Q: I’m frustrated. I graduated college in May, thinking that my degree would open doors of opportunity. Well, it hasn’t. If a door opens, it shuts immediately because I don’t have the experience the companies are looking for. How am I supposed to have experience if I’ve just finished college?

A: Many new graduates are sharing that same frustration. How can you get experience when you can’t get hired because you don’t have any experience? Here are two big things you can do to pry those doors open: volunteer and apprentice.

Non-profit organizations use their profits to pursue their goals of making a difference. If you want a career in NPO’s, volunteer where you believe in the goals they pursue. Examples of NPO’s are charities, foundations, advocacy groups, religious groups, trade associations, and public arts organizations. When volunteering demonstrate your willingness to learn what they’re about; roll up your sleeves, do what’s asked, and be reliable and respectful of people and purpose.

For profit companies make money for the company, investors and reinvestment. If you want to work where that’s your goal, learn how they work, who does what, why and when, that results in a profitable outcome. They may not hire you right out of school, but they may take you on as free labor. Your objective is to learn as much as you can, as quickly as you can, while showing your willingness to do what you can to benefit the company. If you play your cards right, the company might turn that apprenticeship into a paying job.