According tothe dictionary:work experience(/wk//阞ksp阞r阞ns,ksp阞r阞ns/)ashort-term experience of employment, typically arranged for older pupils by schools.BUT, according to most high-school students:work experience(/help//me/)-a stressful thing whichone hasto find, organise andspenda week doing.
Whether you view it as a great opportunity, a week off school or the worst thing to happensince the death of Blockbuster movie stores, let me assure you that work experience isvital.When else will you have a week to try out any job you can imagine, potentially changing your study or life plan dramatically?! Fun fact, I wanted to be a doctor until I spent a week in a gastro ward for my Year 10 work experience. I shortly realised that blood and pus were NOT my cup of tea.
Arguably the hardest part of work experience isfinding a place to do it.Luckily, Im here to give you some ideasabout where tolook which you mightnt have previously considered!
1. Your personal network
Does one of your friendsmumshavethecoolestjob ever? Do you have an awesome neighbour who works at an interesting companyororganisation? Why not ask them if they can help you to organise work experienceat their office? It might not be possible for insurance/legal reasons but its worth a try.
2. Work experience programs
There are SO MANY work experience programs run by organisations and companies around Australia. From UNSW CivilEngineering to the Sydney Cricket Ground, there is a programfor everyone. Just google work experience program**(insert job you are interestedin)**and I promise you wont be disappointedwith the search results.
3. Job search sites
Websites likeIndeedandJoraare a great way to find ahugerange of work experience opportunities. Literally just type in work experience high school and youwillbe inundatedwith opportunities at companies you didnt even know existed.
4. Careers advisor
Your careers advisor is there to help and will probably have some connections which they can useto help you find a workplace that interests you.So, ifyoure struggling to find anything, book in an appointment and get somehelp.Thats what theyre there for!
5. Op shop/volunteer centre
Volunteering at an op shop or charity for a week can be a great way to broaden your perspective on the world andgive back to your community. You can either visit some localop shopor trycontactinga charity youre interested in. Just be sure to check-in with your school that this type of work experience is allowed.
6. Future casual job
Whilstmy friends and Iwere stressing about getting work experience at a hospital or CSIRO, one of my friends walked to her local shops and gotan unpaidpositionwith a florist for a week. Atthe end of the week, she was offered a casual position and worked there throughout high school.If youre interested in a particular casual job, this could be a great way to break into the industry.
7. Your parentsor guardians
Nepotism often gets a badrap,but parentsandguardians are there to help存o why not use them? Whether youre interested in learning about what your parents do on a daily basis or you can see yourself pursuing a similar field, ask if you can work at their office.
Its important to remember that there are laws surrounding work experience which can make it hard for employers to take students onboard. Whilst disappointing, the company might be able to connect youwithother opportunitiesand youll build your skills and networksupalong the way!
Good luck and wed LOVE to know what work experience you end upfinding! Email us atwiec@unsw.edu.auwith your work experience!