Think you need years of experience to get hired? Think again.
Many students arrive at UF eager to get involved, build their skills, and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Erica Lamon, a Gator who started in Summer B majoring in Digital Arts with minors in Entomology & Nematology and Media Production, Management, & Technology, chose to start that journey early. While still in high school, she began applying for positions at UF and ultimately secured a role at the Graphics and Copy Center before starting her first fall semester.
In this Q&A, Erica shares how she approached the job search process, navigated challenges, and built experience before beginning her first fall semester at UF. You’ll learn:
- How Erica landed an on-campus job before her first fall semester
- The experiences and skills she highlighted as a new student
- Advice for Gators looking to gain experience and build confidence
Making the Most of Her First Semester
Before arriving at UF full-time, Erica had already started thinking about how she could gain professional experience, develop new skills, and build connections on campus. While still in high school, she explored opportunities through the UF Careers website and applied for positions that matched her interests, as well as opportunities that would allow her to learn something new.
“I was looking for opportunities to gain experience and learn new skills. I wasn’t limiting myself to jobs directly connected to my major.”
That approach paid off. Erica secured a position at the Graphics and Copy Center, where she continues to develop workplace skills while balancing academics. During our conversation, she also shared exciting news: she recently accepted a Muse Internship at the Harn Museum, where she will work alongside museum professionals and explore the intersection of art, technology, and visitor engagement.
Building a Resume Without Formal Work Experience
One misconception many first-year students have is that they need previous jobs before applying for new ones. Erica’s experience proves otherwise. When preparing her applications, she highlighted:
- Leadership roles from high school
- Volunteer experiences
- Communication skills
- Extracurricular involvement
- Examples of responsibility and initiative
She also recommends using Quinncia to strengthen your resume.
“Be specific about what you’ve done, and whenever possible, include numbers or measurable impact. It also helps make your resume easier for employers and applicant tracking systems to review.”
Handling Setbacks and Staying Persistent
Not every job search follows a straight path. At one point, Erica had successfully completed the interview process and was preparing to start a new role when the employer’s hiring needs unexpectedly changed. As a result, the position was no longer available, and she found herself back in the application and interviewing process. While the situation was disappointing, Erica stayed focused and continued pursuing other opportunities. That persistence ultimately led her to the position she holds today.
Another challenge? Waiting.
Hiring timelines are often longer than students expect. Background checks, interview scheduling, and internal approvals can create significant delays between submitting an application and receiving an update. Erica’s advice is simple: keep applying. Don’t just focus on a single opportunity. Keep exploring opportunities, following up when appropriate, and staying proactive throughout your job search while you wait.
The Skills That Helped Erica Stand Out
When asked what helped her earn her campus position, Erica pointed to three key qualities:
1. Communication Skills
She demonstrated professionalism and confidence throughout the hiring process.
2. Leadership Experience
Previous involvement in volunteer and leadership roles provided examples she could discuss during interviews.
3. Willingness to Learn
Perhaps most importantly, Erica was honest about what she did not know. She openly shared that she had never worked with printers or spreadsheets before, but emphasized her eagerness to learn. Employers appreciated her honesty and growth mindset.
You do not need to know everything to be hired. Employers often look for potential just as much as experience.
A Simple Tool That Keeps Everything Organized
One piece of advice Erica strongly recommends to incoming students is using a scheduling system. One of her favorite tools this summer is Google Calendar.
Between classes, organizations, work, events, and personal commitments, college schedules can fill up quickly. Having a system to manage responsibilities can help prevent missed deadlines and unnecessary stress.
Final Takeaway
Erica’s story is not about having the perfect resume or extensive work experience. It’s about recognizing opportunities, taking initiative, and being willing to learn.
By highlighting leadership experiences, staying persistent through setbacks, and applying for opportunities even when she didn’t meet every qualification, Erica built valuable experience before her first fall semester at UF.
Her advice to fellow students is simple: Don’t wait until you feel perfectly qualified. Start exploring opportunities, apply for positions that interest you, and trust that your experiences, leadership, and willingness to learn already have value.
Ready to Start Building Experience?
Meet employers hiring UF students at the Part-Time Job Fair.
September 2, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Reitz Union North Entrance
Whether you’re looking for your first job, hoping to gain experience related to your interests, or simply exploring your options, the Part-Time Job Fair is a great place to start.
