by Rita Mcconnell

Created on: March 01, 2010

Considering the rising cost of higher education, and the financial demands of the social network surrounding twenty-somethings, salary is often the key factor college students look to when seeking employment.

Yet oddly enough, considering lower paying, and sometimes even no-paying opportunities in a specific field of interest, could pay out more in the long run.

In many, perhaps even most, careers, getting started after graduation from college or graduate school is usually more about what you’ve done and who you’ve impressed along the way, particularly in rough economic times. And in the interview process, projects for courses and professor recommendations don’t add up to much. Smart, forward planning students may want to consider looking for job opportunities in their chosen field where employers may not be able to put up top dollar, but are so in need of quality help that what they can offer in real on-the-job experience could be even more lucrative when it comes time to start a career. 

Simply put, there are positions and internships where you’ll do more than make an executive’s coffee and observe his or her workday.  Positions where students can make less money but gain more experience provide two benefits: the ability to have actual real-world experience when the time comes to interview, and potential to wow a would be employer by having taken a smarter, yet albeit road less traveled, to success.

Some ideas to consider for those looking to gain real on-the-job experience rather than extra party money:

Non-Profit Organizations: Charitable and various not-for-profit organizations like associations and community groups are almost always on the lookout for extra help. What they can pay you, if anything, will be little, but the opportunities to do real-world work are unbeatable.  Majoring in IT? Talk to local charities about setting up and trouble shooting their computer systems for greater overall networking. Offer to serve as “help desk” support for groups that don’t have someone in that capacity. Looking at a career in fundraising? Find a group that needs help on a campaign, and learn first hand in the trenches what it really means to ask a donor for a contribution. Find out who’s starting a capital campaign, and volunteer to help organize and plan strategy for contacting benefactors.

Small Local Businesses: You’ve heard it said before, “Small business is the lifeblood of the

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