Work Experience
So we all want some vocational training in the career of our choice. But where do we get the relevant work experience?
What is work experience?
Work experience is practice of your chosen career. For example if you would like to be a TV presenter your work experience could be something relevant. For example, presenting, filming, or journalism.
How can I get work experience?
One of the best ways to get work experience is by word of mouth. Do any of your family or friends work with a company who could offer you a placement? Alternatively you can apply for work experience through websites, or relevant magazines. Write letters to companies and make phone calls.
A really good kind of work experience is voluntary work. Not only will be learning new skills but you also be helping others. Employers ask about voluntary experience if you are applying for a job, and so do colleges and universities. Voluntary work experience opportunities are available locally or abroad. Here are examples of websites which have information:
www.communitybase.org (Brighton-based organisation for voluntary work)
www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk (says it all)
What other types of work experience are there?
Many universities and colleges offer work experience in a professional workplace relevant to your chosen subject. Often, you are put in a workplace at the end of the first two years of your course to help improve your skills. An example of work experience training is that offered by Bournemouth University for its Multi-Media Journalism course:
“This programme combines multi-disciplinary training in TV, radio, newspaper, magazine, and online journalism. These creative areas are enhanced by the traditional benefits of an academic education. Most colleges and universities have close contact with leading companies and professional training bodies that have strong links to get you a vocational training hands on work placement”.
Bournemouth University’s Multimedia Journalism course is accredited by three professional bodies - the BJTC, PTC, and NCTJ and was the first journalism course in the country to achieve this status.
Would I get paid during a work experience placement?
By law, all work experience placements are covered by the minimum wage regulations. For example, employers offering unemployed workers work experience to help improve their CVs should pay the relevant minimum wage. But if your work experience is endorsed by your university or college, and viewed as being beneficial to your course, then you won’t be covered by the minimum wage regulations, and often will be expected to work without pay. Employers offering such placements, even for short periods, require a letter from the student’s college or university confirming that the work placement is of benefit to the student.
Do I need to have done work experience to get into my chosen course at university or college?
It depends on each university and the popularity of your chosen subject. When you apply for a place at university and some colleges, you will have to complete a personal statement. Sometimes you may be called in for an interview. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and put as much information as possible about your involvement in the relevant field of your chosen subject. The more work experience you have, the greater your chance of being offered a place on a competitive course.
For more information about appylying to university and completing a personal statement, check out the UCAS website on: www.ucas.co.uk
Work experience is an essential part of learning. You will gain knowledge and practice new skills that can help you to get the most from your education and future career.
And here is my final advice: in life anything is possible so never give up on your dreams.
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