The summer holidays. Days and days of sitting in your jammies until mid-afternoon binging on Netflix and then maybe meeting your pals later in the day if you can be bothered… It’s the dream!
And while this time to chill is definitely needed when you’ve worked so hard all year, there’s something you could be doing that would be more beneficial to your future career prospects. Namely – work experience.
Bagging yourself a placement with a local company comes with loads of benefits – and it’s not too late to start trying to sort it out. Whatever you see yourself doing in the future, there are lots of companies out there who will be willing to take on students during the summer break – not only to give you work experience, but to give them an extra pair of hands while staff are off on their summer holidays! So whether it’s an architecture firm, hospital, newspaper, engineering company, a shop, restaurant, a hairdressing salon or garage where you see yourself working, get the feelers out and see if anyone near you could help out.
Here are five reasons why arranging a placement could be the best thing you do all summer…
1. You’ll get a feel for the job
Always wanted to be a vet nurse but not sure what it actually involves? The best way to find out is to get out there and do it! A work experience placement can really help you cement your future plans in your mind – or make you realise that a certain line of work just isn’t for you. This is especially important if you’re heading back to school after the summer to start applying for college or uni courses.
2. It’s a confidence booster
Anyone who’s done work experience will tell you that the first day on the job is a terrifying prospect – but you’ve got to feel the fear and do it anyway. Doing something new and different really helps you grow as a person, and it’s shows a level of confidence and determination. Working with other people, speaking with strangers and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone will help your personal development – it proves you’re capable of much for than you thought!
3. You’ll meet new people
Potential friends, mentors and employers can all be found on placement – there’s no such thing as too much networking! In the world of work, it’s often about knowing the right people, getting your face known and your name out there. So when you do come to look for work? That company you interned with in the summer of 2016 might be more likely to give you the job.
4. You’ll learn new skills
Making the perfect cup of tea, using the photocopier, conducting interviews, carrying out research, answering the phone, understanding that fancy industry computer system – you’ll pick up all sorts on placement! As well as finding out how to do practical tasks, you’ll also learn lots of soft skills to add to your CV – think problem solving, working with others, using your initiative and communication.
5. You’ll stand out
And maybe the most important thing – doing work experience makes you look good. Whether you’re applying for an apprenticeship, a job, college or uni, having work experience on your CV makes you look like a proper clever clogs who’s willing to go above and beyond in the name of their future career. Employers and admissions staff love it – so get a placement lined up to wow them!
