Need to brush up on your industry experience? Perhaps a dose of work experience or an internship is right for you. 

Perhaps you know what industry you want to work in. Perhaps you even have a particular job role in mind. But the one thing standing in your way seems to be ‘experience’ of that industry. It’s that old nutshell – you apply for an entry level role but the employer wants you to have experience. How do you do that if you are starting out? 

If this sounds like you, or even if you want to try your hand at a new career/industry, then finding a work experience placement or internship could be the right thing to advance your career. Usually unpaid (sometimes not), it will give you valuable insight into the career you are interested in, provide you with concrete experience and give you a chance to flex your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. 
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Learn about work experience at Softcat

FAQs

Work experience usually lasts for a week or two, but some placements are carried out over a longer period of time, for example, one day a week for six months. Work experience placements usually begin in your time at school but can also be carried out by mature career seekers who are looking to get an insight into a particular career or sector.

Internships, on the other hand, are a chance to gain more practical experience directly related to the course you are studying. They can help students develop technical skills and build confidence. They can vary in length and can be paid or voluntary.

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