Why is work experience important?

1. Employers want it
Employers want intelligent graduates who can make sense of complex information, solve problems, work in a team, communicate effectively, manage their time and cope with pressure. Your studies, interests, work experience and part-time jobs will offer opportunities to gain these skills and provide evidence of them. Employers want to see that you have experienced getting to work on time, have learnt how to work with a diverse range of people, understand customer service skills and even that you can tolerate mundane work!

2. Developing new skills and knowledge
Work experience is an ideal opportunity to put some of the theory you have learnt in your degree into practice and develop your skills at the same time. It is also an opportunity to learn new ones.

3. Working out your next step
Testing out careers by undertaking work experience helps you decide which industry or job you might like to work in (or identify those that you definitely do not!)

4. Secure that graduate job early
Employers often use work experience as an extended interview for graduate jobs. With some companies students who have already worked for them will automatically progress to the next step of the recruitment process.

5. And finally... money!
Most positions are paid and can provide you with a little extra cash. Don't ignore the value of voluntary work though. Employers also understand the value of voluntary work, recognising that volunteers often have a high level of motivation, a sense of responsibility and the desire to make a difference.