Getting Work Experience

Often the missing link between an employers ‘wishlist’ and a student, is a track record in a variety of workplace experiences.

Work related experiences don’t just increase your employability – they can also clarify your career intentions. For some, it can even be a ‘try before you buy’ for both student and employer.
Careers Central has developed a suite of workplace programs to help students increase their employability, which all students can access (undergraduates, postgraduates, domestic, international).

Read more about these programs from here

• Univative Illawarra (UI)
• Certificate In Global Workplace Practice (CGWP)
  (Available To International Students)
• Careers Central Internships (CCI)
• Graduate Qualities & Employability Skills Team challenge (GQEST)
• Lucy Mentoring Program (LUCY)

Information related to other work experience programs on campus and links to forms and procedures can be found below:

• Faculty Programs
• UOW Work Experience Application Form

Other work experience/volunteer work with employers or volunteer organisations are listed here:

• Industrial Experience / Vacation Work / Internships / Cadetships / Scholarships / Work Experience Programs
• Voluntary Work / Unpaid Work Experience / International Work

The federal government’s Fair Work Act now clearly states that unpaid work experience SHOULD NOT OCCUR, UNLESS: it is a formal part of your studies; or is with a voluntary or Not for Profit organisation.

We understand that securing a work placement can be very beneficial to gaining greater clarity on your career plans and on increasing your employability. Please visit us in Careers Central to explore strategies and documentation which can support your workplace experiences.

Another strategy for identifying work experience opportunities is to build your networks. Visit the CareerStart website for tips and advice about Informational Interviewing

An important method to maximise the benefit of any work related experience is to reflect on aspects related to career decisions – before, during and after the workplace experience.

Careers Central has created a reflection activity for workplace experiences. You can access the document here.