Get a taste of what your career could look like
Work experience is designed to help you learn more about a career you're interested in before you pick your senior subjects
Work Experience can change how you view your options
It’s a smart idea, and it gives you a chance to try out a career you’ve been considering before you tie yourself in to subject selection.
Reading about a career, or even hearing stories from people employed in the profession isn’t the same as actually seeing it for yourself. It’s possible that you’ll finish work experience positive about your future, and sure about your choices, but you could also rule out a career if it doesn’t actually suit you.
Work Experience Facts
Students generally undertake work experience in Year 9 or 10 (or both), for around a week at a time
You can complete it in term or in the holidays, your school will know about it, and your ‘employer’ will be asked to report back on how you performed, and if you participated.
Work experience is an opportunity
That means that other people are doing something for your benefit, without asking for anything in return. Once you leave school opportunities like this become more difficult to find, so we always recommend that students should take advantage of work experience.
You won’t be paid for your time
And that’s because generally any work you may perform needs to be supervised and checked. Plus, your ‘employer’ will have invested time and energy into creating an experience solely for your benefit, without expecting anything in return.
You can do work experience as part of your school’s program, or you can source your own work experience
As the job market gets more competitive work experience is becoming the norm for job applicants, and many tertiary students undertake work experience as part of their qualification. So if you’ve missed your school’s program, or the work experience you’ve already done didn’t answer your questions, then see if you can organise some more.
There are thousands of opportunities across a huge range of industries
But you’ll learn more if you try a job you are seriously considering, rather than choosing the ‘fun’ option. Put simply, if you don’t really want to work with animals then don’t apply to do work experience at the zoo.
Why do you need Work Experience?
There are many benefits to work experience. Basically, it’s a free opportunity that could help you score a great job:
- People are more likely to hire you if you’ve tried a job and still like it
- It shows you have initiative and can try new things
- You’ll have an opportunity to get a valuable reference from your ‘employer’
- Network, meet potential future employers, find out about their graduate positions or if they offer apprenticeships and traineeships
So how do I find Work Experience?
It’s easier than you think
Look for advertised opportunities
- Either see what is out there and apply for a position – we often share opportunities in our newsletters and if you like the look of something then apply for it;
- Or, search for a position in a field you’re considering.
Do you know someone with an interesting job?
Approach them (politely) and ask if they could host you for the week.
If they can’t, ask them if you can spend a day, or even just a couple of hours with them at work to see what it’s like.
Ask around
Many of the best opportunities aren’t advertised. If you’re interested in work experience at a particular business then ask if they have an online application process for work experience, otherwise, try putting together a cover letter and CV then applying as you would for a job.
And remember to explain why you’re interested in work experience with them in your cover letter.
Ask your Careers Advisor or Guidance Counsellor
They’ll have a list of work experience opportunities for you to ponder, and can suggest local businesses that may take you.
Make the most of this valuable opportunity
Who knows, you might find the career of your dreams. Take the chance to clarify your thoughts and refine your list of possible career options, then use that information to pick your Year 11/12 subjects wisely.