The work experience debate was rife last week, when a graduate had to work for free at ‘poundland’ :
This academic year I’ve completed three work placements. Previously, I’ve worked for free at Sainsburys to horse stables to large media production companies. So, how does working for free benefit you? Or like graduate Cait Reilly,did you have to complete seemingly unrewarding experiences?
The idea of working for free is firstly, to show any prospective employer that you’re a keen bee. You don’t just have qualifications or a slight interest – you’re willing to do it for free! You’re that enthusiastic!! You gain crucial experience and professional contacts.
Fantastic…but the major question is…who can work for free? When I completed my work experience it was done part-time after my day job, whilst at school, or when I (extremely luckily and most gratefully!) had someone to lean on financially for that week whilst I completed the placement. This year I’ve only been able to do so many placements thanks to my student loan and time juggling.
I recall working as a loathsome ‘chugger’ (charity mugger), when a colleague announced she was leaving to do a two month internship. I asked how she was going to afford two months working for free. She replied: ‘the bank of mum and dad is the only way I can do it.’ My fear is this just isn’t an option for lots of people. I’ve had to turn down offers because working for free just doesn’t get the bacon – it brings back the frying pan, so one day you MIGHT get the bacon...but a frying pan is pretty useless on it's own.
Meaning the stepping stone placed by society for many young people as an entrance to work – is completely unavailable and other worldly to some. Even whilst receiving job seekers, I remember my benefits would’ve been affected by working for free. As above, sometimes you have to complete undesirable, irrelevant work experience. To this I can tell you now, I’ve worked many jobs I’d no interest in, and the whole time I got through my shifts by thinking about how to get out of them. This is a crucial lesson (young) people. You learn what you DON’T want to do. This can be as important as finding what you do want to do. It gives you that extra motivation to not have to repeat the experience, and find something else.
Unfortunately the privileged and well-connected are much more likely to gain from the working-for-free culture. Some opportunities may offer food and travel…but none are likely to pay your rent.
However, I’d happily argue that my placements and the experiences gained are priceless to me. I’ve learnt far more from a couple of weeks in the workplace than will ultimately benefit me day-to-day from my degree. Work experience really does give you a boost above the rest. So, although I don’t agree with the implied elitism of a working-for-free culture, at the moment, there’s little anyone can do to change it, after all, employers are giving up their staff and time so you can be taught. In the future you might earn that employer lots of money, but for now, you’re an inexperienced amateur, grappling to learn more from them.
Therefore, here are some practical tips for anyone seeking work experience:
· Firstly, if you’re working, and getting experience in the job you really want seems impossible – think about taking a couple of days off, you should get holiday, and if you really want it, it’s worthwhile. Often a day or two’s work experience, whilst working full-time somewhere else, shows an employer your enthusiasm and good time management. Look into weekend/afternoon/one day a week volunteering; it doesn’t have to be a lengthy placement.
· Write to the top guy. When I applied for newspaper experience, I wrote to the editor. I know they don’t deal with work experience, but they’ll know you’re serious and pass it to the right person. Make sure you get their name right, or it’s the perfect reason to throw your letter in the bin. And yes, write - as in a letter. E-mails are easy to delete.
· Tell your friends and family you’re looking for work experience – I’d no idea my sisters friend was an editor at an international magazine - until I asked.
· Follow up letters with a phone call if you don’t hear back within a week. It shows you’re mindful, and eager.
· Some placements only award those studying your subject, so look at weekend/short courses; even day workshops.
· Get your C.V/cover letter checked by a recruitment agency, a bad C.V is a major fail for many applicants, and so easy to correct!
· When offered a placement, turn up on time, well presented and willing to do anything – at one placement I had to catch reporters as they went out the door– if you aren’t given anything to do, ask for something.
Please leave any comments you have and good luck!
