How to gain work experience while studying

While you are studying, your future career may seem like something far away, something you will only need to think about after graduation. However, your student years are the ideal time to gain your first experience. It gives you the opportunity to explore different fields of work and gradually discover which direction you would like to pursue.

Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Many students feel that they cannot apply for a position because they do not yet have enough practical experience. However, your first experience does not have to be a prestigious internship at a large company. You can also develop valuable skills through a part-time job, a student association, or a project of your own. So how can you get started?

Do not wait until you have enough experience

Previous experience is sometimes required even in job advertisements for junior positions. This can easily create the impression that you cannot get a job without experience, but cannot gain experience without a job. However, the requirements listed in an advertisement often describe the ideal candidate, rather than the only candidate the company is willing to consider.

If you meet most of the key requirements and the opportunity interests you, do not be afraid to apply. When hiring for student and junior positions, employers generally expect that there will still be many things for you to learn. You can therefore compensate for limited experience with motivation and a genuine interest in the field.

Make use of academic and personal projects

You can also gain your first experience as part of your studies. If you have conducted market research or analysed data for a course, you have already put skills that are useful in the workplace into practice. An interesting academic project does not have to remain merely an assignment you submitted. You can develop it further and later present it on your CV or discuss it in an interview.

Another option is to create your own project based on what interests you. This could be a simple app, a data analysis project in Excel, or a social media account focused on a particular topic. You choose the area in which you want to improve, and the result is a tangible example of your work. This allows an employer to see more clearly what you can actually do.

Look for part-time jobs, internships, and trainee programmes

A part-time job does not have to match the field you would like to pursue in the future to be valuable. Even in a seemingly unrelated role, you can develop essential workplace habits and learn how to interact with customers. This experience may later make it easier for you to move into a more specialised position.

If you already have a clearer idea of the direction you want to take, focus on internships in that field. Some take place during the semester, while others are offered only in the summer. A summer internship may be particularly suitable if your class schedule does not leave enough time for regular work during the academic year.

Trainee programmes may also suit final-year students and recent graduates. They usually last longer and prepare participants for a future specialist role. They often also give you the opportunity to learn about several areas of a company.

You can find part-time job and internship opportunities on the VŠE Career Centre website, as well as on our Instagram and Facebook pages. You can also meet employers in person at the Job Fair ŠANCE. There, you can discuss available positions with company representatives and find out exactly what they are looking for in applicants.

Search for opportunities, but do not be afraid to contact organisations directly

You can find jobs and internships on standard job boards, LinkedIn, and company career pages. You can also follow opportunities aimed specifically at students and graduates on the VŠE Career Portal.

However, not every opportunity is advertised publicly. A smaller company or non-profit organisation may need support even if it has not created a specific student position. If an organisation interests you, you can contact it directly and briefly explain how you could contribute.

Keep in mind that not every message will lead to an opportunity. However, even one successful connection can open the door to an experience you would not have found in a standard job advertisement.

Join a student association or volunteer

Student associations are one way to gain practical experience while studying. You might help organise events, communicate with partners, or take responsibility for a project of your own. What matters is not simply being a member, but the specific work you do and the responsibility you take on.

Volunteering offers a similar opportunity. Non-profit organisations often need help with promotion, administration, or event preparation. Although volunteering is not always a traditional employment relationship, it allows you to experience teamwork and gain experience that you can later describe on your CV and discuss in an interview.

Learn how to talk about your experience

A job title or project name alone does not tell a recruiter what you have actually learned. Make a note of the tasks you completed and the responsibilities you had. Whenever possible, include a specific outcome of your work as well.

On your CV, do not simply state that you were a member of a student association or helped organise an event. Explain what you worked on and which skills you applied. This will help recruiters understand more easily what you can offer.

Gaining your first work experience can feel challenging. However, you do not have to wait for the perfect position or have your entire career planned from the beginning. Choose an area that interests you and take one concrete step towards it. Even a small experience can point you in a new direction and gradually bring you closer to your next opportunity.