Graduate Opportunities

Employers greatly value the range of flexible, adaptable skills which graduates bring to a workplace, but they also recognise that graduates with work experience bring an additional “x factor” to their roles.

So what is work experience? It includes any paid or unpaid work, whether in the private or public sector, with a commercial, volunteer and not-forprofit organisation, or even any activity that has an element of on or off the-job training, instruction, supervision or mentoring. This broad definition of work experience ensures that “work experience” encompasses a wide range of activities undertaken by students and graduates -- such as cadetships, internships, vacation, graduate, trainee, structured workplace learning, new apprenticeship, casual, part-time and voluntary work.

Experience placements may be undertaken locally, nationally or overseas and are generally characterised by having a predetermined end date. For more information on international work experience see the volunteering overeas section.

The benefits

Work experience is well-worth the time and commitment for the added value it brings to your graduate qualifications.
You will gain:
• Experience in applying for jobs
• A feel for what it’s like to work and what’s expected of you in a real-life work situation
• Insight into how you would enjoy or suite a particular job or work environment
• On-the-job experience and developing skills employers want
• A foot in the door with an employer.

How long?

This length of a work experience placement varies, but the longer the better and there are advantages in having it spread over a period. On the website www.jobjuice.gov.au graduates are advised to “start with one week full-time then follow it up with one day a month for the next few months”.
This is an excellent way of gaining the kind skills and knowledge that will enhance your employment prospects after graduation.

Where do I start?

There are various avenues for finding out about and applying for work experience, including: family and friends; careers services; job network providers; industry contacts; the internet; and government initiatives, such as the West Australian Department of Education and Training’s Centre for Work Experience at Edith Cowan University (visit www.cwe.org.au ).

Tips for success

• Approach work experience in the same way you would any job
• Prepare what you are going to ask an employer before contacting them
• Before starting, think about what areas you want to gain experience in while on your placement and then talk this through with your employer. This will benefit you and your employer
• Make sure you behave like a real employee: arrive on time, wear the right clothes and show respect for your colleagues.

This is an edited version of an article by Lucretia Radhakrishnan, Project Officer – Youth, Career Development Services WA Department of Education and Training, which appeared in Graduate Grapevine (No 5, September 2006).