Uptree

Hi, I’m Jamie, a current second year Finance, Accounting and Management student at the University of Nottingham.

I first encountered Uptree after attending a PwC insight day that they promoted. Three years later, I’m due to begin a placement year with PwC in September.

When Uptree reached out looking for students to share their experiences, I was happy to, in the hope that what I’ve learnt can be useful to someone else.

This blog will touch on what I believe to be the most important aspects of work experience and what I wish I knew before applying to, and attending work experience events.

Get Involved

Unlike the myth that all you’ll be doing is making teas and coffees, modern work experience placements can see you thrown headfirst into a role. Whilst this may seem daunting, it is a great way of learning new skills and experiencing the honest reality of that particular role (and company).

With many work experience programmes fast tracking students to further graduate or school leaver opportunities, it is important to work as if there is a job on offer and make sure to showcase your skills to the employer.

With that being said, it is also important to ask questions and admit what you don’t know.

Some of the people you are working with may be unaware of your education level or work history, so don’t feel uncomfortable in telling them if you don’t know something.

I found myself in this position when completing some work experience during sixth form. A client of the organisation assumed I was a full-time employee and began to ask me questions I didn’t know the answer to. I explained my position and handed the question over to the colleague supervising me.

The support is there when you need it.

Assess whether it’s right for you

Another benefit of immersing yourself into your role is that you can make a more accurate judgment as to whether it’s right for you. You may find it’s a perfect fit, but also don’t be put off if not, it is likely that you’ll want to explore a number of options before choosing your route. You may even find that the company itself aligns with your values, but not the role, or vice versa. Regardless, continue to explore the opportunity you have and get to know the people.

Connections you make may prove to be valuable in the future.

Network, Network, Network

The term ‘networking’ is often thrown around at student recruitment events, however, it really does help. Setting up a Linkedin profile so you can connect with the recruiters, colleagues and others you meet at insight days / work experience placements is a great way of building a useful network. Don’t be deterred by feeling like you have nothing to upload to your profile; this is normal at a school leaver age.

My final advice to any students seeking work experience would be to remain open minded about opportunities and explore a range of different roles and companies.

With more and more events being completed online, it is easier than ever to attend student recruitment sessions and decide, before applying to further opportunities, whether it seems right for you.