Getting the most out of work experience

In the early days of your work experience placement, you are likely to receive a formal orientation. However, if you don’t, the following suggestions will help you get established:

• Get to know who are the other members of staff you will be working with.
• Understand the aims and the culture of the business department where you will be working.
• Ask to be shown the work cycle in the department so you can understand the business and where your role fits in.
• Become familiar with the office procedures and workplace practices.
• Office dress: find out what is considered appropriate.
• Find out how you can start contributing: What is your role description? What are your objectives?
• What are the expected outcomes for you both during and on completion of your placement?
• How will your performance be measured?

If you encounter any difficulties while on placement, in the first instance you should contact your college or university. Very often it is important to speak to your supervisor or mentor at work to resolve the situation. It isn’t recommended to leave your placement early without going through this process: remember that you are aiming to learn about the work environment.

Don’t just look at being able to do your day-to-day responsibilities. Once you are competent in these responsibilities, get involved in other areas to develop your knowledge and skills, push yourself forward and ask questions. This will help not only your understanding of the role but also your understanding of your capabilities in the workplace.

Evaluating your experience

During a placement your line manager or mentor will assess your performance on an ongoing basis. This may be done informally and not always communicated to you. You should seek feedback on how you are doing. This will help you to be clear on how your performance is seen and you will develop a picture over the placement of how you are building your skills.

Always document what you have been doing through a log or a diary, since you will not remember everything you have achieved. Taking time to reflect, and showing how you have changed and developed as a result, is an important aspect of learning through the working environment.