Three Experiences That Can Bring You Closer to Your Dream Job

Landing your dream job doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s a process, often shaped by deliberate choices, learning opportunities, and the occasional serendipitous encounter. But how do you get there? Is it purely about having the right skills? Or is it about who you know? Truth is, it’s a mix of both—and a lot of persistence in between.

One of the most effective ways to get closer to your dream job is to gain experiences that align with the skills, environment, or connections you’ll need in that role. These experiences don’t have to be massive, life-changing moments either; even small, intentional steps can make a big difference. Below, I’ll break down three specific types of experiences that can bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

1. Internships or Apprenticeships: Getting Your Foot in the Door

Let’s be real: not everyone loves the idea of working for little or no pay, especially when bills are looming. But internships and apprenticeships remain one of the most direct ways to gain hands-on experience in your desired field. They’re like an insider’s ticket to understanding the industry—while also proving your dedication to potential employers.

Take this for example: You dream of working in film production. Sure, you might have taken some classes, or maybe you’ve been making short films on your phone, but there’s a world of difference between creating solo projects and being on a real set. Interning on a film crew, even as a coffee runner, puts you in proximity to professionals who are already doing what you aspire to do. You’ll learn about the workflow, the unspoken rules, and the challenges that come with the job—all while building connections that could lead to future opportunities.

Even if you can’t find an internship in the exact niche you want, adjacent opportunities can still be valuable. For example, if your dream is to work in marketing for a fashion brand but you land an internship at a local boutique, you’re still gaining relevant industry insights, learning customer behavior, and picking up skills like social media management or sales strategy.

Pro Tip: Don’t be passive during your internship—immerse yourself, ask questions, and take initiative. The connections you make and the impressions you leave can last far beyond the internship itself.

2. Volunteer Work: Building Skills While Making a Difference

Volunteering might not sound glamorous, but it’s an underrated way to gain real-world experience while contributing to something meaningful. More importantly, it’s a way to demonstrate your passion, commitment, and willingness to learn—qualities that employers in any industry value.

Imagine you’re aiming for a career in event planning. Volunteering to help organize community fundraisers, charity galas, or local art shows can give you hands-on experience in everything from logistics and vendor coordination to managing a budget. You’ll face the same challenges a professional event planner might encounter, but in a lower-pressure environment where mistakes are more forgivable.

And volunteering isn’t just about skills—it’s also about connections. Many nonprofit organizations work closely with businesses, local government, and other influential entities. By putting yourself in these spaces, you naturally network with people who might become valuable contacts later on.

Here’s another example: Let’s say your dream job is to work in wildlife conservation. Volunteering with an animal rescue organization, a national park, or even a beach cleanup group brings you face-to-face with like-minded people in the field. You’ll gain first-hand knowledge about the work, which can help you decide if it’s truly your passion, while also opening doors to mentorship opportunities.

Pro Tip: When choosing a volunteer opportunity, think strategically. Look for roles that mirror the type of work you’d like to do in your dream job. Bonus points if the organization is respected within the industry you’re aiming for.

3. Side Projects or Freelancing: Showcasing Your Initiative

Employers love to see self-starters—people who don’t wait around for permission to pursue their goals. That’s where side projects or freelancing come in. These experiences let you develop your craft, experiment with new ideas, and build a portfolio that showcases your talents—all while staying in control of the process.

For instance, if you’re an aspiring writer, you don’t have to wait for someone to hire you to start building your career. Start a blog, contribute articles to online platforms, or even self-publish an eBook. Not only are you gaining practical experience, but you’re also creating tangible proof of your abilities that you can present to potential employers.

Freelancing is another great way to dip your toes into your dream field. Let’s say you want to work as a graphic designer for a big-name brand someday. Start small—offer your services to local businesses, friends, or even non-profits in need of branding work. As you complete these projects, you’re not only refining your skills but also building a professional network. Over time, these smaller gigs can snowball into larger, more prestigious opportunities.

Side projects are also a chance to innovate and stand out. Employers are often drawn to candidates with unique, standout experiences. For example, if your goal is to work in tech, building your own app or developing a creative solution to a common problem demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness—two traits that hiring managers love.

Pro Tip: Document your side projects thoroughly. Whether it’s through a portfolio, a LinkedIn post, or even a casual Instagram page, showcasing your work makes it easier for others to see what you’re capable of.

Why These Experiences Matter

Now, you might be wondering—why are these experiences so powerful? For one, they put you in close proximity to people, places, and opportunities related to your dream job. Proximity matters. When you’re in the right environments, you’re more likely to hear about openings, meet mentors, and pick up on industry-specific insights that aren’t taught in school.

Secondly, these experiences give you stories to tell. Employers are more impressed by concrete examples than abstract claims. Saying, “I’ve always been passionate about social media marketing” is fine, but it’s much more compelling to say, “I managed the Instagram account for a local animal shelter and grew their followers by 25% in three months.”

Finally, these experiences help you clarify your goals. Sometimes, the dream job you envision isn’t quite what you expect when you see it up close. Internships, volunteering, and side projects allow you to test the waters before fully committing to a career path.

Closing Thoughts: Take the First Step

Getting closer to your dream job isn’t about luck—it’s about creating opportunities. By seeking out internships, volunteering, or starting side projects, you’re actively building the foundation for your future career. And the beauty of these experiences is that they’re flexible; no matter where you are in life or how much time you have, there’s always something you can do to move forward.

So, what’s the next step you’ll take? Maybe it’s applying for that internship you’ve been eyeing, signing up for a volunteer opportunity, or starting that project you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, remember: every experience is a stepping stone that brings you one step closer to your dream. And who knows? You might just learn something unexpected along the way.