Work experience
From CareersWiki
Why is work experience important?
Employers and postgraduate course selectors look for evidence of skills such as teamwork, communication, flexibility, initiative and problem solving, and the work environment is an ideal place to develop them. Crucially, relevant work experience is essential for some career areas and a big advantage for most.
Enhancing your employability isn’t the only reason to get some work experience; there are various other benefits too. Work experience:-
- may lead to a permanent job offer
- helps you test out career options
- improves your knowledge of yourself and builds your confidence
- bridges the sometimes intimidating gap between university and the world of work
- may allow you to earn extra money - many forms of work experience are paid
- helps you make future contacts who could act as referees, give you careers advice or alert you to vacancies
- every interview you go to for a work-experience placement or part-time job will improve your technique for job interviews later on
- international students who gain some work experience in the UK can benefit in many ways – from developing English language skills to gaining an insight into the UK’s working culture, as well as all the benefits outlined above.
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Students who apply for internships in the United States may find that employers demand university recognition of their internship experience. The employer often speaks of a need for academic credit recognition which the University cannot offer for assessment reasons. However, in practice, such employers' requirements can usually be met by informing them that a satisfactory written report on the internship will gain credit towards the Certificate in Career Development. If the employer wishes for individualised confirmation from the University for this purpose, please direct their enquiry to the Director of the Careers Centre, Mr Paul Brown. Email: pfb1@st-andrews.ac.uk. Also, please reference Working in the US and Internships in the US for more information on how to obtain internships and employment in the United States. |
Making the most of your work experience
Whatever type of work you do ensure you really make the most of it!
Show up on time, dress appropriately, be enthusiastic and helpful, ask great questions, put forward your ideas and suggestions, and offer to make tea/do photocopying as well as being involved with the more exciting tasks.
Remember to keep a note of any particular achievements you manage to notch up, as well as any nuggets of praise you receive. These will come in handy when answering tricky questions in future job applications and interviews.
