Work experience

Many graduates find themselves in a very frustrating ‘experience trap’. You need experience to get a job, but you need the job to get experience. Fortunately, there are ways to put yourself in a position to enhance your employability.

All work experience is valuable - paid or unpaid, at any level, in any setting. Make the most of your time by taking on a range of tasks that help you learn new skills and develop a broader understanding of your working environment. Get to know your colleagues, find out more about their roles and learn from them.

Be flexible about the duties you take on. Basic administrative tasks like filing, compiling paperwork and data entry show you understand and use systems effectively. At the same time, the information you work with allows you to become familiar with the organisation’s business and culture. Your increased awareness is an asset whether you aim to stay with that employer or move on.

Employers are most impressed by relevant experience. Once you set your sights on a particular job or sector, it makes sense to concentrate on expanding your experience.