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How can I land a Entry-level job in Business Administration w/out any experiences?

Veteran

Randy Enriquez Fontana, CA

I was in the U.S. Air Force from 2004-2008, doing Civil Engineering work such as AutoCAD/ GIS Technician. I have not used the software since my separation from the military. After leaving the military I have received my Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology, Clinical Health. It has been difficult in finding a job with just a BS degree in this field. I recently enrolled into Graduate school for a Masters in Business Administration. I would like to start a career in this field such as Real Estate investments but I don't have much work experience in this field. I will be graduating in August 2017. Any advice in how I can find an employer who would accept me at an Entry-level position since I don't have much experience? I need a job that I could receive a steady pay check to get me back on my feet again. Please help. I would greatly appreciate it.
P.s. I am currently eligible to take the state exam for my Real Estate license.

12 January 2017 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

June R Massoud Burlington, VT

You seem to be headed in three opposite directions. That makes it hard for an employer to find you reliable or well-organized. You need some sort of base to build upon. People think that doing an MBA is the answer to everything. I personally, believe it isn't. You're going from civil engineering to health to real estate. The only two things here that are related are the first and the third: ie. civil engineering and real estate. So I would organize my resume accordingly so you could channel your career wisely. There is a book worth reading, it's called: What Color is Your Parachute? You might like to purchase it.

24 January 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Mike Cottell Glen Head, NY

Hi Randy-some great advice to date from the other advisors, so I'll try to only add new thoughts or only slightly touch on the previous advisors comments.
1) Regardless of the field you choose to pursue, you can compensate for a lack of experience by looking at the job from the employers point of view. They have a need in a particular job for results, the ability to solve problems, an individual to be highly productive , work independently and to fit in with the culture.
2) Any field or job you pursue needs you to be as knowledgeable as possible about the requirements. Use on line searches, talk to others in similar fields of work and use this forum for ideas.
3) Make a list of your "transferable skills". Search the term on line and you will get endless ideas of what they are
4) Make a list of your "traits" that will make you attractive to an employer. Again, search the term for ideas.
5) Visit www.mynextmove.org for a chance to view careers and jobs with a match to skills and personality required as well as compensation info.
6) Network, Network, Network --use every avenue possible by talking to anybody you know as well as the other advisor suggestions.
7) Carefully craft your resume so it aligns with the field and the job you are pursuing. Very often, an individual has multiple versions of the same resume to align with different job searches.
8) In my opinion, the best format is a " combo" where the top section is an " Overview" that has a goal and a summary of skills that align with the job. The " work history" section is the chronological summary of your jobs and achievements. This format allows you to reformat the top , one paragraph section and the body, the bulk of the resume stays the same. It's time efficient and easy to manage.
9) Every job you pursue must have a cover letter tailored specifically to that job. Here is where you tie together the research you have done on the field, your transferable skills and experience and you craft a point of view on " why you're the best person for the job".
10) When you get into the interview, present yourself in that same manner , but also begin to engage the interviewer in asking about " their" needs in the role and answer how your abilities match their needs and any shortfall in experience will be made up very quickly.
11) You must be on LinkedIn and while you can only have one profile ( unlike the resume) be specific about your skills, but don't limit yourself too narrowly in terms of goals.
12) Use the suggestions from the advisors on where to look, but don't limit yourself to only posted openings. Try and find a senior person in local businesses and send them a cover letter and resume about why you want to join their organization. You'd be surprised how successful this approach can be.

Stay strong, confident and positive as you have a lot of talent and drive. You will be successful. Thank you for the service that you have given your country. If you would like more advice on this offline , contact me at mtcottell55@gmail.com

Best Regards, Mike

Advisor

michael convey Longboat Key, FL

Thanks for your service. It is imperative to have a well thought out, results oriented resume, outlining your education, experience and accomplishments. Analyze your education and experience and attempt to draw some relationship and exposure from what you have done and what your goals are in business. Once that is done, I would go to the college placement office and see where and how they can assist you in opening some doors. I would also look at Monster.com and similar websites, along with those of companies that may have opportunities in your field of interest. Oil companies are looking for real estate people to sell and buy gas stations, McDonald's and other fast food concerns are selling and buying restaurants and other franchises with retail stores are looking for stores. Employment agencies are another possibility to pursue. Linkedin is a website for career oriented people and may provide you with committees to become involved that could lead to employment opportunities and relationships that may help. Good luck.

Advisor

Jeremy Serwer Woodstock, CT

Hello Randy --

I'm writing regarding your interest in Real Estate. While taking the state exam and getting your license is always worthy (and keeping it renewed), many entry level jobs with residential or commercial agencies will be commission based -- not necessarily a great path to a steady paycheck. That said, the experience could be very beneficial.

One area that could be paycheck driven would be property management. There are many residential and commercial companies that own small and large numbers of property requiring daily maintenance, leasing, marketing, response to tenants, etc. I've been a licensed broker for many years and function in the shopping center industry: companies both large and small are always looking for talented, organized, and somewhat detail oriented individuals for property management positions.

Additionally, wherever you're getting your MBA should also have a placement office. I'm guessing you've addressed this, but just in case . . .

Happy to e-mail off line for any further discussion: jeremy@theserwercompany.com

Good luck, and stick with your efforts at both job seeking and educational pursuits!

JS

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