Part-time jobs, volunteering
It’s important to remember that every type of work experience is valuable. Any work or volunteering you’ve done will equip you with a range of soft skills. You’ve just got to think about what you’ve learnt, and how this can be applied to the role.
“It all matters!” – ABB on work experience
Make the most of it
When you’re searching for work experience, really do your homework on the role and decide what you could, and want, to get out of it. This will help you convey what it is about the opportunity that excites you during the application process. But it also ensures that you’ll walk away at the end of your placement/internship with as much experience as possible.
“I put so much time into researching the role and really knowing what I wanted from it” – Industrial Placement student at GSK
Network, network, network!
Talk to as many people as you can to really get to know different areas of the company and its progression opportunities. There’s so much to learn from people’s experiences and career journeys. Plus, the relationships you build there could help you later in your career – whether you stay with the company or not!
“I networked during my internship…and that’s actually how I ended up being hired!” – Graduate at P&G
Be flexible
The point of your placement/internship is to get as much experience as possible, so it’s important to be open to trying new things. Your perfect role could be something you’d never considered trying before. And if you can, try and be flexible when it comes to location because it will give you a lot more choice and freedom.
“…saying ‘I don’t mind travelling for work’ opens you up to so many different jobs and opportunities” – SSE
And last but by no means least
Enjoy your time, wherever you are! This is your chance to follow your passions and explore what interests you.
“Have fun with it!” – the Royal Navy
