Work experience is a great opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience in the world of work. It's definitely worth doing if you're interested in finding out more about a particular industry before going on to do any further training in that subject. On a placement you'll get the chance to meet other employees, perform tasks and gain insight into the day-to-day running of a business. For many young people starting a work placement can be daunting, but once you meet everyone and settle in it can be a truly rewarding experience. Here are some tips on how to make the most of it...
Good First Impression |
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First impressions count, so make sure you are dressed suitably and turn up on time. If you're unsure of your placement's dress code, call or email before you start to check.
Even if you're a bit nervous, be enthusiastic and show a positive attitude to your work. You will get more opportunities if you show that you have a great work ethic and a friendly nature. |
Introduce Yourself |
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You're likely to meet a few different people during your time on your work placement. Try to introduce yourself to everyone you will be working with and don’t forget to smile.
If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your colleagues about what they do within their role and how they got where they are. You could even ask if they have any tips on how you can move up in the industry – this shows you are interested. |
Listen and Ask |
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Note down your list of tasks to help you to keep on top of your to-do list.
If you don’t understand something or don’t know how to do it, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of your colleagues will have been in your position at some point in their lives, so will be happy to assist you. Be polite and always remember to thank anyone who helps you out during your placement. |
Go the Extra Mile |
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When speaking to employees, show an interest in what they are currently involved in. If you have time, offer to help them with their workload. This shows you are keen and willing to support the team.
If you start to run out of tasks to complete, don't wait to be assigned more work. Show initiative by letting your manager know in advance – this will show you are keen and proactive. |
Make Notes |
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Once you've completed your placement, note down the skills you’ve obtained and the tasks you worked on. Sometimes it is not always obvious the skills you have used, and it can be helpful to ask the people you have worked with about what skills you have been using while on the placement. Also, think about what you have personally gained from the experience and write it down. This will help when adding the placement to your CV and will also give you examples to talk about at future job interviews.
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