In 15 Seconds
- Learning by doing rather than just reading or watching.
- Essential for resumes, interviews, and discussing personal growth.
- Focuses on the process of becoming more skilled over time.
Meaning
This phrase means to learn new things by actually doing them yourself. It is about getting better at a skill through real-life practice rather than just reading books.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
I am eager to gain experience in software development with your team.
I am eager to gain experience in software development with your team.
Talking about a hobby
I started gardening to gain experience in growing my own food.
I started gardening to gain experience in growing my own food.
Texting a friend about a bad date
Well, at least I gained some experience in what NOT to look for!
Well, at least I gained some experience in what NOT to look for!
Cultural Background
In the US, 'gaining experience' is often the primary justification for unpaid internships. German culture values 'Berufserfahrung' (professional experience) highly, often requiring it for even entry-level roles. The concept of 'tsumu' (stacking) reflects the cultural value of long-term dedication to a single craft. In the UK, 'gaining experience' is often associated with 'work placements' during university.
Use it in your CV
Always use 'gained experience' when describing past roles.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'gained experiences' unless you mean specific, separate life events.
In 15 Seconds
- Learning by doing rather than just reading or watching.
- Essential for resumes, interviews, and discussing personal growth.
- Focuses on the process of becoming more skilled over time.
What It Means
Gain experience is about the journey of learning. It means you are collecting skills through action. Think of it like a video game character leveling up. You do the work, and you get the points. It is not just about facts. It is about the wisdom you get from trying, failing, and trying again. It turns a beginner into an expert over time.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about growth. It usually follows verbs like want to, need to, or hope to. You can gain experience in a specific field, like gain experience in marketing. You can also use it generally. It sounds natural and proactive. It shows you are eager to learn. Don't forget that experience is uncountable here. You never say "gain experiences" when talking about skills!
When To Use It
Use this in job interviews to show ambition. Use it when talking to friends about a new hobby. It works well when discussing internships or volunteer work. If you are starting a new project, tell your boss you want to gain experience. It makes you sound like a team player. It is perfect for LinkedIn profiles or resumes. Even at a dinner party, you can use it to explain why you took a difficult trip.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for passive activities. You don't gain experience by watching a movie. You don't gain experience by sleeping. It requires effort and participation. Also, do not use it for one-time events. You don't gain experience by buying a coffee. That is just a transaction. If it doesn't make you better at something, choose a different word. Using it for tiny, easy tasks might make you sound a bit dramatic.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, especially in the US and UK, "hands-on" learning is highly valued. Employers often care more about your experience than your degree. There is a common saying: "Experience is the best teacher." This phrase reflects that mindset. It suggests that life is the ultimate classroom. Being an "experienced" person often commands more respect than just being a "smart" person. It implies you have survived the real world.
Common Variations
You will often hear get experience in very casual talk. Gather experience sounds a bit more poetic or formal. Build experience is great for long-term career talk. If you want to sound very professional, use acquire experience. If you are doing it very quickly, you might gain valuable experience. All of these mean you are getting smarter and more capable by doing the work.
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, all-purpose phrase. The only major 'gotcha' is the countability of the word 'experience'. Always use the singular form when talking about the accumulation of knowledge or skill.
Use it in your CV
Always use 'gained experience' when describing past roles.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'gained experiences' unless you mean specific, separate life events.
Examples
6I am eager to gain experience in software development with your team.
I am eager to gain experience in software development with your team.
Shows professional ambition and a willingness to learn.
I started gardening to gain experience in growing my own food.
I started gardening to gain experience in growing my own food.
Used for personal development and practical skills.
Well, at least I gained some experience in what NOT to look for!
Well, at least I gained some experience in what NOT to look for!
A humorous way to look at a negative situation as a lesson.
The internship helped me gain experience that I couldn't get in a classroom.
The internship helped me gain experience that I couldn't get in a classroom.
Contrasts practical learning with theoretical study.
Don't worry about the mistake; you're just gaining experience.
Don't worry about the mistake; you're just gaining experience.
Provides comfort by framing failure as a learning step.
She has gained significant experience in project management this year.
She has gained significant experience in project management this year.
Formal acknowledgment of someone's professional growth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
I want to _____ experience in marketing.
We use 'gain' with 'experience' as a standard collocation.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option.
Experience is uncountable in this context.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Gain experience
It refers to practical learning.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesI want to _____ experience in marketing.
We use 'gain' with 'experience' as a standard collocation.
Choose the best option.
Experience is uncountable in this context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It refers to practical learning.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo. Use 'I gained a lot of experience'.
It is neutral and works in almost any situation.
Related Phrases
Learn the ropes
similarTo learn how to do a job.
Hands-on experience
builds onDirect, practical experience.
Cut one's teeth
similarTo gain initial experience.
On-the-job training
specialized formLearning while working.
