What's in it for me?

This is a question probably asked too often by some of us... but if being an enterprising young person doesn’t leave you much time to be generous with, then it’s a question you feel is worth asking. Consider this though - Work experience (giving your time + skills + knowledge) = plenty for you in return. Like that equation? Read on to see how factoring some work experience into your week can help you get places faster!

At FRANK Team HQ over the years we’ve had a few work experience students and volunteers dropping in to get some experience and lend a hand. It’s awesome - we get to meet some great young people who are willing to help out, and they are developing their skills and getting some valuable experience to add to their resumes! It’s a win win situation!

So what’s so good about volunteering VS hanging out for the job you want, I hear you say? There is actually a lot in it for you. It’s not just working for nothing.

- Experience is sometimes valued over a qualification. So you might have a diploma or degree, but employers like to hire people who have some experience up their sleeves as well.
- Put your degree or diploma to work. If you are studying, why not put your learning to use straight away, who says you have to wait until you graduate and get a job?
- You could get a job out of it. If you make a good impression, you'you've got your foot in the door!
- Try before you buy. If you're considering an industry, but not sure and you don't want to commit to study yet, do some work experience first - this will help you decide if you are interested in pursuing that career, or if you need to do some more thinking.
- It's a great way to meet people who are in the industry you want to be in. This can help you get the job you want faster through networking - they will all find out what a hard worker you are. Plus you will be learning from professionals.
- You could find a mentor. You might meet someone in the workplace who inspires you, and embodies who you want to be in your career - support from them will help you succeed.
- It’s an opportunity to develop your skills, and find out what you're good at. Or use the skills you have to help others - we know we've learnt a thing or two from our work experience girls

So... you’re convinced now aren’t you?? Here’s how you can get yourself a work experience opportunity...
- Do some research. Find some local organisations, businesses etc who are in the industry you want to work in. Give them a call to see if they have any work experience positions. If they do, ask if you can go in to meet with them and see if you would like to do some volunteering there. If you don’t have any luck, keep searching... or check out the volunteer opportunities @ seek.com
- If you go in to meet with people and suss out an opportunity, put together a resume so you can show you are serious about having a go and you can display some of your assets!

So what are you waiting for?