Looking for a new job or breaking into a whole new industry can be challenging and frequently accompanied by doubts about whether you will be a good fit. Still, even when switching jobs within the same working field, you may have concerns about your future team and if there will be chemistry between you and your future coworkers.
The company's environment is vital, so it would be beneficial to ensure in advance that you apply to a like-minded organization where you will be a useful and valuable team member. Would it not be great to try out a position and then decide if you want to commit? The great news is that you have that opportunity!

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is a kind of on-the-go training, where you get an opportunity to experience different careers firsthand. You can find online platforms that enable you to choose a profession depending on your current skills, qualifications, experiences, and field of interest from a wide range of industries.
You can sign up to shadow a position you are interested in for a day or more and get a comprehensive introduction to its responsibilities, working day routine, and professional career advice. Among companies hosting such an experience are startup communities like New Lab or big players like Uber Eats. If you are interested in some tips on working for Uber, click here.

Internship

Internships are perfect for last-year or freshly graduated students, as they allow you not only to test your newly acquired skills and knowledge in practice but also to examine if this part of the industry will be a good fit for you. Their main advantage is a long duration, as it allows you to get through a full-fledged onboarding process, improve your soft skills, evaluate your career growth opportunities in that particular company, and get some industry insights as well.
Internships sometimes can be underestimated as there is a common stereotype about only making coffee and doing tedious paperwork there for free. Still, there are many good options out there. For example, if you are thinking about working for translation services in Sheffield, make sure to do your research and find as much as possible internship offers in that area to choose the right one for you.
It is essential not only to make sure you meet all the company requirements but also to determine your own. That may be your salary expectations, range of responsibilities, schedule flexibility, and advanced education opportunities.

Volunteering

Yes, volunteering always requires a lot of work and means no money, but the experience you can get as a volunteer can be priceless. Its main benefit is the number of new acquaintances you will make, and when it comes to getting a new job, you should not underestimate the power of networking.
Besides, you can find opportunities to volunteer not only for organizations but also for events. It is most frequently connected with multitasking and dealing with complex issues in a limited time, so you will get plenty of experience that will only enrich your CV. It is an excellent opportunity to start getting acquainted with the industry you are considering committing to and get a comprehensive introduction to it in a couple of weeks.

Information Interview

Make sure you get as much information as possible during your job interview. Think through all the questions you want to ask as well as other aspects of the job you would like to know more about, such as company culture or their plans for you as a specialist. Do not hesitate to ask your interviewers to clarify something for you if you miss the point, and try to learn more about their own experiences at their positions.
You do not have to limit yourself to talking only to your interviewers. There is no need to stalk people who work there on social media, though, as you can find employees who would be glad to answer your questions. Be sincere and ask them why they have decided to stay with the company and what they can share about the pros and cons of working there.
You can also look for people who work in the role that you are interested in community forums to get a more precise impression of what kind of job you are about to walk into.
Career choices are challenging as they require knowing what you want precisely in life, your growing points, and which business line suits you the most. The biggest pitfall is that without practice in the field, you can answer those questions only theoretically.
Fortunately, there are different ways to get that experience and some career advice as a bonus. You can sign up for an internship or volunteering program or try to shadow a desirable role. Ensure that you follow all the initiatives during your work there and do not forget about networking. Some luck will always come in handy, but it will not do all the work for you.

WRITTEN BY

Brand Voices