The 'I Have No Experience' Guide to Getting Experience

So, you're ready to dive into the job market, but there's just one tiny problem: you don’t have any experience. Maybe you're fresh out of school, changing careers, or just starting from scratch. Don’t worry—every professional once stood exactly where you are now. This guide will show you that experience doesn’t have to mean a long resume. With the right approach, you can gain relevant skills and build your portfolio from scratch. Here’s how to get experience, even if you feel like you have none.

Why Experience Matters and How to Start Gaining It

In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for candidates who bring skills, adaptability, and hands-on experience. But don’t let that intimidate you. There are ways to gain experience without needing a traditional job first. Let’s start with some practical (and totally doable) ways to get experience on your resume and set yourself apart from the crowd.

1. Start With Free Online Courses and Certifications

If you have no experience, learning specific skills can help bridge the gap. Luckily, online learning platforms offer countless free and affordable courses that provide certificates, which you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Here are some popular options:

• Coursera and edX: University-backed courses in everything from data science to marketing fundamentals.
• Google Career Certificates: Industry-recognized certifications in IT support, UX design, project management, and more.
• LinkedIn Learning: Quick, career-focused courses with certificates that link directly to your LinkedIn profile.

By stacking these certifications, you’re showing hiring managers that you’re serious about learning and adapting.

2. Volunteer (Yes, for Free) to Gain Real-World Experience

If you're willing to work without pay at first, volunteering can be an amazing way to gain experience. Nonprofits, community projects, and even local businesses often need a helping hand and can offer you real-world exposure in return.

Here are some ideas to get started:

• Offer to help a local business with their social media, website, or customer service. You’ll get practical experience and help them out at the same time.
• Volunteer for nonprofits through platforms like VolunteerMatch or Idealist, focusing on roles related to the field you’re interested in (e.g., marketing, project management, etc.).

By listing these roles on your resume, you’ll have concrete experience examples to share in interviews, even if you weren’t paid for them.

3. Freelance Projects: Small Gigs That Build Big Skills

Freelancing isn’t just for pros with years of experience. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer allow anyone with a specific skill set to earn money and experience, even if you’re just getting started. Here’s what to try if you’re new:

• Start with micro-gigs that match entry-level skills. Writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, and data entry are popular categories.
• Reach out to family and friends for small projects. For example, create a logo for a friend’s business, design a flyer for a local event, or offer social media management for a small business.

Each of these gigs will give you real deliverables to showcase in a portfolio, which brings us to the next step...

4. Build a Portfolio—Even If It’s Small

Your portfolio is the perfect place to show off the work you've done, whether it's through a volunteer gig, freelance project, or a personal project. If you’re going for roles in creative fields like design, writing, or development, having a solid portfolio is crucial.

Tips for a beginner-friendly portfolio:

• Start a blog or website to showcase your work and add your unique flair.
• Include any relevant projects you completed through courses, volunteer work, or freelancing. Even small projects count!
• Use GitHub or Behance to showcase work if you’re in tech or design.

A portfolio filled with real-life examples proves to employers that you have practical skills—not just theoretical knowledge.

5. Network Like It’s Your Job (Because It Kinda Is)

The hidden job market is real, and knowing the right people can make all the difference. Networking is one of the fastest ways to find opportunities to gain experience. Here’s how to get started, even if you're an introvert:

• Leverage LinkedIn by connecting with alumni, professionals in your field, and attending virtual events.
• Join relevant Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and industry forums. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or even about small freelance opportunities.
• Look into informational interviews—reaching out to people in roles you aspire to for a casual chat. This shows initiative and might even lead to mentorship or job shadows.

Networking can open doors to entry-level jobs, internships, and freelance gigs—all of which help you gain the experience you’re after.

6. Say Yes to Internships (Paid or Unpaid)

Internships are one of the most traditional ways to get experience. While paid internships are ideal, don’t overlook unpaid ones if you can afford it—especially if they align well with your career goals. Even a short-term internship can make a big difference to your resume.

Here’s how to find internships with little or no experience:

• Search job boards like Handshake, Indeed, and LinkedIn, using keywords like “entry-level” and “intern.”
• Apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. Employers often look for motivated, teachable people who are eager to learn.
• Look for remote opportunities if location is an issue. Many companies now offer virtual internships that make it easier to gain experience from anywhere.

7. Create Your Own Project or Start a Side Hustle

Can’t find work? Make it. Starting a side project is one of the most impactful ways to gain experience, develop relevant skills, and build your portfolio. Here are some ideas that show initiative:

• Build a website or start a blog about a topic you’re passionate about.
• Start a small online store on Etsy or eBay to learn about ecommerce, customer service, and business management.
• Create a YouTube channel or podcast about your career interests, showcasing that you know how to engage an audience.

Hiring managers love to see entrepreneurial projects because they show passion, self-motivation, and dedication—all qualities that are valuable in any role.

Wrapping Up: It’s Not About Where You Start, but How You Start

Everyone starts somewhere. The important thing is that you’re making moves, gaining hands-on skills, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s a micro-gig, volunteer work, or an online course, every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

So don’t stress about not having experience—follow these steps, build your resume, and you’ll have plenty to talk about when the right job opportunity comes along. With persistence and a bit of creative thinking, you’ll find that your lack of experience is just the beginning of a successful career journey.

Ready to get started? Find one thing you can do today to start building your experience, and keep moving forward. You got this!