Work Experience Tips

I basically did a pretty shoddy job at finding a work experience placement which is why I've ended up working at my mum's school but here's some tips on  how you can get the placement you want.

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm
As soon as you get given the dates of when you'll have to do your work experience start contacting people, I waited at least 2 months before I did which was a bad idea. However it was still 5 months before the work experience dates started :(
2. No Emailing
I contacted around 20 places via email and only about 4 replied, all saying they were already full. So try asking people in person or over the phone as then you'll get an immediate response and not have to wait a few days for a "no" or just to be ignored. Calling people scared the shit out of me, as did speaking to people in person but you could just get your parent/guardian to ask for you if you're anything like me.
3. Go Big or Go Home
I recommend applying to big businesses as they are more likely to have the ability and correct insurance to take a young person on. Also big businesses will look good on your CV as they are more well known and have good reputations giving you a good reputation by association.
4. Talk to Your Work Experience Co-Ordinator
If you're doing work experience while still at school talk to the person who deals with the admin regarding it, about where to apply and whether they know of anywhere already on the system that would be likely to take you on.
5. Don't be Afraid to Travel
Limiting yourself to just your local area will also limit the amount of places you can apply to, I know people who are going to York and London to do their two weeks just because that's where the opportunities in fields they're interested in lie.
6. It's Not Forever
If you're struggling to think of places to apply to because you're clueless about what job you want in the future, don't worry ! It's only for 2 weeks you won't be stuck there forever. Apply to places that you think will help you get your first job, not your dream job, if you're in  pickle e.g. shops and cafes. But this is a last resort don't straight away lower yourself, no offence to anyone working in these jobs, aim high at first.
7. Branch Out
If people reject you ask them if they know of anywhere else similar that would accept you. You could also ask if businesses have another branch near by and if they could take you on,some businesses may ask the other branch on your behalf avoiding extra stress for you.
8. Family and Friends
Unfortunately for me most of my parents friends are teachers which isn't something I'm particularly interested in but my brother got to do a week with a graphic design company through a family friend and he really enjoyed it.

Hope these help but I'm afraid a lot of it, in my opinion, is down to luck so..

GOOD LUCK from me xo

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