
people practical experience since 1924.
There are numerous ways to get experience in the traditional sense.
This is the kind of experience that most employers are looking for
and/or expect.
- Other jobs. Take a low paying job that
requires you to use the skill set you are working on. Never
think you are too good for any job or never be embarrassed by the
pay. Those who think any job is beneath them are missing out
on opportunities to learn from experience. Very often,
experience is more valuable than money.
- Internships. Businesses are often willing
to train people in exchange for labor. If you can afford not
to get paid for your time, this can be an excellent arrangement for
both parties.
- Volunteer positions. There are may
non-profit organizations in your community that could use your help.
Not only will you be gaining valuable experience, but you will be
helping people as well in the process.
- Military. You have seen the commercials...
"Be all you can be!" The armed forces can be a great
organization in which to participate. Be sure you consider the
commitment and the risk first, however.
- Clubs and organizations. Look for local
clubs or organizations that will allow you to put your skills to use
on a regular basis.
- Student activities / leadership roles. If
you are currently a student in high school or college, consider
taking one of the many leadership roles available.
- Work as a temp. Working as a temp is a
unique opportunity to gain experience by working in several
different firms or businesses. It is kind of like ordering the
sampler platter at a restaurant: you get a taste of several things
without having to commit to just one.
- Internet opportunities. Look for
"cyber experience". There are many opportunities on
the Internet especially in the technology field. For example,
our company offers a free technology consulting
service called "Freebies" where techs offer free advice on
computer and Internet issues on a volunteer basis.
- Career services. If you are a college
student or have attended college at any time in your life, you
most likely have access to your college's career services.
This is an excellent place to seek opportunity to gain experience.
So far I have presented information on experience that you have most
likely been exposed to before. This is because I feel it is
important to stress the necessity of experience. However, I would
also like to share with you some "secrets" about experience.
When an employer posts an ad saying a certain amount of experience is
necessary, what they are really saying is a) they want to be sure they
get applicants that know what they are doing, b) they do not want to
spend excessive money on training, or c) they want applicants who have
already made their "beginners mistakes". If you can
address these concerns without having the practical experience the
company may be looking for, you have just as good, if not better, chance
at competing with applicants that have the experience. In
addition, never underestimate your own abilities. Ability, not
experience, is what employers are really looking for. Experience
just happens to be an excellent indicator of one's ability.
Convince the employer of your ability, and your lack of practical
experience will not be a handicap.
I have mentioned "practical" or "traditional"
experience as the experiences that most employers are looking for in
applicants. There are also many other non-traditional or creative
ways to gain experience. Just because these are often overlooked
by employers, it does not mean you should overlook them. Remember,
experience is defined as the active participation in events or
activities leading to the accumulation of knowledge or skill. This
is quite a broad definition that allows one to be creative while gaining
experience. Here are some of those creative ways.
- Do extended research. Research is a form of
active participation which certainly does lead to increased
knowledge on a given subject.
- Interview an expert in the field. Gain
experience by "borrowing" the experiences of experts in
the field. These experts often are able to share in hours
their own experiences that have taken a lifetime to collect.
- Work along side an expert in the field.
If you can find a "mentor", even for a day, that will
allow you to work beside him or her under their supervision, you
will get invaluable experience. Don't be afraid to ask someone
for this opportunity; they will be flattered!
- Spend time observing. Medical students gain
experience by observing their more accomplished counterparts in
action. Work on your observation skills and gain experience at
the same time. If your ambition is to own a deli, but you have
no experience in the industry, eat your lunches at several delis.
Pick up the lingo, pay attention to how they operate, ask questions,
observe.
- Start your own company. If only for the
experience, start your own company. Do you want to impress the
partners at a big six accounting firm? Start your own
accounting firm, even if your Aunt Bunny is your only client.
Create your own experience if others will not allow you the
opportunity.
Experience is one of the best teachers. Gaining experience will
allow you to develop your skills and broaden your opportunities.
However, never underestimate your abilities due to a lack of experience.
Every great person in any field had to start somewhere without
experience. The world is full of exceptionally talented and gifted
people that will remain undiscovered because of their self-imposed
limitations due to inexperience. Do not be one of these people.
Gain either the traditional or creative experience needed to enhance
your abilities and be the best you can be.
KEY POINTS:
- No one is ever too old or too "accomplished" to better
themselves by seeking experience
- Experience is the active participation in events or activities
leading to the accumulation of knowledge or skill
- Experience is the ultimate teacher
- Experience is used as a general indicator of one's ability
- Never underestimate your own abilities
- Convince the employer of your ability, and your lack of practical
experience will not be a handicap
- Gain either the traditional or creative experience needed to
enhance your abilities and be the best you can be
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my
God do you learn." - C. S. Lewis
*Source: Year
To Success by Bo
Bennett. Reprinted with Permission.
Copyright 2003, YearToSuccess.com
an Archieboy
Holdings, LLC. company.
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