Doing unpaid work experience

The simple answer to this if you are looking for your first job or looking to move into a different career is yes.

The thought of getting up early during the holidays, commuting into town and sitting at a desk all day for free may sound pretty unappealing, but it one of the first things that a potential employer will look at on your CV. The very fact that you have made this effort for no pay shows that you are keen and motivated.

Many companies and organisations will happily take on work experience interns and the easiest ways of getting a placement are either through a relative or friend that already works there, getting your school or college to arrange it, or by phoning up or writing yourself.

While any work experience is useful, you clearly want to approach companies in your field of interest. There’s not much point going to work unpaid for your dad’s clothing retailer if you want to be a vet!

When you are offered a placement treat it as though it is a paid job, which means dressing appropriately, being punctual and showing keenness and enthusiasm during your time there. You should be polite to everyone from the receptionist to the boss and take the time to talk to as many people in the organisation as you can to find out how things work and get tips and advice.

Don’t grumble if you’re asked to make the tea or do the filing, but don’t be afraid to ask for something to do if you are just left sitting in the corner flicking through the newspaper. You want to make the most from your work experience and learn as much as you can.

If you are naturally quiet and a bit shy, try to make an effort to be a bit more outgoing and chat to people around you, but don’t pester people who are busy or sitting in their office with the door shut. If you are naturally loud and extrovert, try to keep your voice down a bit and don’t be overly friendly with people.

If you enjoy the work experience and think the organisation is one you would like to work for, get in contact with them the next time you are free. There are no guarantees that you will get a job, but the more that people see your face and see you are willing, the more chance there is that your name will be in the frame when a suitable position comes up.

Read our Work experience case study

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