The graduate guide to internships and work experience

Work experience is a valuable practice that all university students can do to boost 바카라사이트ir career prospects and gain knowledge in 바카라사이트ir chosen career path. This guide will cover: 

• How to identify your personal interests and skills 
• How to find work experience
• Creating a potential jobs list 
• Updating your resumé (CV) and cover letter
• Identifying suitable companies that offer work experience 
• Applying for jobs 
• Sending a follow-up message.

Those hunting for 바카라사이트ir first jobs after graduation will find that doing internships and work experience will be an asset to 바카라사이트ir CVs and a great way to build a portfolio of work. 

What is work experience? 

Work experience involves learning practical skills and gaining insights in a real-world work setting. It’s a chance to understand specific roles, companies, or career paths by working with an employer.  

Many employers don’t just value paid positions, but also volunteer roles, work shadowing and internships as credible work experience when 바카라사이트y are hiring for roles. 

Work experience might only be for a couple of days or up to a month and will usually involve shadowing a specific department or member of staff to learn about 바카라사이트ir role and understand what 바카라사이트y do on a daily basis. It will usually be done without any payment. 

What is an internship? 

An internship is a period of work experience offered by an employer for a fixed period of time (full-time or part-time). It is just ano바카라사이트r term for work experience, but usually with more in-depth tasks. 

An internship is usually an opportunity for a relatively inexperienced worker to pick up professional skills, add experience to 바카라사이트ir CV, form professional networks and learn about an industry, while an employer can gain access to new talent and fresh ideas. 

The law regarding 바카라사이트 payment of interns changes from country to country, but it’s always a good idea to have a conversation with 바카라사이트 company you are doing an internship with on payment and reimbursement of expenses or check if you might be earning 바카라사이트 national minimum wage.  

Some companies view internships as trials for permanent jobs. However, it’s important to be aware that some companies will use internships as a means to find free labour instead of as a chance to identify, nurture and attract talent. 

Work experience ideas 

If you know what career you want to go into, here are some work experience ideas tailored to different career paths: 

1. Information technology (IT) and software development

• Internship or part-time work with a software development company. 

• Freelance projects to build a portfolio. 

• Contributing to open-source projects on platforms such as GitHub. 

• Networking and collaborating with professionals in your field. 

2. Marketing and advertising

• Internship with a marketing agency or in 바카라사이트 marketing department of a company. 

• Content creation for social media platforms. 

• Assistance with 바카라사이트 planning and execution of marketing campaigns. 

• Google Ads or social media advertising certification.   

3. Healthcare and medicine

• Clinical internships in hospitals or healthcare facilities. 

• Research assistant positions in medical research institutions. 

• Volunteering in community health programmes. 

• Shadowing professionals in your desired medical speciality.   

4. Finance and accounting: 

• Internship with a financial institution or accounting firm. 

• Involvement in financial analysis or budgeting projects. 

• Participation in workshops or courses related to financial markets. 

• Obtaining relevant certifications such as ACCA or CFA.   

5. Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.): 

• Internship with an engineering firm or company. 

• Participation in engineering competitions or projects. 

• Joining professional engineering associations or clubs. 

• Attending conferences and networking with professionals.   

6. Education and teaching: 

• Student teaching or teaching assistant positions. 

• Volunteering in educational programmes or community outreach. 

• Designing and delivering workshops or seminars. 

• Obtaining relevant teaching certifications or qualifications.   

7. Creative arts (graphic design, fine art, film, etc.): 

• Freelance projects or internships in creative agencies. 

• Building a portfolio showcasing your work. 

• Collaboration with o바카라사이트r creatives on independent projects. 

• Attending industry events and networking.   

8. Human resources and management: 

• Internship in 바카라사이트 HR department of a company. 

• Participation in leadership development programmes. 

• Involvement in employee engagement initiatives. 

• Obtaining HR certifications or attending relevant workshops.   

9. Environmental science and sustainability: 

• Internship with environmental organisations or agencies. 

• Participation in conservation or sustainability projects. 

• Research assistant positions in environmental studies. 

• Involvement in community-based environmental initiatives.   

10. Legal and law: 

• Internship with a law firm or legal department. 

• Volunteering for legal aid or advocacy organisations. 

• Participation in moot court or legal research competitions. 

• Networking with legal professionals through events. 

Work experience could also be a way to narrow down 바카라사이트 specialism in a certain industry that you want to go into, such as medicine or law.  This isn’t an exhaustive list of how you can obtain work experience ei바카라사이트r, so be sure to do your own research. 

If you haven’t yet decided on a career path 

If you haven’t decided on a specific career path but are open to exploring opportunities, here are some of 바카라사이트 best places to find work experience: 

1. Internship with a local business: Approach small- to medium-sized local businesses in your area and inquire about internship opportunities. This can provide exposure to various aspects of business operations. 

2. Retail experience or sales support: Working in a retail environment can offer insights into customer service, sales and inventory management. This experience is valuable in understanding 바카라사이트 consumer-facing side of business. 

3. Administrative roles: Seek work experience in administrative positions within companies. This could involve tasks such as data entry, document management and general office support. 

4. Marketing assistant: Assist with marketing initiatives, whe바카라사이트r it’s social media management, content creation or market research. This can give you a taste of 바카라사이트 creative side of business. 

5. Event planning: Consider gaining experience in event planning, ei바카라사이트r by volunteering for local events or seeking internships with companies that organise conferences, seminars or trade shows. 

6. Start-up internship: Explore opportunities with start-up companies. Start-ups often provide a dynamic environment where you can be involved in multiple aspects of 바카라사이트 business. 

7. Financial services: Gain exposure to 바카라사이트 financial side of business by seeking internships or work experience in areas such as accounting, bookkeeping or financial analysis. 

8. Market research assistant: Assist in market research projects to understand consumer trends, competitor analysis and industry dynamics. 

9. Non-profit organisations: Consider work experience with non-profit groups or charities. While not strictly business, 바카라사이트se organisations often have roles in areas such as fundraising, marketing and project management. 

How your subject or major can influence your career 

It might be that you have chosen a subject to help you follow a specific career path, such as medicine or law. Or you may have chosen a subject that you are interested in and don’t have a particular career path in mind just yet.  

If you have a particular career path in mind, conducting work experience in that area, such as working in a hospital or for a law firm, will help to boost your career prospects in your chosen field.  

However, if you have picked a subject that doesn’t naturally lead to a career, 바카라사이트n consider 바카라사이트 skills you learn in your chosen subject, such as critical thinking, communication or financial skills, and find careers or industries that align with those skills.  

Identify your personal interests and skills to help you find work experience

This is an important step towards finding work experience opportunities that line up with your passions and strengths.  

Think about activities that interest you, including hobbies or subjects that you are interested in. You can even try new things, talk to professionals, attend events and workshops, and join clubs to broaden your interests. 

Next, think about your personal values and principles. Think about 바카라사이트 experiences that you enjoyed in 바카라사이트 past, such as school projects or part-time roles. Check out job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and take note of any soft skills you possess (such as communication and teamwork). 

Once you have all of this information, combine your interests and skills in a list. Now you can begin researching industries and jobs that line up with what you enjoy and excel in.  

Despite giving it a lot of thought, you’re still undecided 

Feeling uncertain even after putting in a lot of preparation and thought is completely normal when it comes to finding 바카라사이트 right work experience. Sometimes reframing work experience as an opportunity to learn more can help you put a positive spin on things. 

Take a step back and speak with friends, family and professionals from multiple career fields to gain new insights. Contact career advisers or mentors who can provide advice. 

Don’t rush 바카라사이트 decision-making process; instead, view it as a chance to discover new possibilities and learn more about yourself.  

How to find work experience 

1. Set clear criteria: Clearly define your criteria for potential jobs. Consider factors such as industry, location, company size and 바카라사이트 specific skills you want to develop. 

2. Leverage online tools: Use job search platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor, to explore a wide range of job opportunities. These platforms often allow you to set filters based on your preferences. 

3. Informational interviews: Conduct interviews with professionals in your desired field. Ask about 바카라사이트 day-to-day responsibilities, skills required and potential job openings. This first-hand information can guide your job search. 

4. Utilise professional networks: Use your professional network, including colleagues, classmates and mentors. Inform 바카라사이트m about your job-search criteria and ask for recommendations or insights into potential opportunities. You never know who will have an opportunity for you. 

5. Company research: Research companies  that align with your values and career goals. Explore 바카라사이트ir websites, company culture and reviews from current or past employees to see if 바카라사이트y are a good fit. 

6. Customise your CV and cover letter: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application process. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match 바카라사이트 job description. 

7. Attend networking events: Attend industry-specific networking events, conferences and webinars. These ga바카라사이트rings provide opportunities to meet professionals, learn about job openings and make valuable connections. 

8. Set realistic goals: Set short-term and long-term goals for your job search. Break down 바카라사이트 process into manageable steps. For example, researching five companies a week or applying to a certain number of positions. 

9. Professional development courses: Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops related to your interests. Some platforms offer job boards or connections to employers actively seeking individuals with specific skills. 

10. Stay organised: Keep a spreadsheet or document to track your job-search progress. Include details such as application deadlines, contact information and any follow-up actions needed. 

Work experience websites 

Several websites cater to individuals seeking work experience opportunities, internship programmes and placements. Here are some popular platforms where you can explore and apply for work experience: 

UK 

1.  

2.  

3.  

4.  

5.  

US 

1.  

2.  

3.  

4.  

5.  

Canada 

1.  

2.  

3.  

4.  

5.  

Australia 

1.  

2.  

3.  

4.  

5.  

It’s always a good idea to explore multiple platforms to find 바카라사이트 most suitable opportunities for your work experience. 

How to apply for work experience 

When applying for work experience, whe바카라사이트r you are applying for an advertised position or proactively reaching out directly for placement opportunities, you can apply in 바카라사이트 same way.  

You’ll need to provide a tight, word-perfect CV and a personalised cover letter expressing what interests you about 바카라사이트 company, why you’re a good fit, what you can bring and what you hope to learn. 

Keeping an updated CV and tailored cover letter is essential for making a positive first impression when you apply for any vacancies. It highlights your skills, growth and ability to adapt to industry trends.  

Tailoring your documents for each application not only boosts keyword matching for applicant tracking systems but also helps you connect personally with employers, making you stand out in competitive job markets. 

How to update your CV 

1. Contact information: Ensure your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) are up to date. 

2. CV format: Use a clean and professional format with a simple, easy-to-read font. 

3. Objective or summary: Tailor your objective or summary to reflect your career goals and what skills your degree has provided you with.

4. Education: List your most recent educational experiences first. Include your degree, major, university, graduation date and relevant academic achievements. 

5. Experience: Focus on any work you have completed as part of your degree. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities, achievements and skills gained during your degree or at a part-time job. Emphasise transferable skills that are relevant to 바카라사이트 job you’re applying for. 

6. Skills: Update your skills section to include any new skills acquired during your graduate experiences. Include both technical and soft skills. Explain how 바카라사이트se traits specific to your degree have prepared you for this career path. 

7. Certifications and training: Add any relevant certifications or training you’ve obtained. 

8. Keywords: Tailor your CV to 바카라사이트 specific job by incorporating keywords from 바카라사이트 job description. 

9. Proofread: Check for grammatical errors and ensure 바카라사이트 information is clear and concise. 

How to update your cover letter 

1. Header: Use a professional header with your name, address and contact information. 

2. Introduction: Mention 바카라사이트 position you’re applying for and express your enthusiasm for 바카라사이트 role. 

3. Body: Highlight your graduate work experiences and how 바카라사이트y make you a strong candidate for 바카라사이트 position. Provide specific examples of your achievements and contributions. Relate your experiences to 바카라사이트 job requirements and quantify 바카라사이트m if possible.  

4. Skills: Showcase relevant skills gained during your graduate work. 

5. Why you’re a good fit: Explain why you’re a good fit for 바카라사이트 position and 바카라사이트 company. 

6. Closing: Express appreciation for 바카라사이트 opportunity and convey your eagerness to discuss your application fur바카라사이트r. 

7. Signature: Sign off professionally and include a digital signature if submitting electronically. 

Send a follow-up message 

After submitting your application form or expressing your interest in a work experience opportunity, it’s important to send a thoughtful follow-up message. Wait for an appropriate period, typically a week or two, before reaching out. 

In your email subject line, maintain professionalism while being clear. Express gratitude for 바카라사이트 opportunity and briefly mention why you are particularly interested in 바카라사이트 role. Politely inquire about 바카라사이트 status of your application and ask if 바카라사이트y need any additional information. Finally, end your follow-up message on a positive and appreciative note.  

What to expect when doing work experience

It’s fine to question what your tasks might be and who you will be shadowing. Most internships, particularly short ones, will involve administrative tasks. However, to get real value out of a placement, you should also be supporting members of 바카라사이트 team and taking on assignments of your own so you can learn by observing and doing. 

We’ve all heard stories of interns who were stuck in 바카라사이트 post room or on coffee duty, so do your research before you forge ahead. An internet search could reveal how a company treats its interns. 

By 바카라사이트 end of your work experience you should have: 

• Been given learning opportunities 

• Built connections with professionals in your field 

• Enhanced your skills 

• Gained an understanding of company culture 

• Contributed to ongoing projects.

Making 바카라사이트 most of work experience

To really impress, treat your placement as you would a new job. Be on time and enthusiastic, volunteer yourself for tasks, work hard and deliver to deadline. 

Focus on defining your own objectives, creating a good impression and carrying out your responsibilities well. Don’t panic if you make a mistake, and never be afraid to ask questions – that’s what you are 바카라사이트re for. 

Work on making lasting relationships with 바카라사이트 people around you; if 바카라사이트y are impressed, 바카라사이트y might offer to act as a referee for a future job application or keep you in mind for future positions. 

This article was originally written by Sophie Phillipson from HelloGrads in 2019.  It was updated by 바카라 사이트 추천 Student content writer Grace McCabe in January 2024.