In article published in the Times last year Liz Rhodes, director of the National Council for Work Experience, answers student's questions about what's on offer.
I have applied in writing for summer work experience with a number of local banks, but have yet to receive a reply. Should I phone them to follow up the letters, or would this be considered too pushy' Jeremy Isaacs, Newcastle
Yes, do phone them, but think through what you are going to say. For example, when you wrote to them, did you give them any reasons as to why you want to do some work experience with them and set out what you might be able to do' If so, remind them of that when you call.
I am currently in my first year at sixth-form college and would like to study medicine at university. I am trying to get work experience that will enhance my Ucas form and CV. I have approached a few medical institutes but I am either not getting replies, or being asked to contact other members of staff - it's a never-ending spiral.
I have already worked as a volunteer in an old peoples' home, in a nursery and in the schools autistic unit. Do you have any advice on how I should go about setting up a medicine-related placement' Name and address withheld
You already have plenty of experience which will stand you in good stead. To get a medicine-related placement is difficult unless you are already on a course. What you need to do is think about the skills you have begun to develop from the opportunities you have had, such as teamwork, communication, motivation, initiative and flexibility and any that are of particular importance to the medical profession. Build on these by doing other forms of work experience and make sure that you can articulate what you have achieved.
How are summer internships abroad regarded by city employers in comparison to structured London placements' Is one more impressive than the other' Name and address withheld
Any internship, whether here or abroad, is valued by city employers. What they look for when it comes to recuiting graduates is evidence that you have some understanding of the world of work and can explain what you have achieved while on work experience.
I'm an art student trying to find a work experience placement within the media. I'm looking to work in television, film, or theatre, or perhaps with the arts editor of a glossy magazine. Which companies do you recommend I try' Name and address withheld
You should decide which area is of most interest to you, identify companies or organisations within it, and then make an approach to a number of them, setting out why you want to do some work experience with them and what you are able to do. Not all companies in the media world pay students on work experience, so decide first whether you need to be paid or not.
I'm studying politics at Durham, but still don't really know what I want to do when I leave university. I think it would be a good idea to get some interesting, paid work experience, but not having a specific direction makes it more difficult. Is there a website, or information source I can look to in order to get an idea what's on offer. Jonathan Collins, Farnborough
I suggest you look in a magazine called Focus on Work Experience which you will find in your University Careers Service or online at www.work-experience.org; it contains a number of articles about how to find opportunities, and lists some organisations and websites which arrange placements.
I would like to gain work experience in a job related to law during the summer, between my A-S levels and A2 levels. Is this possible' Do you have any suggestions' Nicholas Smith, Swindon
Try approaching solicitors' offices in your local area. You will need to think through why you want to do it and what you might be able to do for them. Bear in mind that many companies have lots of things they want to get done, but put them on the back burner for lack of internal resources. You could be the one to help them out.
Will I have to go through a police check to do work experience in a school' If so, how do I go about arranging it' Huda, Manchester
You might have to. You should check this out with the school you plan to visit.
If a company takes a student on unpaid temporary work experience, what are its legal obligations' Is the student covered by the law in terms of accidents at work etc. James Davenport, Chelmsford
You need to make sure that the company has employer's liability insurance which should cover such a situation. Also ensure that they have a health and safety policy.
I'm a second year sociology student and am considering becoming an estate agent when I graduate. I'm torn between getting paid temping work this summer or doing unpaid work experience. My finances are tight, so obviously I'd like to earn some money, but I don't want to neglect my long-term career prospects either. Do you think employers see temping as valuable' What would you recommend' Libby Maxwell, Winchester
Given that you would like to earn some money, I would suggest you go for paid temping work. This is also a form of work experience as it will give you an opportunity to start developing a range of "employability" skills that will be required for whatever type of job you do.
These skills include problem-solving, communication and teamwork.You will also be able to gain some business awareness which employers look for when recruiting graduates. The important thing is to be able to articulate what you have achieved.
I plan to be a chartered accountant. I have applied for summer work placements with all the big firms this summer, but have been unsuccessful (apparently there were very few places available). However, I still feel that I really need to get some experience. Other than the publicised placements, are you aware of another way to get experience with these companies' Dylan Lee, Peterborough
Unfortunately, competition is stiff when it comes to the placements offered by the big firms. Think about approaching some of the smaller firms, perhaps in your area. It might also be worth thinking about finding some temp work in this industry. It might be a bit boring, but it could help you to get a foot in the door and at least you will be able to get a feel for what it is like to work in such an environment.
