Getting Paid Vs. Getting Experience: Which One Is Better?

Getting Paid Vs. Getting Experience: Which One Is Better?

If you're working toward your degree, you've probably asked yourself the age-old question, "Should I get a job that pays or should I get experience in my field?"


Getting Paid Vs. Getting Experience

Well, we hate to say it, but if you want to pursue a career in your field, you MUST get the experience. Even if that means turning down a non-relevant paying job for a relevant, unpaid internship. We know it's a difficult thing to accept, but it's just how it is today. Back when college was less common, it was easy to land a job right out of school, without the real-world experience. These days, however, employers only see a degree as a piece of paper that gets you to the starting line. Without the practical experience to go along with it, you're chances at landing a job in your field are slim. Whether it's an internship or a part-time job, you really need to find a way to get experience in your field. "You've GOT to do some work in your field or else you're really going to be behind the eight-ball when you graduate," says J.T. O'Donnell, founder of CAREEREALISM. According to O'Donnell, you don't necessarily want to take a job that pays the bills because, when you graduate, that's all the experience you're going have, and since that experience isn't relevant to your field, it's not going to be worth as much to employers. (Don't kill the messenger!) "Do whatever you can to work in your field right now, even if it's super entry-level," she urges. "You're gonna need it." Don't let all of those months of hard work go to waste. Do whatever you can to get an internship or a relevant part-time job. Check out the resources below for more information on how to do that. Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles:   Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Featured