JOBSHOP
Work Experience INTRODUCTION The graduate job market has always been competitive and with an increasing number of graduates looking for work it is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Work experience will show employers that you have the practical skills they are looking for as well as the academic credentials. According to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) 86% of firms consider ‘employability skills’ to be the most important factor when recruiting graduates – even more so than their degree subjects. It lists these skills as follows:
§ § § §
Self-management Business and customer awareness Communication and literacy Team working
§ § § §
Problem solving Positive attitude Application of numeracy Application and IT
This factsheet contains information about work experience and internships and how to find work experience opportunities. TYPE OF WORK EXPERIENCE Part-time work or Casual Work This type of work is of course useful to earn extra money to support your studies, but it can also provide valuable experience. Employers see the benefit in all experience, though you will need to explain the skills you have acquired.
Voluntary work You can participate in this type of work during term time or over your holidays, either short or long term. This type of experience is particularly useful when choosing a career or to gain additional skills.
Internship Many employers offer specific programmes which provide valuable work experience as well as the chance to gain an insight into a career you may be interested in. Application deadlines are often early and competition is high.
Gap year Taking a gap year does not necessarily require travelling overseas, you can take this opportunity to work in the UK to gain experience or try out an area of work you are interested in. Travelling overseas, whether you are working or not, will be a valuable experience.
Vacation Placement These are usually specifically designed for students to participate in during one of their vacations; the placements are usually paid and can last from two to eight weeks.
Work shadowing This usually involves closely observing a professional in their daily working life to see if the job interests you. This is usually short term from a few hours to a week.
Vacation work Again this could be work to gain extra money to support your studies.
Work placement Your work placement as part of your course gives you valuable work experience.
Work taster These are short term and can give you an idea of a particular work area.