Why is experience important

From around Year 10 onwards young people should take any opportunity they can to start to build up a portfolio of work experience.

Spending as little as one day with an employer, doing simple tasks or merely work shadowing watching an experienced employee at work can be hugely beneficial for your son or daughter.

Reasons for doing work experience include:. For some sectors, such as media production, the most usual route in is through work experience before landing a junior position. Some schools will have existing relationships with employers or use an outside agency, such as an Education Business Partnership, to offer a range of work experience opportunities. Alternatively, as a parent you may be asked if you have any contacts that could provide a way into sourcing a placement. You may feel this is an opt-out by a school, but it can be an effective way for both parties to secure good relevant opportunities.

Colleges may also offer part-time work on site or run volunteer schemes — all ways to access relevant experience. Your son or daughter can approach employers directly for possible placements. This allows students to ease into working life without being thrown in head first. It sets you apart from other candidates. This not only exposes them to different cultures, but gives them experiences that other job applicants will likely not have.

It can help you identify your own strengths and skills. Through internships either locally or globally, supervised learning lets students gain experience in their field while being reviewed and given feedback to help them excel and capitalize on their skills.

It shows your areas of interest and character. What Can I Do? Click to rate! All about Careers. If you assemble those experiences, it will help you understand what you enjoy and where you can add value in the working world. Not only will work experience help guide your career choice, but understanding what a job entails will significantly improve your confidence when applying for and starting full-time work.

So, my recommendation to any graduate is to speak to people in that line of work to understand the reality of the day to day. Monica Lucas — Market research consultant. An internship or work experience could lead to a permanent role. But once a placement has been successfully completed, you could be offered a graduate position well before you leave university. Even if there is no immediate vacancy, if you perform well, you will be top of mind when an opening does occur.

Georgie, a recent Geography graduate from Manchester University, now working in Marketing. Even if it does not land you a full-time job, work experience will undoubtedly improve employability. They define you, make you stand out. Lizzie Fane, Founder of Global Graduates.