Everyone has career goals. Getting there takes hard work, and for some, the right education and experience. Careers take up a lot of time in our life. So if you find yourself wanting to change careers or land a position without the right amount of experience, these goals can be a bit more difficult to attain. However, do not fret. Clark Personnel Service has some strategies that can help you get over that experience hump.

Take on an internship or volunteer.
If you find yourself saying, “but I don’t have the time”—stop right there. Jobs you want do not just fall in your lap. You have to work hard for them. You may have to move to part time at your current job, or work on the weekends, but if this is the experience you really want, you will do anything to get there. Find a company in an industry you would like to work in, and see what they have available.

Look for startup companies.
Startup companies have plenty of opportunities for people to learn and help out. They are usually run by one or a handful of people and everyone in the company does every job available, from producing the actual product, to accounting, to marketing and beyond. Startups may pay little to no salary, but the time and experience you will get there is immeasurable.

Online courses.
Go back to school. Many universities and colleges now offer online and summer courses where you can get a degree in the matter of a couple years.

Network online and off.
Join new groups on LinkedIn and join professional groups in your community. Go to seminars. Get on Twitter. Get yourself out there to build relationships.

Rebuild that resume.
If you don’t have the exact experience a company is looking for, add a section focusing more on your best skills than job history.

Work with a mentor.
Find someone with the experience in the field you desire and ask if you can take them to lunch. Rack their brain. See if they are willing to help you learn and understand the skills you need to succeed.

Young and experienced job seekers are both finding this dilemma in today’s saturated job market. And yes, many people do not find the skills they need until they are working in the job market. So do the best you can there and beyond.