What do you have to do, college wise, to do clerical work?

As a college student with little work experience and credentials, what are things I can do to get a better job with my interests (biomedical engineering and business?)

• I'm one of the younger members on Quora, fresh into college at Boston University, looking to get a job or paid internship that would actually help my career. However, applying for a job seems rather difficult, considering the only work experience I have is tutoring and menial labor. I have some college experience, having taken many computer classes at the local community college, but otherwise there really isn't anything on my resume I can use. What can I do so I can get a better job in the future?

• Answer:

  Grades can be important in getting your job, but this can vary greatly on the person hiring. Extra-curricular involvement counts for a lot. See what leadership positions you can take in any clubs or organizations that are meaningful to you. Remember to manage your time though, as to not get burnt out. Go to career fairs. Odds are there isn't much demand for a freshman but you never know. It helps for the future to get to know the recruiters early on. Another great way to get a job is to help organize a career fair. It's a great way to meet the recruiters, show off a little, and practice your organizational skills; I know people who've gotten job offers from this. Join academic clubs in your field of interest. Oftentimes club meetings will be sponsored by a company hoping to recruit from your school. This is a good opportunity to learn about the field, ask questions, give out your resume, and get some free pizza. Look for your school's career center resources. They'll give you valuable information about how to apply for jobs, and how to write a good resume from scratch even with only a little experience. The fact that you have done tutoring and menial labor is a plus because it shows that you have the basic skills to hold down a job and are able to think creatively and work with people. Many people graduate college without ever having had a real job, so your experience is a plus. Some colleges have work-study programs for students with financial aid. This would be a potential way to get some work experience in a field you want to learn about. Because financial aid covers half of your salary, many more people are willing to hire you. There are often lists of businesses/organizations that participate online, but you could also look independently for a place you'd like to work and work with them to set up the system with your university. Hope that helps!