Conservatives Call For National Service: Startups Helping Youngsters Build Their Resume

The Conservatives have proposed reintroducing compulsory national service if they win the next general election, according to a BBC report. This would involve twelve months of service for 18-year-olds, offering 30,000 full-time military placements or weekend community service volunteering.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak believes this initiative will foster a “national spirit” similar to what was seen during the pandemic. The Conservatives aim to implement the scheme from September 2025, arguing it will provide valuable work experience and help divert young people from unemployment and crime.

For young adults fresh out of school or entering the job market, lacking experience can be a challenge when searching for opportunities. Without a track record, they may struggle to find roles that offer the chance to gain valuable experience. However, there are steps individuals can take to overcome this obstacle.

How To Gain Work Experience

As a recent school graduate stepping into the job market, lacking work experience might seem like a obstacle. Luckily, there are many ways you can beef up your resume and boost your chances of landing that dream job.

Here are nine practical tips to help you gain valuable work experience:

Volunteer

Volunteering not only allows you to contribute to your community but also provides hands-on experience in your desired field. It’s a chance to learn new skills, build connections, and enhance your resume. Look for volunteer opportunities online or reach out directly to organisations in your field of interest.

Pursue An Internship

Internships are excellent for gaining practical experience, making industry connections, and testing out different roles. Your school or various online platforms may offer internship opportunities. Keep an eye out for both paid and unpaid internships to broaden your options.

Look For Part-Time Or Temporary Positions

Part-time or temporary roles can provide valuable experience and may lead to full-time opportunities within the organisation. These positions offer flexibility and a chance to explore different industries while gaining essential skills.

Consider Freelancing

Freelancing allows you to develop sought-after skills while working on real projects for clients. Start by identifying your skills and marketing yourself on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. Building a strong portfolio is key to attracting clients and advancing your freelance career.

Attend Educational Events

Webinars, conferences, and classes offer valuable learning opportunities and networking chances. Take advantage of these events to stay updated on industry trends, acquire new skills, and connect with professionals in your field.

Join Professional Organisations

Joining industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into your field and expand your professional network. Look for local organisations or associations that offer networking events and resources for career development.

Shadow Industry Professionals

Shadowing professionals in your desired field can give you firsthand insights into the job and help you understand employer expectations. Take the opportunity to ask questions, take notes, and build relationships that may lead to future opportunities.

Find A Mentor

Mentors can offer guidance, share industry knowledge, and provide valuable career advice. Seek out mentors who can support your professional growth and help you navigate your career path.

Start Your Own Project

Initiate a self-directed project to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers. Whether it’s developing an app, writing a blog, or conducting research, showcasing your project in your portfolio can make you stand out to prospective employers.

Startups Helping Freshers Gain Experience

Startups and companies are emerging to bridge the gap between freshers and career opportunities, aiding them in gaining valuable experience. These platforms serve as connectors, linking recent graduates with internships and entry-level positions tailored to their skills and interests. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, these initiatives play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of talent.

WayUp

WayUp is a platform that bridges the gap between job seekers and employers.

For candidates, whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or looking for a new opportunity, WayUp offers access to internships and entry-level positions at top companies like CVS Health, GE Appliances, Visa, BlackRock, L’Oréal, and Unilever.

With a simple profile creation process, WayUp matches candidates with relevant job opportunities and provides support throughout the job search journey.

Parker Dewey

Parker Dewey offers Micro-Internships, enabling companies to efficiently engage, evaluate, and hire college students and recent graduates.

Say goodbye to time-consuming candidate outreach and high recruitment costs – with Parker Dewey, employers gain access to a diverse talent pool, reduce hiring expenses, and streamline the recruitment process.

Students get the chance to showcase their skills, build their network, and explore career opportunities.

Handshake

Handshake connects students, recent graduates, and employers, streamlining the job search process.

With millions of users and thousands of employers, Handshake offers personalised job recommendations, career events, and direct messaging with recruiters.

Students benefit from career advice, job opportunities, and networking sessions, while employers gain access to a diverse pool of talent.

Startup Jobs

Startup Jobs is a platform connecting job seekers with innovative startups worldwide. With thousands of open positions, users can search for jobs by role, location, or company.

From engineering and marketing to business development and design, Startup Jobs offers diverse opportunities for career growth.

Millions of students and graduates use the platform to explore the vibrant startup ecosystem and kickstart their journey towards an exciting career path.

Idealist

Idealist is the world’s largest social-impact job board, offering over 5,000 jobs across nonprofits, social-impact businesses, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Whether you’re searching for entry-level positions or executive roles, Idealist provides opportunities aligned with your personal and professional values.

Additionally, employers benefit from expert resources to recruit, hire, and retain mission-driven professionals.