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When can I do work experience?
During any of the school holidays including the summer holidays. You can also work over a series of weekends or in the evenings if needed.
I did work experience in year 11, do I have to do it again in year 12?
Yes.
I have a part-time job, does that count?
No. You could ask a manager at work if you could work with them for a week. Importantly, you should try to get a placement that involves further responsibilities than any job you would be able to do as a 16 year old - the key is to get insight into possible future career opportunities.
How long does the work experience have to be?
The ideal length of a placement would be 5 working days. If this is not possible, please discuss this with the careers team / Ms O’Connor to get approval for your placement.
Can I do more than one placement?
Of course! The more the better!
What kind of work experience should I do?
Ideally you will complete a work experience placement that allows you to explore a possible future career you have been considering. Where this is not possible, any work experience placement will give you valuable insight into the skills needed for the modern workplace and will help inform your future decisions. Importantly, you should try to get a placement that involves further responsibilities than any job you would be able to do as a 16 year old - the key is to get insight into possible future career opportunities.
What is expected of me?
It is expected that you complete all the necessary documentation including the self placement form before the placement and the self reflection form after the placement. You will be expected to behave in a professional manner including appropriate dress and punctuality. Make the most of your placement by being curious and asking questions. You could even ask to interview a member of staff to find out more about their career journey.
I’ve applied but I haven’t been accepted/haven’t had a reply, what should I do?
Chase...politely. If you haven’t been accepted, don’t worry, in London it will be very competitive to get onto a lot of work placements that are advertised so you may be one of over 100 applicants, making your chances slim. Always ask for feedback so that even if you’re not accepted, you know what to do next time to improve your application. This is what would happen in the real world of job hunting.
If you have sent off spontaneous applications and have not heard back, there is no harm in chasing it up politely. It is likely that the person who received your application just has not had time to get back to you or they may have forgotten altogether. Don't take it personally. A polite nudge shows you’re proactive and are willing to put in the energy to get the result you want.
How many applications should I do?
Be prepared to send off a lot of applications. If you’re applying for placements that are widely advertised then remember that you’ll be one of maybe 100s of applicants. Set yourself a target e.g. to send off at least 5 - 10 applications per week and make sure you’re chasing them up and personalising each application.
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