The aims and benefits of work experience
The benefits of undertaking work experience can’t be underestimated. You will find that prospective employers always highly value work experience, especially if it is related to your discipline area. More generic work experience can help you demonstrate that you possess the kinds of transferable skills that employers are seeking. These skills are reflected in UniSA’s Graduate Qualities. Most importantly, work experience tells employers that you can apply these qualities and your academic knowledge in the workplace.
Work experience can also:
Give you practice in applying and interviewing for jobs
Writing impressive job applications and performing well in interviews can take some practice. Applying for work experience positions is a great way to hone your skills before you hit the graduate job market.
Help you clarify your career options and aspirations
Gaining some experience in the industry or sort of role in which you aim to work can help you to confirm your career goals. Alternatively, it may make you realise that you need to reassess your aspirations prior to entering the full-time workforce. You will be able to identify which aspects of a job or industry you enjoy, what skills need further development, and whether or not your career plans reflect your values and interests. You may also increase your awareness of the sorts of roles available in your discipline area, and the expectations of employers in your industry.
Improve your résumé
Including your work experience in your résumé will help your job applications stand out from those of other graduates. Employers will value the knowledge you have gained through work experience. If your experience was not a compulsory part of your program, it will also demonstrate that you have a serious approach to your own career development.
Give you experience you can discuss during interviews
Many interviewers will ask you for examples of when you have had to apply certain skills or qualities, for example, problem-solving or the ability to work in a team. Employers won’t necessarily expect you to be able to use examples from your experience in the workplace, but you’ll certainly make a good impression if you can!
Provide great networking opportunities
Working in an organisation relevant to your career aspirations is an excellent way of developing relationships with people who may be able to help you in your career. Your colleagues and supervisor will be able to share their experiences and knowledge of the particular industry or discipline area, and may even have some useful job-seeking tips. Check out the networking pages to learn how to make the most of the contacts you make during work experience.
Enhance your academic work
Undertaking work experience relevant to your degree will help you put theory into practice, and the practice will in turn inform your theoretical understanding.
Lead to a full-time graduate position
Many employers use work experience positions to screen potential recruits … if you have performed well and enjoyed yourself, you will be well-placed when applying for full-time positions within your host organisation.