Work Experience
Work experience gives you time at a workplace to learn about
an occupation or industry. You may observe others or complete
tasks. It is an opportunity to develop skills and networks
and to decide what you would like to do.
Types of work
experience
Benefits of work
experience
Ways to find work experience or a
work placement
Resources
Work experience may be paid or unpaid. It may be for a few
days, a few weeks or a year. It may be observation, work
shadowing, volunteer work, a structured work placement, a
cadetship or an internship.
Most secondary school students do work experience or
structured work placements as part of their study. College
students and university students often do work placements or
internships. Unemployed people, career-changers, people
returning to the workforce and immigrants may also do work
experience.
Work experience can provide:
- insights into what a job involves
- structured, supervised, hands-on experience
- useful work skills that are recognised in the workplace
- confidence in your ability to learn and become competent
at new tasks
- work/life skills, such as communicating effectively, or
working in teams
- a chance to demonstrate how you can contribute in a work
environment
- an understanding of the world of work
- an opportunity to demonstrate commitment and reliability
- a new referee to add to your resume
- an employment opportunity
Find industries or occupations to explore that match your
strengths and interests. You can use the My
Guide part of myfuture to help you do this.
Students may get help from their school, college or
university.
Finding work experience is similar to finding a job. You will
find useful advice in the myfuture articles,
Get A Job - Adults and
Get A Job - Young People.
Try some of the following:
- find companies in the yellow pages
- research company websites online
- ask friends or relatives
- volunteer work
If you are at a college or university, check your training
provider's website. Many of these provide work experience
information.
You can also find links to resources for teachers, work
experience opportunities and further information
here.
Tip!
Use a diary or log to keep a record of your experiences, and
to list the skills that you practise or learn. Ask lots of
questions.
Check work experience insurance requirements for your state
or territory. Find out if you need to organise your own
insurance cover.