In 15 Seconds
- Learning by doing a specific task or job.
- Moving from theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world skills.
- A vital phrase for resumes, interviews, and career growth.
Meaning
This phrase means to learn new skills or gain knowledge by actually doing a job or activity yourself. It is about moving from theory to real-world practice.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
I want to join this firm to get experience in corporate law.
I want to join this firm to get experience in corporate law.
Giving advice to a younger sibling
You should volunteer at the shelter to get experience with animals.
You should volunteer at the shelter to get experience with animals.
Texting a friend about a new internship
The pay is low, but I'll get experience with coding.
The pay is low, but I'll get experience with coding.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'getting experience' is often synonymous with 'interning'. It is a rite of passage for students. Similar to the US, but 'work experience' is often a specific term for short-term placements for teenagers. Experience is often valued through long-term tenure at a single company ('shushin koyo'). The 'Ausbildung' (apprenticeship) system is the primary way to 'get experience' in trade fields.
Uncountable Noun
Remember that 'experience' is uncountable when you mean 'general knowledge'. Never say 'experiences' unless you are talking about specific, separate events.
Resume Power
Use 'gained experience' in your resume to sound more professional than 'got experience'.
In 15 Seconds
- Learning by doing a specific task or job.
- Moving from theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world skills.
- A vital phrase for resumes, interviews, and career growth.
What It Means
Get experience is about getting your hands dirty. It means you are not just reading books anymore. You are out in the world doing the work. Think of it like a video game. You need to complete missions to level up. In real life, those missions are your 'experience'. It is the process of turning a 'newbie' into a 'pro'.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about growth. It usually follows a verb like need or want. You can say I need to get experience. You can also add a field of study. For example, get experience in marketing. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it for jobs, hobbies, or even life skills. Just remember it is an uncountable noun here. Never say 'get an experience' for work. That sounds like you went on a roller coaster!
When To Use It
Use it during job interviews. It shows you are eager to learn. Use it when talking to a mentor. It sounds proactive and driven. You can use it when discussing a new hobby. 'I want to get experience with oil painting.' It works perfectly in professional emails too. It is the gold standard for career discussions. Use it when you are starting something new.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for one-time events. If you went to a party, you 'had an experience'. You didn't get experience. Avoid using it for passive things. You don't get experience by watching TV. You get it by doing. Also, don't use it for feelings. You don't get experience in being sad. That just sounds robotic and strange.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, 'experience' is king. Many entry-level jobs ironically require it. This creates the famous 'Catch-22' situation. You need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get the job! Because of this, the phrase is often linked to internships or volunteering. It is seen as a rite of passage for young adults.
Common Variations
You will often hear gain experience. This is slightly more formal. Pick up experience is more casual. It sounds like you found it along the way. Some people say get some hands-on experience. This emphasizes that you are physically doing the work. It is a favorite phrase of hiring managers everywhere.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. The biggest mistake is treating 'experience' as a countable noun in a professional context.
Uncountable Noun
Remember that 'experience' is uncountable when you mean 'general knowledge'. Never say 'experiences' unless you are talking about specific, separate events.
Resume Power
Use 'gained experience' in your resume to sound more professional than 'got experience'.
Examples
6I want to join this firm to get experience in corporate law.
I want to join this firm to get experience in corporate law.
Shows ambition and a specific goal.
You should volunteer at the shelter to get experience with animals.
You should volunteer at the shelter to get experience with animals.
Suggests a practical way to learn.
The pay is low, but I'll get experience with coding.
The pay is low, but I'll get experience with coding.
Focuses on the long-term benefit over immediate money.
Well, at least I'm getting experience in how not to act on a date!
Well, at least I'm getting experience in how not to act on a date!
Uses the phrase sarcastically to find a silver lining.
It's hard to get experience when no one will hire a beginner.
It's hard to get experience when no one will hire a beginner.
Expresses a common frustration in the job market.
I'm trying to get experience in gardening by helping my neighbor.
I'm trying to get experience in gardening by helping my neighbor.
Applies the phrase to a personal interest.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
I want to get experience ___ web design.
We use 'in' for fields of study or work.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
Experience is an uncountable noun in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI want to get experience ___ web design.
We use 'in' for fields of study or work.
Choose the correct sentence.
Experience is an uncountable noun in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsOnly if you mean you have had many different events happen to you. If you mean professional skill, say 'I have a lot of experience'.
It is neutral. Use 'gain experience' for formal writing.
Related Phrases
Gain experience
synonymTo acquire experience.
Hands-on experience
specialized formDirect, practical experience.
Learn the ropes
similarTo learn how to do a job.
Get under one's belt
similarTo have achieved something.
