Finding work experience in the health industry

It is evident that organisations who employ health professionals highly recommend work experience which comes from the not for profit sector or local government sector. 

Work experience can include a wide range of activities, paid or unpaid, short or long term. There a quite a few different ways you can start getting work experience while you are studying. When it comes to applying for graduate positions, employers value graduates who have been actively involved in the community and on campus, and have actively sought out experience in their field.  Work experience also helps you start to understand the areas you are really interested in, and builds on the core employability skills most employers look for in candidates.

Approach all work experience (including volunteer work) as you would when searching for paid positions:

• research the organisation
• prepare questions to ask before contacting them
• be organised and professional in your approach
• know what skills you have to offer
• be realistic about how much time you can commit

Drop into the careers and employment office on your campus to pick up a copy of the Internship and work experience booklet (396 KB) for ideas on planning, researching and contacting organisations.