The Power Of Work Experience
What is work experience?
Work experience is when a person gains practical experience with an employer by learning about a specific role in an organisation to help with their future career path. Most employers also consider volunteering work, work shadowing or internships as work experience.
Why is work experience important?
According to a recent survey UCAS carried out, two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job. This shows work experience is important as it can be one of the reasons you are selected for a role you applied for.
What are the advantages of work experience for a young person?
1)Networking: In many industries, it is all about who you know. The more work experience you undertake, the more contacts you will meet, opening you up to a wealth of opportunities in the future. Work experience can also improve your communication skills and your ability to branch out and network.
2)Explore your interests :It can be difficult to decide what job you want to do in the future. The possibilities can seem endless, which (whilst a good thing) can make choosing a career to pursue feel intimidating. The more work experience you have, you are more likely to discover what interests you and which areas your skills are most suited to.
3)Gain practical knowledge and skills: Certain skills are key to employability, such as communication, teamwork and organisation. The more work experience you do, the more chances you will have to practise these and more.
4)Secure a graduate job: With more people graduating than ever before, the job market is an increasingly competitive place. Work experience will help you build an impressive CV to appeal to potential employers.
5)Gain insight into the working world: Work experience is a great opportunity to build confidence and get used to the routines of work. It gives you a chance to practise timekeeping, maintaining the right appearance, and building relationships with colleagues.
6) Improve your CV: Work experience shows employers you are serious about finding work in your chosen area. It demonstrates that you have the initiative and drive to look beyond your studies. The more relevant work experience you have, the more attractive you will seem as a potential employee.
Ways to get work experience:
There are many ways to gain work experience, for example:
- Volunteering
- Getting a part-time job
- Going to face-to-face or virtual company events and open days
- Helping friends or family with a business
- Setting up your own small business
- Entering competitions and skill challenges like World Skills
- Internships and apprenticeships
Conclusion
In conclusion, work experience is a crucial component for anyone looking to build a successful career. It offers numerous advantages, from networking opportunities to gaining practical skills and insights into the working world. Engaging in work experience can significantly improve your employability by enhancing your CV and demonstrating your commitment to your chosen career path. Whether through volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, or other activities, acquiring work experience equips you with the necessary tools to navigate and excel in an increasingly competitive job market. By exploring your interests and honing key skills, you can make informed career choices and position yourself as a strong candidate for future employment opportunities.
If you are interested in work experience, please get in touch with the team via [email protected] or by calling 020 3691 4000.
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