Good movie, if you haven’t already seen it.
The thing I appreciate is that it shows a person, in this instance not a millennial, who is willing to take a position that is very basic in order get his foot in the door at a company. The character played by Robert DeNiro already has more life and work experience than every single person at his new job. He is intelligent enough to know that he is still capable of learning…learning how this up and coming, e-commerce business operates. He is also intelligent to know that he has a different perspective to offer that adds value.
I review resumes each week, mostly from new graduates. I am surprised by the number of resumes that may have impressive educational credentials, but that lack any sort of work experience; even an internship. The number of resumes without ANY work or volunteer positions astounds me. These same candidates are seeking positions – not internships – that pay upwards of $60,000 in addition to their request for unlimited PTO and insurance benefits. Why do they feel they have $60k of value to bring to a position for which they have zero experience?
There have been several movies like “The Intern”, including “The Internship” with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, and even a Hallmark movie, “Summer Love” with Rachel Leigh Cook. Even with ups and downs, internships provide great experience in the workforce.
I highly recommend you seek out an internship, regardless of your age, with companies that interest you. You can do this during the summers if you are in high school or college, or during a school year if the employer will work around your academics.
If you graduate and have not secured a position or held an internship, you can gain similar experience by doing contract work through a staffing agency such as K-Force (https://www.kforce.com/). Consider these opportunities as micro-internships; more project based. These types of positions allow you to test drive different jobs and industries if your skill set matches the client’s need. You will gain valuable experience, receive a paycheck and benefits as a contract employee of the agency who secures the position with their client for you.
There are many ways to gain actual work experience, but you have got to be willing to do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. Once “in the door”, you have your opportunity to dazzle the employer and make yourself indispensable.
Contact me if you would like a referral to reputable employment agencies in your area. Always happy to help. – patty@gettingtheretoday.com