Thinking about a career, but not sure if it’s going to be the right fit? Work experience is a great way to get a taste of a job and build some important skills. So if you’re thinking of going on work experience, this blog will provide you with practical tips and advice to help you prepare, and come out the other end feeling more secure about your career choices.
The value of work experience
Work experience can serve as a stepping stone towards your future career. It offers a glimpse into the world of work and can help you develop essential skills, gain industry insights, and make informed decisions about your future.
If you’re prepared and keen to learn, you can maximise the value of the experience and maybe even solidify your future career choices.
Before work experience tips
If you have a work experience placement coming up, here are some tips to help ensure you’re ready for your first day and make a great first impression.
Do some research
Before you begin your placement, do some research about the company or organisation you’ll be joining. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the work they do. This will show the employer you’re keen and will take the opportunity seriously, and allows you to ask more relevant, thoughtful questions.
Set a couple of goals
It’s also a good idea to set specific goals for what you hope to achieve during your placement. Your goals don’t need to be huge, and you don’t have to set heaps – think of them more like a roadmap to figure out exactly what it is you want to get out of this experience.
Whether it’s finding out more about a particular role, making connections, or learning something new, having clear objectives can guide your efforts and make your experience more meaningful.
Don’t forget the dress code
First impressions matter, and dressing appropriately is a big part of making your first impression a good one. Find out the dress code at the workplace and ensure your attire is clean, neat, and aligned with their expectations.
During work experience tips
Your placement is about more than just learning about a particular job – it’s about building your skills and confidence, experiencing the world of work, and starting to make connections and decisions for your future. Here are some tips on how you can get the most value out of work experience.
Showcase your professionalism
Remember to maintain a professional demeanour throughout your work experience. This includes things like being polite and respectful to colleagues, showing up on time, and a having positive attitude. These habits will demonstrate your enthusiasm and leave a lasting impression (and could net you a positive reference at the end of your placement).
Network and build relationships
Work experience provides an excellent opportunity to network and build valuable professional connections. So take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, ask about their roles, and learn about the journeys they took to get to where they are today. Actively participate in team activities and engage in conversations, showing genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn.
It might seem a bit scary, but building these relationships now can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship.
Embrace challenges
During your placement, you may encounter unfamiliar terms, ideas, or situations. Embrace these as learning opportunities and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This is your chance to seek knowledge in an environment outside of school – and it might be one you find yourself thriving in.
Seek feedback
While it’s great to push yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification when needed too. Seek feedback from your supervisor or other workers to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask lots and lots of questions either. Your employer and the other workers understand you’re there to learn and will be more than happy to answer, so take advantage of their expert knowledge while you have the opportunity.
Write everything down
We all like to think we have the memory of an elephant, but it’s easy to forget things, even if they seem important at the time. If you can, bring a notebook and pen and take down notes as much as you can – even if you need to look back in a year’s time, all the information will still be there.
After work experience tips
Once you’ve said your goodbyes and headed home, there are still things you can learn. Here are some tips to help you find value post-work experience.
Reflect on your experience
Take time to think back on the lessons you’ve learned and the skills you’ve acquired. Consider how this experience has shaped your understanding of your chosen career path and identify areas you’d like to explore further. A little bit of reflection can help you make informed decisions about your future studies and career aspirations.
Ask for a reference
If you feel like you made a great impression and would be keen to find similar work down the track, you can ask your employer for a reference. That way when you’re applying for jobs or courses in the future, you know you’ll have someone who can back up your skills and experience.
Follow up
We talked earlier about making connections – and an important part of making connections is keeping in touch. You could follow the company on social media, connect with your co-workers on LinkedIn (just make sure they’re comfortable with it first), or even ask about ongoing mentoring.
Find out more
Remember, work experience could be a stepping stone to your future; so stay positive, be proactive, and make the most of any opportunities that come your way. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy your work experience and learn a thing or two as well.
You can find more blogs and advice about preparing for work experience here. Or if you’re keen to get started, you can search for opportunities here.