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.
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Page updated on September 5th, 2023 at 11:57am
