New college graduates are often frustrated with the need to have experience to land entry-level jobs, but you can avoid that frustration through volunteer opportunities. As The Career Center points out:
"Why would you work for free? To gain experience and expand your connections!
Volunteering can help you explore your career and personal interests; discover hidden talents; refine your interpersonal, communication and leadership skills; help you develop a network and references; and of course strengthen your resume."
https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/students/resume/skills
There are numerous NRES-related volunteer opportunities available in the Champaign-Urbana area; some are even on campus. Previous NRES students have gained great experience volunteering for:
The Office of Volunteer Programs provides information about a wide range volunteer opportunities in the area. If you are seeking winter or summer break opportunities in the Chicago area, the Chicagoland Environmental Network maintains lists of volunteer opportunities and jobs/internships.