Work Experience

Work Experience/Volunteering is usually unpaid work that you do to

• try out a job/industry to see if you like it
• get some skills, experience and references for your resume and to improve your chances of getting a job
• get a foot in the door – lots of people who do a great job at work experience are asked back for more permanent positions
• meet people, gain confidence and skills

What’s great about work experience is it gives you a chance to try out an industry before you commit fully to that particular career direction.

Also, getting unpaid work experience in your area of interest is seen very favourably by employers – it shows your enthusiasm and commitment and will help you to get a job down the track. It also gives you experience to add to your resume as well as a referee.

How to find Work Experience

• talk to your friends and family and ask them for their contacts in whatever industry you’re interested in
• contact the Nepean School Industry Partnership (02) 4721 5755 click here to visit their website or if your 18 and over you can the Nepean Volunteer Referral Service who can assist you with a placement – Ph 02 4731 6523
• search the web - see the list of links below
• ask teachers/ careers advisors/ job network providers
• approach employers directly – check out our section on Finding a Job for tips on approaching employers
• ask community organisations, non-profit and charitable organisations

Get the Most from Your Work Experience/Voluntary Work
Be prepared and willing to do some boring, general work, then you can ask the employer about opportunities for learning what the job is really about.
Give the employer an indication of your skills and interests and help them think of relevant things for you to do.
Once you’re there, be professional, friendly and enthusiastic – at the very least you will want a good reference.