DYW - Shetland
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Who are you?
    • Parents and Carers >
      • Work Placements
      • Discovering their career options
      • Choosing their next steps
      • Getting their first job
      • Unlocking their potential
    • Educators >
      • Work Placements
      • Marketplace for Education
    • Employers >
      • Work Placements
      • Take on an Apprentice
      • Ways to Engage
      • Hire a young person
      • Employer Testimonials
      • Get Involved
    • Young People >
      • My Options >
        • Apprenticeships
        • College
        • University
        • Employment
      • Work Placements
      • Career Insights
      • Careers In... >
        • Aquaculture
        • Construction
        • Early Years & Childcare
        • Energy
        • Health & Social Care
        • Food & Drink
        • Agriculture & Environment
        • Retail
        • Tourism & Hospitality
      • Get Hired >
        • The CV
        • The Job Application
        • The Job Interview
      • Stand out from the crowd >
        • 10 Ways to get Experience
        • Make the Most of Your Work Experience
        • Get Creative
  • Career Insights
  • News and Events
  • Get in Touch

Make the Most of Your Work Experience

How to go the extra mile to complete a successful placement.
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

Picture
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

Picture
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

Picture
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

Picture
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

Picture
Once you've completed your placement, note down the skills you’ve obtained and the tasks you worked on. 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. 
GET IN TOUCH   |   ABOUT US  
​TERMS & CONDITIONS   | WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY |​ CRM PRIVACY POLICY   |   COOKIE POLICY   |   ACCESSIBILITY
Proudly powered by Weebly
© 2019 Developing the Young Workforce
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Who are you?
    • Parents and Carers >
      • Work Placements
      • Discovering their career options
      • Choosing their next steps
      • Getting their first job
      • Unlocking their potential
    • Educators >
      • Work Placements
      • Marketplace for Education
    • Employers >
      • Work Placements
      • Take on an Apprentice
      • Ways to Engage
      • Hire a young person
      • Employer Testimonials
      • Get Involved
    • Young People >
      • My Options >
        • Apprenticeships
        • College
        • University
        • Employment
      • Work Placements
      • Career Insights
      • Careers In... >
        • Aquaculture
        • Construction
        • Early Years & Childcare
        • Energy
        • Health & Social Care
        • Food & Drink
        • Agriculture & Environment
        • Retail
        • Tourism & Hospitality
      • Get Hired >
        • The CV
        • The Job Application
        • The Job Interview
      • Stand out from the crowd >
        • 10 Ways to get Experience
        • Make the Most of Your Work Experience
        • Get Creative
  • Career Insights
  • News and Events
  • Get in Touch