On this page we outline
Is this career right for me?
Work experience or work-related learning, at any age can help you find out if a career is right for you.
Work experience is not usually paid, but you might get help with any expenses or travel costs.
You can gain experience by:
- volunteering
- a part- time job
- helping friends or family with a business,
- entering enterprise competitions
- skills challenges (like DofE or NCS)
- internship
Getting some work experience offers you the chance to: - Improve your skills - Boost your chances of getting a job - Look great on your CV - Show you have the right attitude - Give you experience of working with others and completing various tasks - Provide you with some contacts which could help you get a part time job or an apprenticeship
“How do I find work experience?”
Your school or college may require work experience either as a part of your course, or offer it as an optional extra.
They can help you search and apply for vacancies too.
Find a placement of your own:
- Try asking friends or neighbours.
- Contact local employers.
- Follow companies on social media and look out for any work experience opportunities.
For extra tips and advice visit work experience advice on National Careers Website.
“Where can I do Virtual work experience or get Work Inspiration?”
Virtual work experience is a growing area. It is also referred to as online, remote or e-experience. It can give you the opportunity to complete work experience from home or it can give you a taster of what it might be like to work in that company or career.
For more information on virtual work opportunities:
- Ask your school or college’s career department.
Look at these sites for current opportunities:
Workfinder, Springpod, Speakers for Schools or BarclaysLifeSkills
“Should I do an Internship?”
An internship is a fixed period of work experience with an organisation which offers experience of a particular industry in a working environment.
Internships:
- are a popular choice for students and undergraduates to get experience of the field they are studying.
- can last from a few weeks in the summer holidays, up to a year as part of a higher education course or graduate internship.
Internships should be paid but this will depend on whether or not you are classed as a ‘worker’.
For information on the difference between paid and unpaid internships and advice on your rights, read this guidance from Gov.UK: Making internships work, an intern’s guide.
Are you a young person with additional needs?
Find out about support and opportunities to find work or training.
Read more on 'Next Steps' in our additional needs section.
You Might be Interested in....
Page updated on September 12th, 2024 at 01:54pm