Dumb question about experience

[FourTrees]

But there aren't supposed to be dumb questions, right? lol

I'm working on finishing my undergraduate degree and applying to an MSW program. Occasionally I look ahead to the jobs listed in my area so that I can see the salary difference from the $7.50 an hour that I was earning in hopes that it will motivate me when I get overwhelmed. It always works. However, all of the jobs I am interested in also specify 1-3 years of experience required. So... How do I get that experience if I am not able to volunteer much. I can't pay for childcare that allows me to work for free.

Ok - I'm feeling a little like I did in highschool. I can't get the job without the experience, but I can't get the experience without the job. Any suggestions?

[Sierra]

Are you talking about jobs for after you have your MSW, or jobs right after your undergrad?

What kind of internship and/or practicum will you be doing? I ran into a really great opportunity with my undergrad internship, as I was able to fill in as the director of a program while the director was on maternity leave. Her supervision was both as the "supervisor" and the "internship supervisor." I was paid for my work, and I felt it increased the sale I could make that it was real "experience." Between my practicum and my internship, I was closing in on a year's worth of experience (at least eight months).

That said, it is very hard to get jobs cold-call style right out of college. My best advice is to (a) find ways to volunteer (maybe there is a program through an agency, say, like Lutheran Family Services, where you could bring your kid/s with you), but more than that to (b) start building relationships with the organizations and people with whom you would like to work in the future. Start networking now! The faculty at your school should, in many cases, be able to help you do that, so the best way to start is to build good one-on-one relationships with each faculty member. Do you have an advisor?