Page 86 - Marky Stein - Fearless Career Change_ The Fast Track to Success in a New Field (2004)

Fearless Career Change

program. After I told her a little bit about myself, she said I could
join in on a four-month program in which I would lead workshops
for unemployed people. It was an invaluable experience, and
though I didn’t receive a lot of formal training, I got loads of experience
helping people solve their employment problems to add to my
résumé. Just as important, I left with a terrific letter of recom-
mendation on official county government letterhead.

Whether you’re volunteering or doing an
internship, be sure to ask your employer (usually
your immediate supervisor) if he or she would be
kind enough to write a recommendation letter. It
will benefit you for many years to come.

Some will say they don’t know what to write but would be will-
ing to edit and sign a letter that you write for yourself. This is no
time to be modest. Write yourself a stellar letter fit for framing!
After all, you’ve done the work for free.
Han, like Carl, was well into midlife when she sought a certifi-
cate in dog obedience training and then completed an internship
with a more experienced dog trainer. To set up her internship, she
contacted several trainers in her area and told them she had just
received a certificate in animal behavior and that she wanted to
continue to study her craft under a more seasoned professional.
One of the trainers agreed to let her observe and participate
in a “puppy obedience” class. She was able to get a letter of rec-
ommendation from the trainer, which she now shows to clients
seeking assistance with their pets.
Here is short list of industries that widely accept, and some-
times even depend upon, internships:

• Agriculture • Dance and art therapy
• Animal behavior • Environmental planning
• Archaeology and preservation
• Counseling • Fashion

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