Work Experience
Year 10 will take two weeks out of the classroom to undertake Work Experience throughout the year. The first week will be in Term 2 and students and parents will receive information about this in early Term 2. To take full advantage of the opportunity you receive during work experience you should ask questions about what you are doing, why it is important and how you can grow and progress in that industry. Below are some examples of questions you could ask while on Work Experience to really get to know your chosen field.
Students from other Years may be able to undertake Work Experience if they are applying for a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship and also if they need to complete a work trial prior to leaving school for an Apprenticeship. In these cases please contact the Careers Adviser to discuss possibilities so that the Principal's approval can be sought.
How to Ask People About Their Jobs
Is there a job out there you think you would absolutely love? It can be hard to know exactly what a job is like unless you can get hands-on experience. Maybe you can’t find anything suitable near you, or maybe you’d just like some assurance before jumping into a work experience placement. But you can do the next best thing – ask other people about their jobs!
Why should I ask other people about their jobs?
Getting advice on a career you’re interested in is always a smart move. You can find out a lot you might not know, like pathways into the career, the ups and the downs, daily tasks, industry insights, and a whole lot more.
Then, you can use this valuable info to help steer you in the right direction. Think about what you learned and weigh up your options – is this still something you’d want to do, or has your perspective changed? It can also help you think about things you can do right now to get closer to your goal.
It’s always helpful to get more than one perspective too (if possible). Talk to as many people as you can.
What should I ask?
Here are some questions that you might like to ask to get the most out of the experience:
What does a normal day look like?
What’s your favourite (and least favourite) part of your job?
How did you get this job?
Is this what you wanted to do when you were younger?
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the industry?
It’s important to consider how well you know the person you’re asking, and remember there are some things that could be inappropriate to ask (for example, asking how much money someone makes).
Some final tips
Take notes – you don’t want to go to all this trouble only to forget everything a few days later.
Ask follow-up questions – if there is something you don’t quite understand, it’s better to ask for clarification than to be left unsure. This is also a great way to show you’ve been actively listening.
Keep in touch – send the person a letter or email thanking them for their time and effort. This could be your chance to make a valuable connection for the future.
If you feel like you’re ready to jump in and get some experience, you can search for work experience positions on our website here.
5 Questions to Ask While You’re on Work Experience
Work experience is invaluable to help you gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, explore potential career paths, and develop essential skills for your future. By actively engaging in the experience and asking questions, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your placement. Here are five key questions you should be asking while you’re on work experience.
What are the primary responsibilities and daily tasks in this role?
Understanding the day-to-day activities and expectations of a job can provide you with a clearer picture of what a career in that field entails, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
How do the skills and knowledge I’m gaining (or will gain) in my studies apply to this job?
Connecting the knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world work situations is crucial for understanding how your education translates to the workplace. This can also help identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills that you can address.
What are the most challenging aspects of this job, and how do you overcome them?
Learning about the challenges professionals face in their roles and the strategies they employ to address them can help you develop resilience, adaptability, and problem solving skills that are essential for success in any career.
How do you see this industry evolving over the next few years, and what can I do to stay competitive?
Gaining insights into industry trends and potential changes can better prepare you for the future job market, ensuring you remain competitive and up-to-date with relevant skills and knowledge.
Can you recommend any resources, professional associations, or networking opportunities that could help me?
Expanding your professional network and staying informed about industry news and opportunities can be a big help as you progress in your career. By seeking advice from experienced professionals, you can identify valuable resources to help support your growth and development in your chosen field.
If you’re interested in learning more about work experience, you can read more blogs and search for opportunities on our website here.
The Skills You Could Learn From Work Experience
If you’re contemplating getting some work experience, you might’ve read that most of your time will be spent observing. Understandably, you might be a bit confused about the skills you could be taking away.
Well, not all work experience will be watching and learning (and even it is, at least your observational and note taking skills will be top notch by the end of it). In reality, you’ll probably be leaving your placement with new or improved technical skills that are specific to each job or industry.
Is that all?
Definitely not. There’s way more to work experience.
Just applying for a position and turning up will guarantee that you have demonstrable talents to add to your resume.
Don’t believe us? Here are just a few examples of skills you’ll need at work and that you could develop when you sign up:
Problem solving
You won’t be expected to problem solve at work experience, but finding solutions to how you’ll get there each day, arrive on time, and organise your day are all examples of this skill.
Time management
Arriving on time, knuckling down, and getting tasks done are all a part of building this valuable skill.
Communication and other interpersonal skills
Having to work closely with your supervisor, other employees, and customers means your verbal and non-verbal communication skills will get a workout. In addition to honing your communication talents, you might find that your active listening, clarity, and diplomacy abilities are improved too.
Teamwork
Working well with other people, listening to them, following instructions, engaging, and adding value in the workplace are all demonstrable teamwork skills, highly desired by most employers.
Professionalism
This includes looking the part, taking the job seriously, trying your best, and using appropriate language.
Networking
Have you heard the phrase “it’s not what you know but who you know”? Well it’s very true in lots of aspects of life, so learning how to network could open up lots of opportunities for you.
Business etiquette
Watching and learning everything from how to write professional emails, the best way to answer the phone, when to step back from a situation, and how to remain professional in all situations are invaluable when you’re looking for paid work.
Initiative
If you finish a task and your supervisor is busy, wash up the mugs, do some filing, or ask around if there’s another job you can do to help out – just be proactive. Also, let your employer know if you have an idea about trying something new or different that could help get the job done.
Work ethic
Don’t complain, don’t slack off and take advantage of the fact you’re not at school, don’t take excessive breaks, and don’t spend time on your phone. Do try your best, give everything a go, and ask for help if you need it.
Willingness to learn
Be enthusiastic, show you’re ready to listen and learn, try new things, follow instructions, and don’t be a know-it-all.
Computer, technical or practical skills
You probably already have a great understanding of technology, but using it in a workplace environment, and using new programs, software and equipment will only expand your knowledge.
Customer service
Dealing with the public isn’t always easy, so learning how to handle tricky situations, keep customers happy, or just provide people with the information they need is a great skill to have in any industry.
Confidence and self-esteem
These might not sound like typical workplace skills, but they’re really important as you go through life. They’ll help you reach goals, take opportunities, challenge yourself, and ultimately help you move forward.
To get the most out of work experience…
Ask lots of questions at your placement to maximise the benefits from being there.
Think about the skills you gained from your work experience and make sure you add them to your resume or portfolio.
5 Work Experience Ideas for Students that Love Writing
If you’re a great communicator, think you could be the next Suzanne Collins, or even have a fanfiction or two under your belt, you might be considering a future career as a writer. Though a this career typically doesn’t have any strict entry requirements, work experience is still a great way to build your skills and get a taste of the industry. Here are some work experience ideas you might like to try if you love writing.
Get in touch with your local newspaper
Consider reaching out to your local newspaper and inquire about opportunities for work experience or even internships. You could assist with writing articles, conducting interviews, and covering local events. This hands-on experience will give you a taste of journalism and let you flex your writing skills.
Become a content creator
Explore opportunities with businesses or organisations that write blogs. They often need creative writers to produce engaging and informative content. This could include researching, writing, and editing articles on topics that align with the organisation’s interests. It’s a great chance to improve your writing skills and gain exposure in the online world.
Volunteer as a social media assistant
In the digital age, social media plays a huge role in marketing and communication. Offer your writing skills to local businesses or non-profits that need assistance with managing their social media platforms. You’ll learn how to craft concise and engaging posts, and you might even get to experiment with different writing styles to suit various platforms.
Ask your local library or bookstore
For students who love books and writing, work experience, volunteering, or even part-time work at a library or bookstore can be a dream come true. You could help organise events, write book reviews, or assist in curating displays. This experience will immerse you in the literary world and provide insights into the process of book publishing, promotion, and community engagement.
Try your hand at marketing
Marketing agencies are always in need of creative minds to develop content that captures audiences’ attention. Look for opportunities for work experience with a marketing agency where you can learn how to create engaging copy for advertisements, social media campaigns, and website content. This experience will give you a taste of the intersection between writing and marketing.
As you explore these ideas, keep in mind that your passion for writing can lead you down various paths. Each opportunity you take will help you refine your skills, learn new techniques, and gain a better understanding of where your interests align within the writing landscape.
You can find out more about work experience and search for opportunities here.
Green work experience ideas
The world is quickly growing more and more eco-conscious. When we think of sustainability, careers in science, engineering, or manufacturing are usually the first that come to mine. But green careers and green skills are seeing huge growth in demand from employers in all different kinds of industries.
In their Global Green Skills Report, LinkedIn estimate that demand for green skills will outstrip supply by 2026 – that’s only just over 2 years away.
They also found that more people are being hired in green jobs than other areas too.
As a student today thinking about your future career, it’s more than likely you’ll need to develop green skills, no matter where you want to end up. That’s where work experience comes in – it’s a fantastic way for you to build skills and explore potential careers of interest, all without the commitment of a job.
So if you’re looking for opportunities to build green skills or are dreaming of a green career, we have some green work experience ideas you might like to look into.
Renewable energy
Global demand for renewable energy is booming, and employment in renewable energy has nearly doubled since 2012. And renewable energy companies need more than just engineers and electricians to run – they need finance specialists, designers, salespeople, environmental analysts, lawyers, admin workers, and so much more.
If you’re interested in devising cleaner and more efficient ways to power our world, there are lots of businesses and organisations out there you might like to work with. Contact local solar, wind, or hydroelectric companies and express your interest in opportunities for work experience, either in the office or out in the field. You could be finding out how renewable infrastructure is designed, helping connect homes to renewable energy generators, or discovering how companies market and sell their products or services.
Biodiversity and agriculture
Agriculture and food production is unfortunately the largest contributor to habitat destruction and pushing species to the brink of extinction. In order for our ecosystems to thrive, we need to find more sustainable and eco-friendly methods of farming.
Thankfully, there are already lots of people and companies on the job. This includes government parks and agriculture departments, local farmers, wildlife rescues, and research institutions, who all often have work experience opportunities for students. You could even get involved through health and nutrition initiatives, working with doctors, supermarkets, or even local food stores to call for a change in our dietary habits and reduce the pressure food production places on biodiversity.
Green transportation
Global sales of electric cars has soared from 118,000 in 2012 to a whopping 10.2 million in 2022 – and it’s expected to more than triple to 36.9 million by 2030. So it stands to reason more people will be needed to design, manufacture, and sell all of these new vehicles.
You might like to find work experience at an auto mechanic, car dealership, or automotive designer, and get a glimpse into how electric vehicles (EVs) are made, sold, and repaired. Or find opportunities with local councils or government and discover how policy and urban planning can influence green transportation options (like building more charging stations, facilitating easier access to public transport, or providing subsidies to people who swap to an EV).
Media and communication
There are lots of people out there already doing fantastic things to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and health-related environmental impacts. But how do we know about these wonderful things? Because someone tells us, of course.
Many news sites are dedicated to reporting on climate and environment, and are always looking for people to help contribute further, whether it’s through writing, photography, social media management, or even website design and maintenance. Or you might like to take a look behind-the-scenes at your local newsroom, from camera operation to sound and lighting effects. If you’re feeling confident, you could even become a content creator to spread the world about other passionate environmental champions and green initiatives.
Finance and investment
In order to transition to a cleaner, greener world, it all needs to be financed somehow. And skills in carbon accounting, carbon credits, emissions trading, impact assessment, and sustainability reporting are among the fastest-growing green skills in the US and the European Union.
If maths and money is more your style, there are still lots of ways you can have a green career. You could find work experience in a bank or investment firm and learn how finances are being used to fund clean energy and recycling projects. Learn about how insurance brokers are dealing with an unprecedented rise in natural disasters caused by climate change. Or delve into how companies reduce their carbon impact through emissions trading.
Find out more
These green work experience ideas are just the tip of the iceberg – there are lots of other companies, businesses, non-profit organisations, and individuals out there to research and explore.
You can read more about work experience and search for opportunities on our website here.
Setting Goals for your Work Experience
Whether you’re a high school student gearing up for a work experience placement or an adult looking to gain valuable skills in a new field, having clear goals is crucial. It provides you direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose throughout your placement. Let’s go through some tips to help you set purposeful and achievable goals for your work experience.
Reflect on your interests and strengths
Before diving in, take a moment to reflect on what truly interests you and where your strengths lie. Consider what activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled. This self-awareness will help you align your objectives with your passions, making your work experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
Define SMART goals
Vague goals can be difficult to track and achieve. Instead, aim for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely objectives. For example, rather than saying “I want to improve my communication skills,” you could set a goal like “I want to deliver a presentation to a team of colleagues by the end of the week.”
Work out your priorities
It’s important to recognise that you might not be able to achieve everything you want to during your work experience. Prioritise your goals based on their importance and feasibility. Focus on the objectives that align most closely with your learning objectives and the goals of the placement.
Break down long-term goals
Long-term goals can seem overwhelming at first, so it can help to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This not only makes them more achievable but also gives you a clear roadmap to follow. For instance, if your long-term goal is to learn a new software program, set weekly milestones to track your progress.
Seek feedback and adjust accordingly
During your work experience, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your supervisors and colleagues. Their input is invaluable in understanding where you excel and where you can improve. Use their feedback to adjust your goals if needed.
Stay flexible
While having clear objectives is crucial, it’s also important to remain flexible. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities or challenges arise, and being adaptable allows you to make the most out of your work experience. Embrace change and adjust your goals accordingly.
Celebrate your achievements
As you make progress towards your goals, take the time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating your successes can boost your confidence and motivation, and it just feels good too.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to setting clear goals and making the most out of your work experience placement.
5 Work Experience Ideas for Students Interested in Coding
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, there is a growing demand for skilled coders. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing a career in IT or tech, gaining work experience can be invaluable in terms of developing skills, building a network, and enhancing your CV. Here are five work experience ideas for students interested in coding in Australia.
Internship at a tech company
Many tech companies offer internships and work experience to students interested in coding. These internships can provide valuable hands-on experience working on real projects, as well as exposure to industry professionals. You can search online for internships or contact local tech companies directly.
Volunteering at a non-profit
Non-profit organisations often need help with website design and maintenance, which can provide an excellent opportunity for high school students to practice coding skills while contributing to a good cause. You can search for opportunities by contacting non-profits directly or searching for opportunities online.
Freelance coding projects
High school students can also gain work experience by taking on freelance coding projects. This can include building websites for small businesses, creating mobile apps, or developing software tools. You could advertise your services online or through local networks, such as family and friends.
Coding bootcamps
There are many coding bootcamps and workshops available for high school students that provide a structured environment for learning and building coding skills. These programs usually offer hands-on coding experience and mentorship opportunities, which can help you develop coding proficiency and gain exposure to different coding languages and tools. You can find programs that run in-person and online.
Open-source projects
Contributing to open-source projects can be a great way for you to gain experience in coding. You can identify open-source projects that align with your interests and contribute code to these projects. This can provide valuable exposure to industry-standard coding practices and give you the opportunity to work with other coders around the world. You can search for open-source projects on platforms such as GitHub or join online coding communities to find projects to contribute to.
Find out more
You can read more about the power of work experience and search for more ideas for students interested in coding on our website here.
TNR Accounting, Auditing and Business Advisers
Work Experience >
We welcome work experience opportunities for students in the areas of Audit, Accounting, Administration, Information Technology (IT) & Human Resources (HR).
Please contact us to discuss work experience program and placement needs.
02 6626 3000
31 Keen Street LISMORE NSW 2480
Suite 704, Level 7 The Rocket 203 Robina Town Centre Drive ROBINA QLD 4226
Want a career in the creative arts? Structured work experience placements can be hard to come by in this industry, but there are heaps of other opportunities out there to help build your skills and knowledge. Whether your passion lies in visual arts, design, photography and videography, writing, or theatre, there are plenty of work experience ideas out there for creative students. We’ve found some you might like to consider.
Volunteer at an art gallery
If there’s a local gallery in your area, get in contact with them and ask if they offer work experience or need volunteers. Particularly when a new exhibit or show is about to open, they’ll often need a helping hand to get everything ready. You could find yourself helping with setting up exhibitions, promoting events, and interacting with visitors. This can provide exposure to a wide range of art forms and artists, as well as insights into the inner workings of the art world.
Write for a student newspaper
Does your school publish its own newsletter or magazine? Ask your teachers if there’s an opportunity for you to help write any articles, or if there’s a section for student contributions, put some of your own work forward. Lots of university or community magazines and papers also accept submissions from high school students, such as QUT’s ScratchThat magazine. Whether you’re interested in creative writing or journalism, this can be a great way to put your name out there and get some experience.
Volunteer at the theatre
It takes more than just actors to run a play. There are always heaps of people working behind the scenes to make it happen, and many community theatres run off the hard work of volunteers. You can always offer to volunteer and get some experience with lighting, sound, set design, or costume design. If you’re lucky enough to live in or around Sydney, the Sydney Opera House has a work experience program you might like to check out.
Offer your camera skills
If you’re handy with a camera, there are opportunities all around for you to build up your portfolio. Ask if you can take photos or video for your school at events like sports days or graduations. Find magazines, websites, and competitions where you can submit your work to show off (and maybe even win some cool prizes). If you know a professional photographer, you could even ask to spend a day with them in the studio or out in the field and see what a day at work is like for them.
Get design practice
Know someone about to start up their own business, or have a friend with a side-gig? You could offer your design skills to them and create a logo and branding, help them build a website, or create mock-ups of print material and merchandise. If you don’t know anyone, make up a brief or find examples online and see how far you can stretch your skills – or even start by creating your own brand! Either way, it’s great for helping you find your niche and get experience with industry software and tools.
With all of the above examples, don’t forget to add any work you’ve done (paid or unpaid) to your portfolio or résumé that you can show off to future clients or employers. And if you want more work experience ideas and opportunities, you can check out our website here.
How to Turn Your Work Experience Position into a Job
If you’re part of the way through a work experience placement and find yourself loving it, you might be wondering how you can turn that work experience position into a job. Even if you need to do some study first, there are still things you can do on your placement that will put you in the good books when it comes to getting a job down the line.
Show you’re keen
If the employer can see you have a genuine interest in the work, this can definitely give you an edge for future job opportunities. So show up on time and ask lots of questions, be respectful to other workers and learn about what they do. If you’re given an opportunity to participate in some way, say yes! Employers are always on the lookout for people with a genuine interest in their work.
Hone your skills
Any work experience placement is a great way to develop valuable soft skills that can be taken into nearly any job. Think things like communication, teamwork, adaptability, etc. So use this opportunity to hone these skills now, so that when you come back in the future applying for a job, you can confidently put them on your resume.
Say thank you
Once your placement is done, make sure you finish up strong by thanking the employer for the opportunity. Showing some sincere gratitude will usually always get you into someone’s good books, and can also be an opportunity to ask for a reference or recommendation that you can use when applying for jobs (whether it’s one at this company or somewhere else).
You can find tons more work experience resources, including opportunities, on our website here.
Finding Relevant and Impactful Work Experience
As a high school student, you’re at a pivotal point in your life where you’re starting to explore potential career paths. One of the most effective ways to do this is through work experience. It provides a real-world context to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in school and helps you develop essential skills for the future. But how do you find work experience that aligns with your interests and career aspirations? We’ll help guide you through the process.
Understanding Your Interests and Career Aspirations
Before you start looking for work experience, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your interests and career aspirations. Are you a Linker, someone who enjoys connecting people with the resources they need? Or perhaps you’re an Innovator, driven by the desire to create and develop new solutions. Identifying your Career Cluster can provide a valuable starting point for your search.
Researching Opportunities
Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start researching opportunities. You might like to use our Work Experience Database as a starting point for finding placements. You can also look at the websites of companies you’re interested in to see if they offer work experience programs.
Don’t forget to leverage your personal network as well. Teachers, family friends, and even your peers may have connections or suggestions that could lead to work experience opportunities.
Aligning Work Experience with Emerging Trends
As you’re researching opportunities, keep an eye on emerging trends in the job market. Websites like the National Skills Commission can provide valuable insights into the skills that employers are looking for and the job titles that are growing fastest. Choosing work experience that helps you develop these skills can give you a competitive edge when you enter the job market.
Preparing Your Application
Once you’ve found a work experience opportunity that aligns with your interests and career aspirations, it’s time to prepare your application. This usually involves writing a cover letter and resume. Remember to highlight any relevant skills and experiences you have, even if they’re from school projects or extracurricular activities. Be sure to explain why you’re interested in the role and what you hope to learn from the experience.
Finding relevant and impactful work experience as a high school student may seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of your interests and career aspirations, and a proactive approach to researching opportunities, you can find a placement that provides valuable insights into your chosen field.