Anonymous wrote:Whoever it is should ask the career center what to do if they have nothing to put on the resume. I’m sure they’ve seen this before.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I don't know if this is the "correct" answer, but if it were my kid the first thing I would do is tell him to get a volunteer position somewhere. Especially if it's at a place that is related to his degree--for example if he has a degree in plant biology he could volunteer at a botanical garden.
Try to get a regular shift (same day/time each week) and treat that like a job--ALWAYS on time, prepared and engaged. Be genuinely friendly with all of the other volunteers, employees and supervisors. Sometimes the other volunteers are people who retired and still have connections in that industry.

It is still going to be incredibly sketchy for any interview, background check and/or on-boarding when they ask for experience and literally the only thing is:

May 2024 - current: Volunteering

Anonymous wrote:Whoever it is should ask the career center what to do if they have nothing to put on the resume. I’m sure they’ve seen this before.

Anonymous wrote:Well, I don't know if this is the "correct" answer, but if it were my kid the first thing I would do is tell him to get a volunteer position somewhere. Especially if it's at a place that is related to his degree--for example if he has a degree in plant biology he could volunteer at a botanical garden.
Try to get a regular shift (same day/time each week) and treat that like a job--ALWAYS on time, prepared and engaged. Be genuinely friendly with all of the other volunteers, employees and supervisors. Sometimes the other volunteers are people who retired and still have connections in that industry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.

Yes, honestly, lazy and unambitious are on target. So, what now? What is realistic?

Anonymous wrote:Entry-level commission-based sales jobs with brokerage firms, if the student can pass the licensing exams. There is little risk to the employer when compensation is mostly or entirely commissions, so the absence of experience probably won't be disqualifying, even if the employer pays a small salary during an initial training period.

Or, something which like entry-level real estate sales, focusing on younger clients who may be able to relate to him/her.

Even if these don't pan out in the long-term, they will provide the foundation for a resume which can be used to try to pivot into something else later.

A military career might be a possibility.

Many law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit in the aftermath of the defund-the-police mania which swept much of the country a few years ago. The absence of prior work experience probably won't be disqualifying in itself, assuming the student is otherwise qualified in terms of a fairly clean criminal history, physical fitness, etc.

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.

Anonymous wrote:It is what it is. List whatever might be favorable, don't list what isn't real, and apply for entry-level roles where prior experience is not required.

That said, the absence of even summer employment or volunteer work will not reflect well on the job applicant, who may be seen as lazy and unambitious, absent extenuating circumstances or some other accomplishments during those time periods.