Balancing studies while gaining practical experience may seem tough, but it is essential in today’s competitive job market. Employers value candidates with real-world experience.
Whether through internships, volunteering, or campus projects, building hands-on experience while studying can set you apart and give you the confidence to step into your chosen career.
It is not just about boosting your resume — these opportunities help you develop transferable skills employers value most.
In this article, we look at how you can gain real-world experience through work-integrated learning, the benefits of doing so, and how REGENT can help you achieve this.
What is real-world experience?
Real-world experience or work-integrated learning refers to applying skills and knowledge to handle real-life situations outside the classroom. It is all about stepping away from the theory and putting it into practice.
For students, gaining real-world experience is more than a stepping stone — it is a way to understand how academic learning connects to the demands of their future careers.
Why is it important to gain real-world experience while studying?
Stepping into the real world offers invaluable lessons that cannot always be taught in textbooks. While academic studies provide a foundation, real-world experience helps you:
- Translate theory into practice: It is one thing to learn about problem-solving, but applying it in a workplace — where stakes are real — is entirely different.
- Develop soft skills: Communication, collaboration, adaptability, and decision-making are best polished in practical environments.
- Understand workplace dynamics: From deadlines to teamwork, experiencing how organisations operate gives you a preview of your future work life.
This hands-on exposure is crucial to preparing for a competitive job market where employers value qualifications and the ability to contribute from day one.
Employers also value real-world experience for the following reasons:
- Practical skills matter: The ability to demonstrate real-world application of skills through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs shows you can handle the challenges of a professional workspace. Employers know theoretical understanding does not always translate into actionable skills without real-life practice.
- Soft skills cannot be taught in class: Communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork are pivotal traits that employers value, and they can only truly be honed in real-world settings. For example, working on a university group project is helpful, but managing conflicts during a workplace internship shows you are ready for professional dynamics.
- Competitive advantage: Sonya Skipp, the CEO of iFacts, says that 86% of international HR professionals value candidate experience. They understand that internships, freelance gigs, or volunteering give a clearer picture of how you will perform in a professional setting.
Ways to gain real-world experience while studying
Gaining real-world experience as a student is more than just a boost to your CV — it is the bridge between theory and practice.
Employers today want graduates ready to tackle challenges from day one, armed with head knowledge and the practical ability to apply it.
Beyond employability, these experiences help you build confidence, adapt to new environments, and hone key skills that will serve you throughout your life and career.
Here are some of the best ways to approach work-integrated learning:
1. Internships and job shadowing
Internships and job shadowing are the most effective methods to gain hands-on industry experience. By working for a company in your chosen field, you get a sneak peek into the daily workings of that industry while learning invaluable skills along the way.
If you are thinking of doing internships, be sure to do your research beforehand. Some colleges, like REGENT, offer networking opportunities and internships so you can meet people and gain experience while studying.
2. Freelancing and part-time work
Freelancing or part-time jobs give you a chance to gain real-world experience and get paid while doing it. If you are looking for freelancing roles, you must explore skill-based roles and, ideally, do something related to your studies.
For example, if you study marketing, you can consider offering copywriting services online to build your skills. Try to find part-time opportunities or work as a contractor so you have enough time to balance your work and studies.
3. Volunteer opportunities
Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute to your community while gaining experience that could be applied to future roles. It allows you to develop soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and organisation in a non-competitive setting.
Here are some guidelines when it comes to choosing volunteering opportunities:
- Choose relevant projects: Look for volunteer roles that align closely with your career aspirations. For instance, consider working with conservation groups if you are studying environmental science.
- Look beyond the obvious: Opportunities exist across different sectors, from fundraising events to NGO work. Websites like VolunteerMatch or your university’s volunteer office can guide you.
FAQ
What are the key skills I can develop through work-integrated learning?
You can gain many skills during internships or part-time jobs, including technical skills, such as working with specific tools and software, and transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and time management.
What are internships, and how can I find them?
An internship is a short-term work experience designed to give individuals (typically students and graduates) hands-on exposure to a professional environment.
There are many different ways you can go about finding internships:
- Tap into university resources: Some universities, such as REGENT, offer student jobs on internal job boards that you can use to identify opportunities.
- Use online job portals: Besides university-specific job portals, you can also use external job portals, like Indeed or Glassdoor, to find career opportunities.
- Build your network: Knowing the right people can help open doors to internships.
Should I get a part-time job while studying?
Ultimately, whether or not you should work part-time hinges on your specific circumstances. Part-time employment may be worth pursuing if financial pressures or the desire to gain experience outweigh the challenges.
However, it is essential to identify your limits and ensure that work does not overshadow your academic responsibilities. Reflect on your goals and energy levels to find the right balance.
How REGENT helps you gain real-world experience while studying
Working while studying, whether through internships or part-time work, offers many benefits. It equips you with the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge employers value most while helping you discover your strengths and areas for growth.
If you would like to study at a college that offers you career and networking opportunities during your education, consider enrolling in one of REGENT’s undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
