Are you looking to expand your experience and skills during the summer vacation? Perhaps make new contacts and build your CV, LinkedIn or any other profile?
Taking on some unsalaried opportunities can give you the flexibility to try a variety of new experiences that fit round your other interests or commitments. If you are taking on any unpaid opportunities the work and opportunities fund could help you to meet any costs associated with this.
- What do you want to achieve or experience?
- Reflect on strengths and experiences so far; consider what is missing or what you would like to experience more of.
- Identify skills and experiences that fit with your career or personal development plans.
- Find out what is available
- Online work experiences and internships are often short and workable in your own time. Schemes are available and are a great way to make connections and develop sector awareness.
- Volunteering could be directly related to your programme of study, career goals or something completely different. It could be ongoing or as part of a one off event, at home or abroad.
- Company Insight days and events are available throughout the year are often online. Attending them shows your motivation and can help you make career decisions.
- Work shadow or short work experience. – an opportunity to observe and develop your understanding of a role, grow your network and commercial awareness and identify your career goals. You will likely need to arrange this opportunity yourself.
- Self-directed projects. You could try entering competitions; Search social media, using hashtag to find opportunities. You could set yourself a research project, develop a design, product or business idea.
- Search for opportunities on the Target connect portal.
- Decide on the opportunity you want and apply
- Check company websites and social media. Find details of key contacts and check for any application or registration deadlines.
- Check the application methods. Some may have structured application processes others may be undefined, requiring you to make a speculative approach.
- What tools do you need? CV, cover letter/ email. Include evidence of motivation for the opportunity and prior experience in your application.
- Ask the Careers and Employability Service for support to develop your CV or help with your application.
- Remember to log your activities for Employability Points and update your CV and LinkedIn profile with your experiences, new learning and skills!
Good luck with your summer experiences!