The key is to secure internships while in college. Good interns get converted to full time.
Also need to be good at selling yourself. Know how to kill it during interviews. For my current job, they were looking for a Senior with 5+ years of experience. I only had 1 but interviewed extremely well. And its the kind of role they rarely hire random external people for, they always go for referrals.
I graduated with an engineering degree in 09, when there was a recession. I had to compete with hundreds of other new grads with little opportunities for us. I had to be extra aggressive. I even applied for a role that wasnt directly related to my field but they loved me so much they offered me an engineer position. I ended up taking another, better offer but still.
What about for those of us who are looking for internships but they're only taking people currently enrolled in school
If youre not in school then youre not qualified for an internship. Seek entry level positions and apply aggressively. Write a solid cover letter. Go to job fairs, meetups, network.
Shit doesnt get handed to you in the real world.
Well then we're right back to square one aren't? No experience, no way to gain experience, and every entry level position requiring experience.
I just gave you suggestions. You just want to keep crying about it. Thats why youre failing. There are doers and there are whiners. I fucking hustled to get where Im at, during a recession of all things.
What "suggestion"? Apply to jobs "aggressively"? Write a solid cover letter? What are you gonna say next, "make sure you have a good resume!"?