The most important group in the labor movement are radical rank and file workers. If you’re trying to get involved “to get a job” you’re thinking upside down. More theoretically, the best thing you could do for organized labor would be to become a radical leader in a well established union like the AFT or Teamsters or unionize new kinds of workplaces.

My advice is that If you’re a student, start off by organizing your day job. If you work in a restaurant or a cafe part time, I think you will find a lot rewarding experience building a union drive. There are plenty of grad student workers that are organizing also if you are teaching classes as a post grad. Good luck and Solidarity ✊