Finding work experience and volunteering opportunities
Why is it important?
Whilst studying at University it is also important to gain and develop key skills to make yourself more employable once you have graduated. Work experience gives you real-life employability skills that are invaluable when applying for a job as a graduate. Employers expect a range of transferable skills when they recruit graduates; skills will vary but will normally include things like problem solving, analytical skills, team skills and commercial awareness. By taking action early you will be able to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
What’s the difference?
There are many different types of work experience out there and it is important to find out which is right for you, whether it’s paid or unpaid, formal or informal, or dependant on how much time you have to dedicate. Below is a list of the types of work experience and what they involve:
- Work placements –This could be paid or unpaid work that takes place in the summer or Christmas vacation period.
- Sandwich placements – This is paid employment within an organisation that lasts one year and is part of your degree course. You will be assessed during this period and can earn credits towards your degree.
- Internships – This is usually paid work within an organisation for a short period of time, undertaken towards the end of your studies. This will give you the opportunity to gain a high-level of experience in a job that relates to your chosen career goal.
- Vacation work – This is paid work that can be either part-time or temporary, which can help you broaden your experience.
- Part-time work – This is usually paid work undertaken during your time at university, which can help you develop a broad range of employability skills.
- Voluntary work – This is can be paid or unpaid work that you undertake in your own spare time – depending on how much time you can dedicate.
The advice and information in this section can help you find work experience; based on what you want to gain from it and how much time you have to give.
We have also put together a Knowledge Bank to provide you with virtual careers resources; helping you to find further information on volunteering, work experience, vacation schemes, internships and placements.
