For students
How to make the most of your work experience
How to Use Your Work Experience
You will probably find that just the experience of being at a professional workplace for several weeks will be valuable in itself; however if you go with some specific goals, then you should be able to maximise the benefits you gain.
Your course
Through the information you gain from the placement, you might be able to generate possible topics for research projects you have to undertake in the future. Better still, you might additionally be able to shape any future projects you do undertake so that they are more relevant – and potentially usable – to industry.
You may also be better able to plan your subjects – majors, minors and electives – so that they are more in tune with the requirements of the industry.
Network
An important part of your professional development will be your ability to network – to ask questions, make links, share information. Work experience provides you with a valuable opportunity to ask questions, share information, gain insight and develop contacts. Take the opportunity to develop your networking skills – you may set the foundation for some valuable contacts in the future.
Work Experience and your Resume
Get set to take any opportunities at work experience to plug any skill gaps you can see in your resume. For example, if you have lacked the opportunity to undertake any marketing or promotion roles in your study or other employment, involvement in such activities would obviously be useful to add to your resume.
Work Experience and Recruitment
Your work experience could be an additional source to use when you’re writing statements to selection criteria, or when you’re answering behavioural questions at graduate interviews.