Whether you're just starting out or looking to change career paths, getting experience in a field is a classic Catch-22.  You can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience without a related job.  Here are some ways to solve the dilemma:

• Temp.  Temping is short-term and provide a wide array of experience in many industries and functions.  it also gets your foot in the door of a company or field, provides you with relevant training, and exposes you to unadvertised jobs within a company you may want to work for.
• Volunteer.   Translate work experience in social, civic, and non-profit organizations into resume–building material.

• Projects.  Get involved in projects at your current workplace in the area that you want to explore for a new career.  For example, if you're an assistant in the research department but want to get into marketing, ask to apply your skills to a marketing or Pr project.

April newsletter, page 4

Answers to Geography pop quiz

1.  meanders

2.  24

3.  lithosphere