Work Experience Ideas
Where do I start?
Doing a work experience placement is a great way to find out whether a certain type of career is for you. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, build contacts and experience what it’s like working in a real 9-5 job.
But that’s not all.
According to an employer survey carried out by Gumtree, some 90% of employers thought that work experience was essential for anyone applying for jobs in the current climate. The survey found that job applicants with good work experience were seen as more knowledgeable (67%), more confident (44%) and more committed (40%).
So, we know that work experience can do you the world of good when it comes to looking for jobs in the future, but how can you come up with the best work experience ideas?
Knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life when you’re 16 is no mean feat and unless you have a particular career in mind, finding good work experience places can be tough. We all have those friends who know whole-heartedly that they want to be doctors, lawyers and teachers, but what about the rest of us? What about those of us who just don’t know?
Well, as a starting point, we recommend that you follow your passions. What are you interested in? If you’re a music fan, maybe your perfect work experience placement would be in a music shop? If you’re an animal lover, then why not contact your local farm, zoo or stables for opportunities?
'If you’re stuck for work experience ideas, start by focusing on your passions'
Whatever it is that gets you out of bed on Saturday mornings, this could be the very thing that you’d love to do for work experience.
Once you have a general idea of where you’d like to work for your week’s placement, the next step is to go out and find opportunities.
Finding the best work experience places is all about reaching out to employers early.