How do I start a career without experience?

How can I start my career in a field of my choice with no work experience and a huge amount of student debt?

• About me: I have a Post Grad degree from a top engineering school in USA, Undergrad degree from a top engineering school in INDIA, all with good grades (wonder if it matters :P). Both in closely related, sought after, but different fields. I have almost no industry experience in either fields, but I do have some research experience in the fields....Getting a job seemed to be the most natural choice but it has become increasingly harder to get what I want. Its extremely demotivating to have yourself judged by numerous people to be told again and again that you are not good enough. Feels like my life is being controlled by others and not by me anymore....Also, I am not socially inept. I have been a successful salesman for a part time job. Have lots of friends and I have been mentor to a group of incoming international students helping them adjust to life in USA.

• Answer:

  Sorry to hear this has been such a struggle. I have some suggestions, in case it would help: 1. How does your resume look? Are you including research, part-time work, volunteering, co-curricular activities and transferable skills? Is it a strictly chronological format resume because I think a combo functional-chronological would work better for you. 2. New grads usually don't get their dream jobs right away. And without any direct work experience yet, your chances might be even smaller. Do consider getting some job or work experience that you can slowly build on. Start somewhere near your destination and just be sure to stay in the direction of your dreams. 3. One of the downsides of focusing so much on academics (and being an international student) is you might lose out on opportunities for resume building. Consider doing information interviews, job shadowing, volunteering, interning, etc. to get your foot in the door. Talking with professionals, seeing the workplace first hand, and letting them get to know you and see the quality of your work can go far. Many companies will hire their interns if they've done a good job. 4. Stay positive. Are you able to sell yourself to you? How are you coming across to others? Would you hire you? Know that companies are not judging your self-worth by turning down your application. Your application is simply not what they had in mind. If you can go back to those companies or find other professionals to give you feedback on your application and interviews, that would be really helpful. Join groups on LinkedIn to get their perspective. 5. Keep trying. Put yourself in a good place mentally and emotionally (swimming, watching a movie, eating out, etc.) then start your job search and applications again. If you can shift your mood to a more positive place, then more positive things are more likely to occur. I know sometimes things feel like totally out of your control. But your attitude and actions are always your choice and your choice only. Reign in the power of you and make it happen!