Work experience is a great way to gain some real life work experience while you study and make yourself more employable. From two week placements to year long internships we have everything you need to find your perfect placement.

You can never have too much experience. Now more than ever it’s important to start gaining work-related experience from year one to gain an advantage in the labour market Become more employable

Employability skills are first on the wish list when potential employers look for graduates to fill vacancies. With few exceptions, the class or type of degree is no longer their main consideration.

In addition to the usual list of skills like teamwork and communication that show employers you have already experienced the world of work in some way, graduates who can also demonstrate problem solving skills and entrepreneurial flair will stand out from the crowd.

Make your CV stand out from the crowd

Work experience placements are not only for students. Within the current employment market internships are increasingly becoming a popular option for graduates to boost their CVs.

Employers are demanding more from new recruits. Showing them that you’ve been proactive at university and developed transferable skills will put you ahead of the crowd.

Employability skills are first on the wish list when potential employers look for graduates to fill vacancies.

Earn money

A number of work experience placements are paid and there is now growing pressure on employers to pay at least minimum wage.

Part time and vacation work can be a great way to bring in essential funds to support you during university, as well as giving you the skills to impress employers.

Test your career choices

Work experience gives you the chance to test if a preferred career choice is for you. If you find that it’s not, you’ll have made an important step on the path to a great career

Placements give you the chance to test a number of career options without the hassle of getting into and out of a contract.

Network and get a foot in the door

During a work experience placement you learn how to network, which will allow you to maximise future opportunities.

Don’t forget, the employer could be using this time to consider you as a potential hire after you finish your studies. Work experience will give you something to talk about at subsequent interviews and perhaps confirm why you want to pursue a particular career.

Don’t just think about the big blue-chip companies in the city - smaller companies can often offer more responsibility and variety and quicker career advancement.

Work experience gives you the chance to test if a preferred career choice is for you Work with a variety of people

As well as improving your ability to work effectively in a wider team, work experience provides you with the chance to learn from others who have years of experience within an organisation.

If you take part in a structured placement, you may get the chance to work in a number of departments broadening your knowledge of the different roles that people take on and the organisation as a whole.

Put your knowledge into practice

Work experience in a field related to your course of study offers you the opportunity to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical experience.