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The Benefits of Work Experience

Written by: Evie Courtier
Published on: 7 Jul 2023

The Benefits of Work Experience

Work experience provides a starting point for your CV where skills and achievements can be highlighted to future employers. Being involved in an office environment for the first time can be overwhelming so work experience can provide students the opportunity to prepare for the workplace and provide an idea of what to expect.

Engaging in work experience before embarking on your first permanent role within the business support landscape, offers you the chance to explore a range of different and diverse industries, determining where best to start out. Work experience holds the utmost value in helping you to streamline your job search. Discovering your ideal career path starts with trying out a range of job roles, whether you’re set on PA jobs, working as a Legal Secretary, or finding work in the Events sector.

Within this article, we will dive into the main benefits of work experience for school leavers, graduates, and candidates at the start of their career, from employability, to personal development.

Skill development:

As a school leaver or graduate jobseeker, starting out on the career ladder can be a daunting notion. Presenting a strong educational background on your CV is an excellent start, however, a certain way to attract employers is to demonstrate skill development and expertise through work experience. Whether you look at volunteering within an office environment, finding part-time work, or an internship, work experience will provide you with the opportunity to acquire sought-after hard and soft skills.

For example, if you’re assessing the world of Marketing Assistant jobs, you may require a range of technical skills such as basic HTML, and knowledge of email marketing. Alongside this, employers will look for a range of soft skills. Finding work experience within a marketing team, will provide you with the skills of communication, organisation, collaboration and teamwork, and analytical thinking.

Gaining practical experience allows you to refine your existing skills, learn new ones, and present you as an adaptable and competent candidate.

Industry knowledge:

Being immersed within a work environment will expose you to the intricacies of certain industries and professions. If you’re considering a career in Finance for example, (starting out in Finance Assistant jobs), you’ll be exposed to the inner workings of an accountancy firm, or bank, assessing the dynamics of the market and workplace.

Networking:

Building professional relationships and networks is only ever a good thing. Interacting with colleagues, senior staff members, and industry professionals leads to a range of open doors. These connections may advance to future job prospects, mentorship, or help to connect you with a relevant person in the industry you wish to work in. Networking allows you to learn from experienced individuals, gain industry knowledge, and potentially secure references for future career opportunities.

Employability:

Presenting work experience on your CV, however long the duration, will boost your employability. Employers will often prioritise candidates with practical experience. It not only shows their ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, yet also demonstrates a willingness to learn, and confidence in going out and seeking a role in a ‘real life’ workplace.

Work experience on your CV will naturally set you apart from other candidates, giving you the competitive edge within an application and interview process.

Enhanced self-confidence:

Work experience provides an individual with the chance to develop a sense of self-believe, and self-assurance in their abilities within the workplace. Navigating professional challenges, and successfully contributing to a workplace, will help to boost your confidence within yourself. A boosted self-confidence will not only help personal growth, yet aid your future career endeavours, from the interview stage, to the first day on the job.

Discover our ‘Interview Preparation: How to Flourish in a PA Job Interview’ article for further insight into how to excel within an interview.

Workplace dynamics:

The dynamics of a workplace is something that will change from job to job. The environment of working within Recruitment Consultant jobs, compared to Team Assistant jobs, will naturally differ. However, the essential principles remain the same. Office etiquette, teamwork and time management, are all factors that will present themselves in different workplaces. Learning how to navigate these dynamics will equip you with the essential skills for future employment, and help you to adjust to new working environments.

Career goals:

Gaining experience within different industries and sectors, can provide clarity in regards to career goals and aspirations. It offers a firsthand knowledge of different job roles, from Secretary jobs, to HR Coordinators, and allows you to get to know your own skills, strengths and weaknesses. Aligning your choices with long-term objectives, will, in short, help you to navigate a future career path.

Professional development:

Finally, work experience is the starting point for professional development. It opens you up to a world of challenges and learning opportunities, contributing to personal and professional growth. Through feedback, practical hands-on work, you can identify your strengths, areas of improvement, and take steps to enhance your professional skill set.


 

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We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours.