We all want to get experience in our fields of interest to be prepared for the jobs we want, but we don’t know where to start. However, we have expert alum teeming with words of wisdom on how to do just that.

Get out there and meet people that already have experience in your area of study.

If you want to be a trashman, go out and talk to the person that comes by your house every week to pick up the garbage. Whoever is experienced can set you on the path to internships and much more. Stockbridge alum Buck Poszywak can attest to this.

“The only way I was able to get these opportunities was because I was able to meet many people,” Poszywak said. “Get connections. Find someone you know in the career you are interested in pursuing and ask them if they know anyone that can help you out with either a job or internship that can further your knowledge in your area.”

Poszywak was on the Stockbridge robotics team in high school. While the team was in Palau working on the BentProp program, he met Eric Terrill from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, California, who suggested that he apply for an internship. Poszywak was later accepted for the internship and had the opportunity to work on a project that set him up to receive his current job as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) pilot at the Great Lakes Research Center.

Take the initiative and scan the bulletin board for possible openings.

If you think internships and jobs are going to walk right up and knock on your door, then you’re mistaken.

“Be really proactive,” said Stockbridge alum Lauren Sutter. Her study abroad in Scotland didn’t come marching up to her. She worked diligently and talked to people to get the chance to study the rich culture.

“Internships, job opportunities and study abroads won’t come to you,” Sutter said. “People are always willing to help you do what you want to do.”

If you are motivated, chances are you will be accepted to your internship of choice.

Sooner is better than later.

Don’t wait until you’re old and gray to put yourself out there and apply for internships. When Stockbridge alum Doug Sears applied for his internships, he didn’t wait.

“You’re only going to get more responsibilities,” Sears said. “There’s never going to be a point in college when you have less responsibilities than when you started. If you can get some experience and if you can get somebody to stand behind you and say you have the experience, that’s everything.”

Always apply, even if it’s a long shot.

The one thing that will hurt you is not applying. Even if the odds are about as good as winning the lottery, it will only benefit you to apply.

“When you’re in college you should jump at any opportunity you have,” Sears said. “Just throw your hat in there.”

Who knows? Maybe the employer will be impressed and remember your name in the future when looking for new interns.