Work/Experience: the chicken and egg argument

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been frustrated by job vacancy ads that demand "experience in the field" as a requirement. How would I ever have the experience if no one gives me the work? I need experience to get work, but I need to do the work to have the experience. Which one comes first? It's the classic chicken and egg argument, isn't it?

That's why I think we need to show appreciation to organisations that give the chance for people to gain some work experience. I'm very thankful to Baptistcare for giving me a go under the wonderful PR & Marketing team. I just finished my 20-day placement and I have gained invaluable experience during that time.

I have had the chance to use and sharpen my writing skills by writing for its quarterly magazine Reaching Out. It has taught me confidence and resilience in communicating with different kinds of people. I have learnt to look at the bigger picture of public relations and communications, both internal and external of an organisation. I have gained some insights into the aged care and disability services industry. Overall, it has given me a taste of working in the real world of professional PR. 

Now at the end of my internship, I'm happy to say that the work experience I've gained has resulted in some job offers. I will be working as a freelance writer for Reaching Out magazine and as a casual Human Resources/Marketing officer. The HR/Marketing officer is a newly created role that, as the name suggests, integrates HR and marketing. My tasks will include writing creative job ads that fit with the overall PR theme of Baptistcare, promoting programs/initiatives of the HR department to Baptistcare employees, re-writing procedures/policies in layman language, and bridging communication between the HR team and the PR & Marketing team. 

I am excited to assume these roles and see where they would lead me. Hats off to Baptistcare for giving me work experience that opens doors to employment.