Work experience

Work experience means you can take part in the actual work required for a particular job. 'Work shadowing' enables you to observe a person involved in a specific job.

The benefits of work experience

Work experience:

• will make you more aware of the skills, attitudes, qualifications and experience required by employers
• will give you an opportunity to learn more about yourself
• may motivate you to learn more about jobs and careers
• may create an awareness of the range of jobs within companies and help you gain insight into how industry works
• is an opportunity to learn new skills, develop people, communication and organisational skills, be part of a team, and use office equipment and IT
• will help you to understand what you enjoy and don’t enjoy about particular jobs
• will give you the chance to talk to people who are already doing the job to gain insight and knowledge
• may make you more employable and can be included in your CV
• will make school or academic learning work more relevant

Arranging work experience

You should follow these pointers when arranging work experience.

• research the job/career areas you are interested in
• have more than one idea in case your first choice does not work out
• talk to teachers, careers advisers, family and friends for advice
• if your school cannot provide a placement, check local companies or organisations (keep your teacher informed)
• if you are a student with a disability, your specific needs should be discussed with your careers teacher and the organisation/company involved

Make the most of work experience

Here is some advice to help you make the most of your work experience:

• choose work experience in a job you think you might enjoy as a career
• find out about the company and job before you go
• before you start - agree the hours you will work, who you will report to and what you will be expected to do
• make employers aware of what would like to gain from the experience
• ask as many questions as possible
• keep a record of everything you learn whilst on work experience, your may consider keeping a daily diary
• remain professional at all times and don’t complain if you get bored
• be aware of any health and dafety issues
• if you enjoyed the work experience keep in contact with the employer as it could lead to information about vacancies
• write a note of appreciation to your manager or supervisor (this creates a good impression and may help you get a reference)