Let’s talk about Work Experience

It has always been the case that employers value work experience when recruiting graduates, but the perennial problem is that work experience is so hard to find, particularly in specialist industries.

Of course, work experience is not just of use to potential employers. By gaining valuable time doing the work they eventually hope to be paid for, graduates can evaluate their own skills, shortfalls, preferences and dislikes, and determine if the field of work is truly right for them. This is where the OU School for Life programme can help.

Antonia Bowdler, School for Life Coordinator, is often approached by OUs looking for advice around work experience and one of our main goals for 2024 is to increase the opportunities available through the OU community.

We are extremely grateful to Philip Amps (Fgh 78), David Heron (C 91) and Simon Thomas (WD 78) who provided work experience opportunities this year, which Izzy Shenton (L 16), James Chalk (LH 15) and Fenella Bruce (Sa 16) benefited from enormously. Feedback from both sides has been unanimously positive and Izzy, James and Fenella have paved the way for others to follow. Each set the bar high in terms of their work ethic and attitude – we would expect nothing less from Uppinghamians! We are delighted to share their experiences…

Philip Amps (Fgh 78), Owner of Amps Wine Merchants and Izzy Shenton (L 16)

Izzy spent two months with the Amps team, based in Oundle, following an introduction from the School for Life team. She was immediately thrown in at the deep end assisting with a spring wine-tasting event for over 200 people! Izzy was given the opportunity to learn every aspect of the business, making deliveries, stock ordering, getting to grips with financial aspects and also learning about wine production, bottling, sustainability and marketing, allowing her to confidently assist customers.

Amazingly, she also found time to achieve her WSET Level 1 Award in Wines and is now sure that the wine industry is the right route for her.

“I am very grateful to Philip for the opportunity to work at Amps and would recommend it to anyone interested in wine and business!”

David Heron (C 91), CEO of Wilton & Bain and James Chalk (LH 15)

James spent an intensive two weeks with the Wilton & Bain team in their London office, thanks to a conversation with David at the OU v St Edward’s rugby match in November 2022.

James was immersed in the whole recruitment process, including sitting in on video interviews, research, mapping and CV assessment. The experience has helped him to identify his strengths and weaknesses, as well as appreciating the realities of the recruitment business, and he feels in a much better position to explore further options.

“I would like to thank David for his generosity in offering this valuable experience.”

Simon Thomas (WD 78), Executive Chairman of the Hippodrome, and Fenella Bruce (Sa 16)

Fenella spent three weeks at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square, with hands-on experience across all departments.

From assisting the events and project planning teams, as well as in the marketing and customer experience departments – Fenella gained a full understanding of the inner workings of the operation and learnt important lessons on customer service, including that “the tone you use is the tone you get back”. She also learnt how to play blackjack and poker, not to mention picking up a few tips on playing roulette!

Fenella had much to learn and absorb whilst at the Hippodrome and is grateful to everyone for their time. It has made her realise that she wants to work in a dynamic, exciting and high-energy environment.

“Thank you, Simon, and the team at the Hippodrome Casino!”

If you would be interested in offering work experience opportunities within your company, please email schoolforlife@uppingham.co.uk to arrange a chat with Antonia, she would be delighted to hear from you. If, in addition, you would like to speak to an HR professional for guidance on offering work experience opportunities, we can connect you with someone who can help.