Gaining work experience is more than just a way to earn a paycheck—it’s a powerful tool that helps you build real-world skills, explore different career paths, and grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking to job shadow, intern, volunteer, or seek mentorship, we provide the insights and resources you need to take the lead in your career journey.
Why Work Experience Matters
Work experience goes beyond simply working—it’s about personal growth, skill development, and career discovery. Here’s why it matters:
- Skill Development: Strengthen essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork by applying what you’ve learned in real-world situations.
- Career Exploration: Find out which industries or roles best suit your strengths and interests.
- Expand Your Network: Build connections with professionals who can guide and mentor you throughout your career.
- Boost Your Resume: Show potential employers or academic institutions that you have hands-on, relevant experience that sets you apart.
Ways to Gain Work Experience
There are plenty of ways to gain experience that will help shape your career. Here’s how you can get started:
- Job Shadowing: Spend time observing professionals in your field to get a firsthand look at what their workday involves.
- Internships: Get real, hands-on experience by contributing to projects and learning from professionals in a work environment.
- Part-Time Jobs: Balance work and other commitments while gaining valuable experience.
- Volunteering: Use your time and skills to help causes that matter to you, all while gaining leadership experience, problem-solving skills, and expanding your network.
- Mentorship Programmes: A mentor can provide personalised feedback, career guidance, and support as you navigate your path.
How to Request Job Shadowing and Mentorship Opportunities
Both job shadowing and mentorship offer unique learning opportunities. Here’s how to request these experiences:
Job Shadowing:
- Identify Professionals: Look for individuals or companies in your field of interest that inspire you.
- Make Your Request: Politely ask for the opportunity to shadow them, being clear about what you hope to learn.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back after a week, follow up with a polite reminder to express your continued interest.
Mentorship:
- Find a Mentor: Look for professionals with experience in your chosen field. Many companies and industry groups have formal mentorship programmes.
- Determine What they value: Either do your research or ask them directly in order to understand common ground on values.
- Define Your Offer: One way to be ahead is to also offer something to your mentor that will also add value to them if possible, such as assisting with an admin task or offering your skills.
- Ask for Guidance: Reach out to potential mentors respectfully, explaining your career goals and why you’d appreciate their advice and what you are willing to offer. Clarify how often you’d like to meet and what areas you’d like support in.
Maximising Your Work Experience
Make the most of your experience by actively engaging and being proactive. Here’s how you can take the lead in maximising your work experience:
- Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve—whether it’s developing a new skill or learning more about an industry.
- Be Proactive: Ask questions, seek feedback, and take on challenges to show your initiative.
- Document Your Progress: Keep track of your accomplishments and experiences to reflect on later and update your resume.
- Network: Build and nurture relationships with professionals you meet during your work experience, as they could offer future opportunities or mentorship.
Supporting Your Journey
We’re here to support you with a range of resources to help you succeed:
- Free Level Up Courses: Build core skills like communication, leadership, and time management.
- Short Learning Programmes (SLPs): Dive deeper into key industries and skills to boost your career prospects.
- Volunteering and Mentorship Guides: Access our guides to find the right volunteer opportunities and develop meaningful mentor relationships.
- Career Exploration Tools: Explore different industries, roles, and the skills required to succeed in our career resources.
Why Volunteering and Mentorship Matter
Both volunteering and mentorship provide invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth:
- Volunteering: It’s a chance to give back to your community while building skills like leadership and teamwork. It also helps you expand your network and gain relevant experience that will enhance your resume.
- Mentorship: A mentor can offer personalised career advice, help you overcome challenges, and connect you with new opportunities. Establishing a long-term relationship with a mentor can accelerate your professional growth and set you up for success.
Next Steps: Take the Lead in Your Career
Your work experience is just the beginning. To take the lead in your career, follow these next steps:
- Reflect on What You’ve Learned: Consider how your experience fits into your long-term career goals.
- Update Your Resume: Add new skills, experiences, and accomplishments to make your resume stand out.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with professionals, mentors, and colleagues you met during your work experience.
- Keep Learning: Continue developing your skills and industry knowledge with our SLPs and Level Up courses
