Summer vacation is fast approaching and it’s a great time to gain experience and learn new skills. Whether that’s an internship, some travelling or working the summer away in a shop, bar or coffee shop to earn some much needed cash.
People’s summer experience varies, and it’s important to remember that employers are realists; they’re not expecting every student to have spent their summers working for international companies on competitive internship programmes. Your job in a coffee shop or the volunteering you did in your home town can be just as valuable. Just take the time to reflect on the skills you’re developing and the things you enjoying doing – it will all help in the future.
Preparing for work
It can feel a bit daunting, but with a little preparation you really will get loads out of any experience. Follow these steps to make your work experience as valuable as possible.
Still looking?
However, don’t panic if you don’t have anything planned for the summer yet; there’s still time to find some casual vacation work and/or work experience.
If you’re going back home, check the local papers and ask your friends and family to look out for opportunities for you.
Content Ambassador Nana’s piece Sun, Sea and Work Experience has some great advice about work experience and how to find it.
Work Experience Bursary
We all know the value of work experience, but we also know that it can be difficult if you’re struggling financially. The Career’s Service Work Experience Bursary is designed to help cover the costs of work experience expenses including travel expenses, accommodation costs and dependent care costs. Find out more, including how to apply.
And, perhaps most importantly, whatever you do, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Try and take some time for yourself and to connect with friends and family.