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Work Experience Ideas?

Hi all,

Work experience is here at my sixth form for year 12's and I would really like to do it so I can put it on my uni application. The only problem is that I have absolutely no idea where to go because I am not entirely certain what I even want to do as a career. I am interested in business, and am considering a degree in marketing so if people could give me ideas please so I can think of different companies or where to apply to. I need this information fast so I don't have the careers department breathing down my neck.

Many thanks!
Reply 1
Hello George.

Its good to get in the mindset of getting work experience as soon as possible. I study marketing and its great, good choice. Its good because its still a pretty broad degree, and most courses let you specialise by choosing optional modules throughout your 2nd and final year. Its also pretty common practice that if you didn't enjoy your first year studying marketing, you can change degree to most other business related degrees, and continue studying into your second year. I got to Portsmouth Uni where this is the case (probably not every uni).

Anyway, if your looking for marketing experience, first check out a blog post I wrote about it here, but its more for Uni Students. As a sixth form student, I would recommend trying to find local businesses who are looking for students to come in on a part time basis to help in marketing activities. I worked for a small Car dealership and helped them with their Market Research and CRM a few hours a week. Do some research, speak to your friends/parents/parents friends to see if they know of any opportunities. These will most likely be unpaid, but still fun and interesting.

Additionally, a lot of companies offer summer internships for sixth form students to work full time for 6-10 weeks in the summer doing paid marketing work. However, I appreciate this probably isnt what your looking for. (plus a lot of application periods are closed now). Still worth having a look though as employers love that stuff.

If your just generally wanting to improve your CV, check out my Milkround advice article here, which talks about things you can do to improve your employability without leaving your house.

At the stage you are at, getting any work experience is still good, even if its just general business admin. Even if the first few jobs you have suck, it builds up your CV, giving you a better chance at getting the jobs you really want. So persevere! I promise it will pay off. It will also get much easier to get work experience when your at uni.

Good luck!

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