Michael Shipman - 9/4/2013 8:33:03 AM
My son graduated from college with the appropriate level of education in his chosen career field. The challenge for him was that the potential employers were requiring actual job experience. He was competing for jobs against others that had that experience. This frustrated him and so he began to seek advice from more senior acquaintances and family members. He made the decision to knock on doors of potential employers, introduce himself in person, and ask for the opportunity to work at no charge to the employer in a internship role for six months. Within two months of of implementing the strategy, he was offered a six-month intern position. Three months into the internship, he was offered a full-time position at a base salary much greater than he'd ever dreamed of. His career has skyrocketed and 10 years later he couldn't be happier.

He has since advised others that going back again and again, being courteous, professional and asking for opportunity even after the potential employer says no multiple times can lead to an offer.

Employers like to know that you won't give up. Employers like to know that you're professionally aggressive. Employers eventually will ask you why you want to work for them. It's good to have a solid answer that articulates the value of the Company versus being about "me".

It's my experience that most youth coming out of college are highly skilled. Given 3 to 5 years in their career role, they will amazing work for successful companies.