Finding Your Own Placement
Why find your own placement?
Finding your own work experience placement gives you the opportunity to choose something that interests you and could be personally rewarding.
It can also help you develop important skills such as:
- Communication – speaking to employers and asking questions.
- Initiative – taking the first step and making things happen.
- Resourcefulness – finding solutions and exploring different options.
- Confidence – introducing yourself and talking to people you may not know.
- Independence – taking responsibility for finding an opportunity that suits you.
Finding your own placement can also open opportunities with a wide range of employers and industries that you may not otherwise have considered.
Making the Most of Work Experience
To get the most from your work experience, start thinking about it early and consider what you would like to gain from the experience.
You might want to think about:
- What careers are you currently considering?
- What do you enjoy? What are your likes and dislikes?
- What is important to you in a job? For example, working with people, computers, animals, practical tasks or being creative.
- What type of environment would you enjoy? For example, outdoors, in a shop, office, school, workshop, hospital or factory.
- Do you want to explore something you already enjoy or try something completely new?
- How far are you able to travel? Remember to think about how you would get there each day.
Still not sure?
Think about your life outside the classroom too:
- What are your favourite subjects at school?
- Do you have a hobby or interest that could link to a placement?
- Do you belong to a club, sports team or organisation?
- Is there a job or industry you have always wondered about?
Your work experience doesn't have to be your future career – it is an opportunity to explore, learn and discover what you enjoy.
Finding an Employer
Once you have an idea of what you would like to do, it is time to start looking for an employer.
Here are some ways you could find a placement:
- Ask family and friends if they know an employer who might be able to help.
- Think about businesses you already know and contact them to ask if they offer work experience.
- Search online for employers in the industry or job area that interests you.
- Speak to your school and find out whether they have contacts through careers activities or previous work experience placements.
- Look locally – smaller businesses may be more willing to offer work experience than you expect.
Remember...
Don't be afraid to ask!
An employer may not be able to offer a placement, but you won't know unless you contact them. Feel free to use our Contacting an Employer Guide.
If one employer says no, try another. Keep going and don't be discouraged.
Finding It Difficult to Get the Placement You Want?
Because of your age, some employers and jobs may not be able to offer work experience. This doesn't mean you have to give up on your career idea.
Think about the skills, knowledge and experience you could gain somewhere else.
For example:
If you are interested in...
- 🩺 Becoming a doctor...you could consider a nursing home, pharmacy or healthcare setting
- 🐾 Becoming a vet...you could consider a kennel, cattery, animal rescue centre or farm
- 👩🏫 Becoming a teacher...you could consider a nursery, primary school or children's activity setting
- 💻 Working in technology...you could consider an office-based business, IT company or digital organisation
- 🏗️ Working in construction...you could consider a building supplier, construction office or trade business
- 🐴 Working with horses...you could consider a stable, riding school or equestrian centre
- ⚽ Working in sport...you could consider a leisure centre, sports club or activity provider
Think about the skills you want to develop, not just the job title.
A different but related placement can still give you valuable experience and help you understand whether a particular career is right for you.
The key message:
Be curious. Be proactive. Be prepared to try something new.
Your work experience could introduce you to a career you had never even considered!