Work experience involves working for an organisation so that you can explore your career options, learn about a job and gain skills. There are many types of work experience, from school work programmes to internships and voluntary work.
Job shadowing gives you the experience of following a person in their job for a few hours, a day, or a few days. Ask someone you or your family knows if you can observe them. You can also request a contact through a professional association or school program.
Volunteering is unpaid work. You can gain skills like writing, child care, teaching, coaching, fundraising, mentoring, sales, phone answering, organizing materials, construction, arts, and more.
Call, email or stop in at a nonprofit or school you’d like to volunteer for, and ask about opportunities. Many provide training.
An internship is a short-term job that may be paid or unpaid, that gives you experience in a real workplace. Internships can be at a company, a store, a school, a government office, or a nonprofit. To find one that's right for you, try the following:
– Visit an internship office at a high school, college, or employment program – Use an online internship finder – Contact the Human Resources office of a business or other workplace you're interested in
Did you realize you develop valuable work skills when you do small jobs for friends, family, or neighbors? You might try mowing lawns, raking leaves, doing other yard work, babysitting, taking care of pets, or helping an elderly person with chores.
To get paying jobs, ask neighbors and family friends if they need help. List your services at school, put up signs on area bulletin boards, or post on a neighborhood services website.
Participating in clubs, sports, theater, music, dance, religious organizations, and other community activities can be fun and develop your skills. Include these on your resume. Find activities through school districts, community education, local arts groups, religious organizations, and the public library.
All T Levels and traineeships will include work experience. You may be able to do work experience as part of a vocational technical qualification (VTQ) and some degree courses.
Work experience might be one day a week over a few months or full time for a few weeks. You may have a placement officer or tutor who can help you find work experience during your course.