What is it?
Work Experience is basically an episode of work experience, offered by an organisation, usually lasting for a fixed, limited period of time. Work Experiences are usually undertaken by students and graduates looking to gain relevant skills and experience in a particular field.
Employers frequently use these placements to assess a student’s or graduate’s capability and often recruit employees from their interns rather than advertising their vacancies externally. You should therefore apply for a Work Experience which you have a real interest in.
How long do they last?
Work Experiences can last from a few weeks during the summer holidays to a year depending on the sector and employer. Student Work Experiences tend to be shorter in length than graduate Work Experiences. In the case of medical training, for example, you might be labelled as an ‘intern’ until you progress to the next professional level.
Usuall Work Experiences are not accredited by universities as part of courses but may be accredited or formally acknowledged by professional training organisations. For example, experience gained on an accountancy Work Experience may count towards The ACCA Qualification, which is required to become a qualified accountant.
Will I be paid for an Work Experience?
There is a lot of controversy surrounding whether those carrying out work experience should be paid.
You should receive at least the National Minimum Wage in the UK if you are performing the role of a worker. The most telling factors of a worker role are set hours, duties or responsibilities. However, you should consider the arrangement as a whole in determining your right to pay – work experience should be for your benefit, not the employer’s. If you are a part of the commercial operation of a business, you’re likely to be entitled to payment.
However there are exemptions:
- a sandwich placement that is part of a higher education course;
- work shadowing;
- working for a registered charity;
- undertaking work experience as part of ‘Back to Work’, or similar, schemes with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you need clarification, contact the pay and work rights ACAS helpline on 0300 123 1100, or visit Employment rights and pay for interns – GOV.UK.
Where can I find Work Experiences?
To find Work Experiences in the UK:
- Graduate Talent Pool – government website designed to help new and recent graduates find Work Experiences across the public, private and third sectors.
For international Work Experiences, search:
- AIESEC UK – facilitates international student exchanges through paid traineeships and other schemes;
- Absolute Work Experience – matches university students and graduates with international work experience in elite cities around the world;
- Archipelagos
- City Work Experiences – Global Work Experience Programme – leading provider of structured Work Experience programmes in the world’s greatest cities. Placements are offered across all sectors including banking, consulting, law, marketing and technology;
- CRCC Asia – Work Experiences – leading provider of Work Experiences with prominent Chinese and multinational companies in Beijing. Positions in legal, finance, business, marketing and more;
- Getin2China – provides students, graduates and career-changers with Chinese Work Experiences ranging from one to three months. Placements are offered across a variety of sectors including accountancy, business and finance, education, health, HR, media and travel;
- Intern jobs – a global database of Work Experiences and entry-level positions for students, recent graduates and career changers;
- Intern Options – a specialist UK-based Work Experience company that focuses solely on work placements and Work Experience opportunities in Australia and New Zealand;
- StandOut – provides Work Experiences and professional development training in Hong Kong. Work Experiences are offered in areas such as finance, law, engineering, fashion, marketing, journalism, graphic design, hospitality and consultancy.
How do I apply for an Work Experience?
Applying for an Work Experience can be as competitive as applying for a permanent job especially in industries such as healthcare, law, media, social care and teaching and education, to name a few, where Work Experiences and experience are essential to gaining employment.
Work Experiences programmes are highly sought after so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to join a waiting list upon application. For this reason you should aim to apply at least six months in advance.
Application requirements will differ from company to company, for some Work Experience opportunities with larger employers you may need to complete an online application form, attend an interview or an assessment centre, where you could be asked questions about your qualifications, skills and past experience. For other opportunities submitting a copy of your CV and a cover letter will suffice. You can also submit speculative applications to enquire about available opportunities, in this instance use your initiative and call the company beforehand to find out who to send your enquires to along with their specific contact details.
While application methods can vary all applications should:
- demonstrate that you have the knowledge and motivation to benefit from the Work Experience;
- outline what you can offer the company;
- emphasise why you want to work for that particular company;
- show that you match what they are looking for in an intern.
If you are an overseas student, find out everything you need to know about work permits from GOV.UK – Work Visas.
Is there an age limit?
When you think of an intern the image of a university or college student usually comes to mind but while some opportunities may come with an age limit, often ages 18 to 24/25, not all work experience will be so restrictive.
If you are a mature student or a career changer it’s best to do your research and check with the Work Experience provider before applying to find out whether any age restrictions apply.
Why should I do an Work Experience?
The outcomes of Work Experiences include:
- increasing your skills and knowledge;
- improving your understanding of a particular job or industry;
- gaining an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face;
- networking.
Work Experiences also provide an opportunity for you to get to grips with working, including meeting deadlines and working in a team. Work Experiences give you and the employer a chance to ‘try before you buy’ and clarify whether this type of work is really for you.
The benefits of Work Experiences can include:
- payment;
- subsidised travel or lunches;
- attendance at in-company training courses;
- a supervisor who might be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications.
