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Gaining work experience (advice for first years)

As we come towards the end of a very different autumn term, everyone is in need of a well-deserved rest! If however, during the vacation period, you are looking to gain work experience or try something new, below we have a few ways in which you can do this, even remotely!

Insight Schemes
If you are in your first year, you might be applying to insight schemes. Although opportunities have been affected due to Covid-19, there are still insight schemes advertised for next year, particularly with large graduate employers.

  • What are insight schemes? Insight schemes provide students with an introduction to the professional environment and culture of a company / organisation. They typically last between one to ten days, and take place during the Easter break.
  • Where to find opportunities? careers.kent.ac.uk, Prospects, e4s.co.uk, Gradcracker (STEM), RateMyPlacement and Bright Network all advertise undergraduate opportunities!
  • Which industries are offering these? Finance, Law, Tech, Consulting, Retail and more!
  • Attend our skills workshops to prepare for the assessments (workshops including CVs and application forms are running until the 18 December!). Book online via Target Connect

Virtual Internships
Virtual internships are flexible, online opportunities, where you can undertake remote experience. Many virtual internships exist in areas such as tech, marketing and social media roles. Some employers will give you project work to complete over a period of time, and you may have regular catch-ups with the employer.

Others are more flexible, allowing you to complete them in your own time, such as The Forage, which offers free open-access virtual internships. Great for building your commercial awareness! Opportunities include those in Law, Design, Tech, Investment Management, Banking and more!

  • Where to find virtual internships? The Forage, RateMyPlacement and Indeed all advertise remote working / virtual internships.

Volunteering (including virtually!)
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and develop your soft skills, you can even volunteer from home!