10 Ways to Get Experience

Boost your confidence, build your CV and impress at an interview

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

​You can learn lots of skills through additional activities such as:

• Duke of Edinburgh Award - develops key skills like team work, communication and leadership
• Becoming a prefect, a student rep or a buddy – demonstrates your ability to take responsibility
• Organising events or fundraising - shows time management and problem-solving ability

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS

• Joining a sports team develops key skills such as working as part of a team and achieving goals
• Being part of a music or drama club will develop confidence, creativity and communication
• Do you have a favourite subject? Why not join an academic team such as the Maths or English club. This can help to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or further study.

​WORK SHADOWING

​Why not see if you can observe a real-life workplace? This gives you an idea of a working day and you can see what the work environment is like and what career options are available.

PART-TIME WORK

​Getting work experience during the summer holidays shows employers that you are dedicated and hard-working. Having a part-time job will give you good experience as well as some extra cash! Part-time work is valued by future employers even if it is not relevant to the career you want.

VOLUNTEER

​There are lots of opportunities to make a difference in the local community, especially in charity shops. This can give you experience and skills employers are looking for including customer service, cash handling, team work and many more. Volunteering will also give you confidence working with people.

TRAVEL THE WORLD

By working while travelling, you can gain valuable experience that you can add to your CV or discuss at interview. You can do this by volunteering or getting a job, and it demonstrates a can-do attitude, independence and initiative.

INTERNSHIPS

​An internship can give you a head start within your preferred career, especially in a competitive industry. Completing an internship will allow you to show the employer what skills you can bring and is a great first step towards your career goal.

​WORK EXPERIENCE

​This is a great option if you are unsure of what industry you would like to work in. There are lots of opportunities to find a work placement in your local area. Some employers may offer a job opportunity when the work placement is complete.

​DO JOBS FOR NEIGHBOURS OR RELATIVES

This can be in the form of cutting grass, walking a dog or painting a fence. This experience will show employers that you are helpful and have a good work ethic.

TRAINING COURSES

• It is possible to complete training courses which will help to build your skills and confidence. These can last a few days, several weeks, or longer.
• Courses can be in a specific sector, for example, hospitality, or they can be more general courses which can help your overall employability skills.
• Speak to your local career advisor or pop into your local college to find out what’s available.