When it comes to work experience, it’s difficult to say what’s to be expected. It differs from person to person and company to company. There are however some underlying factors you can get to grips with before you embark on a placement.
To prepare you for what’s in store, Lilli Hender from workplace experts Office Genie is here. She’ll fill you in on what to expect from work experience and how it can benefit you.
A taste of working life
The key is in the name: work experience is to increase your awareness and involvement in a particular line of work. Most internships are completed in an area of interest to the intern: anything from PR to politics.
While not everything you’ll learn will be transferable, you can be fairly certain you’ll have a greater understanding of working life in the sector than you did previously. Placements are often quite short (most are between six and twelve weeks) but it’s more than enough time to get stuck in with the daily functioning of the company.
The less glamorous jobs
The cliché of the intern making tea or being sent out for coffee (or both!) exists for a reason. For better or worse, being in charge of the drink consumption of your new colleagues is often regarded as a rite of passage into the working world. Use this as an opportunity to talk to people in the company.
Among the other less-than-desirable jobs will usually be a series of routine administration tasks. Delivering parcels, printing documents, and taking calls should all be expected during your placement. Among the heavier information, these jobs can provide a simple and relatively stress-free introduction to the company. Mucking in shows a great attitude, something that won’t go unnoticed on your character reference. Stay positive and don’t wrinkle your nose at these tasks.
Stepping outside your comfort zone
For all the tea making and errand running, it’s also likely you’ll have to face a few professional challenges during your work placement. For example, you might be asked to present to senior staff members or represent the company at an event. This can be nerve-wracking but trust in the potential the company saw in you when they took you on.
In contrast, some challenges won’t be related to the work but rather part and parcel of the placement. Completing work experience can entail a difficult commute, temporarily living in an unfamiliar place, and meeting lots of new people. Preparing yourself mentally, financially, and logistically in advance will really help.
In order to make the most of your work experience, you will need to step outside your comfort zone and should push yourself to take on new challenges!
Problem-solving (and lots of it!)
During work experience, you’ll be expected to use your initiative to discover what needs to be done in a given situation. Resourcefulness and independent thought are key skills in business that you’ll want to show you possess.
That said, if you’re struggling, ask for help! Floundering isn’t fun and wastes valuable time. It’s always best to speak up about any queries you have regarding your role and what’s required of you. If you’re wondering whether you should stay late, or think your workload is too much, the earlier you mention it, the better.
Work experience can be a daunting prospect but it’s also an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and gain new ones. A placement can boost your confidence and provide the all-important first step on your career ladder. Try to be positive, friendly, and hardworking: you’ll make a great impression and reap the benefits of work experience.
Now you know what to expect from work experience, go out there and get it!
About the Author
Lilli Hender is a recent graduate of the University of York and writes for the desk and office space marketplace Office Genie.