Here are some tips to assist you to use your workplace experience to further your career development. These tips are based on the career development competencies you need to acquire to successfully manage your career across a lifetime.   A comprehensive list of career planning resources and online activities are located in the Resource section of this website.

Pre placement

Whether you are looking for, or have secured a work place experience, here are some things you can do to ensure you maximize the experience for your career development.

1.  Self-analysis

To choose the right placement you need to analyse the following:

• Skills -  undertake a skills audit to identify your strengths and to identify any skills gaps you need to fill to secure the work you want.
• Values – how does the career/role/organization fit with your own personal values?
• Interests - how does the career/role/organization align with your interests?  e.g. if you are studying accounting but have a fascination for film could you find work experience with a Film Finance organization.
• Personality – is the type of work experience a good fit for your personality and how you like to work.  Resources like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Strong Interest inventory, Belbin’s leadership styles can provide insight.

2.  Research the opportunities

A well chosen work placement can provide insight into your future career and can lead to further vacation and graduate opportunities.  But first you need to identify the range of opportunities open to you.  Here are some tips:

• Visit your university careers service website for information on opportunities and how to research them.
• Visit your careers library for free vacation and graduate employment publications.
• The yellow pages online is a great way to search industries and create a handy list of websites and employers to contact.
• Become a student member of a relevant Professional Association and participate in relevant professional acitivities.
• Find a mentor in an industry/organization you wish to work in.
• Conduct Information interviews with people in careers/organizations you would like to find out about.
• Visit jobs website e.g. Your University Careers Services jobs database, SEEK
• Consult career websites e.g. My Future

3.  Preparation to apply

When you have identified the opportunities then you will need to apply for advertised opportunities or to cold call and approach companies directly.  You will need to acquire the following skills and knowledge.

1. How to write a competitive:
   1.  resume
   2. application letter
   3. statement addressing selection criteria.   
2. How to complete an online application
3. Interview skills
4. Knowledge of Assessment centres
5. How to present a Folio
6. Job Search

If you are undertaking work experience as part of your course then ideally you should be provided with opportunities to develop these skills.  Your university careers service will have resources, workshops to support you to develop these competencies.

4. During placement 

A work experience placement is a terrific opportunity to gain insight into a role/career/organization and whether the fit is right for you.  Workplace experiences will expose you to opportunities you were not aware of and help you to develop skills to assist your employability.

During your placement you need to take time to reflect on the experience and what it means for your career.  You can do this through:

• Journals
• Blogs
• ePortfolios
• Diaries

5. Post placement

You need to take time to reflect on the experience and what the experience taught you about how you want to live your life.  You can do this through:

• Skills audit – what skills, abilities, knowledge do I need to acquire to realize life and career goals.
• Developing a career plan with short term and long term goals
• Finding a mentor
• Building your networks
• Continuing to research opportunities

 If at any time you are confused about your career direction then consult a Careers Practitioner.  Your university Careers Service is always a good starting point.