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December 2, 2014
How to find work experience or internships
It’s never too early to think about getting some work experience or an internship in the industry you think you want a career in; it looks great on your CV, gives you an insight into the workplace and gives you the opportunity to consider whether you really do want to work in that industry. But how do you find these elusive placements?
Firstly, think about what career you’re considering and what you could be doing to help your future prospects around your current commitments. If you’re at sixth form or college would you be willing to work in the holidays or maybe even one day at the weekend? If you’re at university could you arrange to work on the days you don’t have lectures or plan to take on a longer placement over the summer?
Then do your research. Is there a certain company you really admire and would like to get involved with? Or do you need to look further into the industry and see what’s out there? Either way, probably the easiest way to get an insight into the industry and therefore see the placement opportunities on offer, is to get social. Follow the companies you’re interested in on Twitter, ‘like’ their Facebook page and check out their Instagram account to find out what they’re all about, then create a LinkedIn account so you can showcase yourself and be found by companies, as well as looking at other businesses.
Don’t forget to think local. Not all the jobs are in London and the chances are, whatever it is you want to get into, there’s a local company that can help you. If you want to get into journalism is there a local magazine you could approach and ask for work experience? Or if you’re thinking about going into sales or marketing, why not find a local business and ask if you could do a placement with them?
First impressions are important so when you’re enquiring to companies, whether it’s via email or in person, make sure that your CV and cover letter are the best they can be. Remember that whoever you’re approaching doesn’t have to hire you, so state in your cover letter what you can bring to the company, as well as what you’d like to gain from it. Maybe you could help them run their social media accounts or offer your specific knowledge in an area.
If you’re looking for placements within large companies, check out what these organisations can offer you:
GoThinkBig offers work experience placements, internships, apprenticeships, insight days and full-time roles across a range of industries including media and digital for young people aged 16 to 24. Their website also offers help and advice at all stages of your career and they hold large events across the country where expert speakers provide insights into their career journey.
Rare Recruitment connects people from diverse backgrounds with careers in top organisations in finance, business, media, law, technology and more, as well as providing bespoke one-on-one guidance. Rare’s emphasis is on equality, as they state “there are no back doors or short cuts through us. You compete against everybody else for jobs and internships – no special favours, no quotas. It’s tough, but when you get in you know you have done so on your own merits”.
The Brokerage offers “opportunities for talented young Londoners who are aiming towards a future career in business, finance, professional services or corporate law” and is accessible to sixth formers and undergraduates. You can attend workshops and events as well as apply for internships and job opportunities and the team will also help you to bring your CV and interview skills up the high standards expected by City recruiters.
The Brokerage’s flagship programme is the City of London Business Traineeship, which provides 9 week internships in the city fringe borough to year 13 students.
– Stephanie Bolton
Follow Stephanie on Twitter @StephanieBolton
