If you’re a teenager wondering whether work experience is really worth doing, the answer is yes! Before finishing school or college, doing some kind of work experience is one of the best things you can do to prepare for the real world and create more opportunities for yourself when you’re older.
Here are a few of the many reasons why every teen should give it a go.
It looks great on your CV and personal statement
One of the main benefits of completing work experience while you’re still in education is that it stands out on your CV, personal statement, and UCAS application, setting you apart from other university or job applicants. It shows you are proactive and motivated, as you have made the effort to learn new skills outside of the classroom.
It helps you decide what you actually want to do
Sometimes, we think we know what career we want until we actually try it. You may already have a career path in mind, but after a week of doing it, you might realise it’s not quite what you imagined. On the other hand, you might try something completely new and end up loving it, so work experience can help you narrow down your options and make choosing your next steps after school a lot easier.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t love the job, as work experience tends only to last a week or two, but the skills you’ll gain can last a lifetime.
You’ll learn real-life skills
When you’re in school, you’re mainly learning academic skills, but through work experience, you learn real-life, workplace skills that you’ll actually need when you get a job in the future. Some of the most useful skills you can gain from work experience include communication, organisation, time management, and teamwork, which are skills every employer looks for, no matter the role you are applying for.
It boosts your confidence
Going into a completely new workplace with people you don’t know can be scary at first, but doing work experience will push you out of your comfort zone and give you a taste of what it’s like to start a new job as an adult. You’ll probably feel nervous on your first day, but by the end of the week, you’ll feel way more confident in yourself and your abilities.
If you make a good impression at your work experience placement, you may be offered a part-time job, an apprenticeship or future work opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Trying work experience before you leave school or college is a wise decision because it will give you a better idea of what careers might suit you in the future, it teaches you important skills, looks great on your CV, and boosts your confidence. So, start looking for opportunities now and give it a go.
If you’re a French, German, or Spanish student and interested in completing work experience alongside your studies, why not consider a Work Experience Abroad or Internship package with Blue Stamp Travel? Gain invaluable professional experience while developing your language skills – increasing your chances of exam success and strengthening your CV and UCAS application! Check out our explainer video for more information.
