Experience starts here
Get some experience, take on a work placement, get in touch with some employers. Possibly some of the most regular phrases you’ll hear while studying. And why? Because believe it or not your degree won't do as much as you think to prepare you for the real world of work. But it’s all well and good telling you to find experience and probably more helpful to tell you how to go about it. So that’s what we’re going to do.  As a good start, you’ll need to find a suitable placement, and this isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Careers advisor John Constantinou works for University of Leicester and explains how they guide individuals in their initial search.
‘We advise students to look for advertised placements on various websites including Prospects, but also to look for opportunities which may not be advertised. Careers fairs are a good place to ask employers about the possibility of a placement but students should also think more creatively. They may already know someone within their chosen industry or even someone who knows someone.’ Once a placement has been scouted the best way to make contact is to send a CV but remember to attach a covering letter. The covering letter is often regarded as an afterthought but it’s a great chance to tell an employer who you are and what you can offer. It may be the reason an overworked employer chooses to read your CV rather file it in the trash. While many companies encourage you to email your CV, it may be an idea to send a hard copy as well. That way you can be sure they’ll have received your application. Included in the CV should be the basics - personal details, education, work experience and relevant skills and abilities. The employer doesn’t need to know your entire life history so keep it to two pages as an absolute maximum. Remember to include references. An academic reference shouldn’t be hard to hunt down while studying and the second should be a recent or current employer. When putting together your application presentation is crucial but unfortunately is often overlooked. As a manager at Severn Trent Water, Pat Evans sees countless applications for work experience: ‘The ability to spell correctly and good grammar are essential; it shows that applicants can communicate with colleagues and customers. I also look for attention to detail. If the application form specifies that it should be completed in black ink I’d dismiss one completed in any other colour.’ Not only is it an indicator of your attitude to work also of your commitment to the position. A CV lacking correct spelling and grammar will speak volumes of your dedication. If the employer is interested by your initial attempts, you might be offered a placement. However, depending upon the organisation, and also how sought after their work experience opportunities you may be invited to interview. Robyn Payne, a Fine Art graduate of Birmingham City University, recently completed work experience at the magazine Vogue. She was invited for a chat before being offered a placement. ‘My interview was four months before the placement actually began as they get a vast number of applications. I took along a disk with some images of my work. It really helped to have something to talking to talk about during the interview, and probably helped me to stand out a bit too.’ If you are called to interview it’s your big chance to impress the employer. Taking along an example of your work in a small and portable format it may help them to remember you, even if you simply leave it with them at the end of the day. What stands out is the fact that looking for work experience should be treated with the same attitude as when applying for a ‘proper’ job. ‘Apply with a very similar principle to the real thing. You may not have to prove your skills and experience as much as usual but it’s still good practice,’ says John. You need to do your research when looking for opportunities and put the due effort into the application. At this point the relationship between you and the employer isn’t really a balanced one. You definitely need them more than they need you, so in order to secure that placement you’ll need to prove your worth. Further information: More features on work experience:
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