Finding work experience
Sourcing work experience opportunities
Whilst we offer access to hundreds of vacancies on campus and via myAdvantage, you may also want to look elsewhere. Use the advice below to help you find the opportunity you are looking for.
Your Network
The first thing to do is to look at your network of family, friends, colleagues, university tutors and previous employers to see what’s on offer. They may know of an opportunity or could at least give you the contact details for someone at the company.
Read Warwick Careers Blog Networking tips for beginners
SMEs
Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are a great option when it comes to hidden opportunities. While big companies tend to advertise formal internship and work placement schemes, SMEs generally rely on word of mouth and speculative applications.
Read Warwick Careers Blog posts about working with SMEs
Social Media
You can use social media to keep up to date with what companies are doing and, in some cases, connect directly with employers. You also need to make sure you're conducting yourself professionally in public social media spaces.
See the Prospects guide to job hunting and social media.
Speculative applications
If the company that you are interested in has not advertised then you may consider applying speculatively to organisations that you find through researching sectors and employers.
- Write to a named person
- Explain the reason for the contact
- Be clear about what kind of experience you are looking for and your availability, but show flexibility
- Explain why you are interested in the organisation, role or sector
- Show how you connect/fit in
- Show understanding of what skills and knowledge may be required and display these, giving examples from your education and/or previous experience
- Finish with a call to action - how, when and where can you be contacted, and how you intend to follow up
Read more: Warwick Careers Blog ‘Speculate to accumulate’ – how to make speculative applications
Where to look
Prospects
Search for apprenticeships, graduate jobs, internships and postgraduate courses
Universal Jobmatch
Search and apply for full or part-time jobs in Britain and abroad, via GOV.uk
Search the job listings or use the service to connect with potential employers to discover unadvertised opportunities
Read more: Warwick Careers Blog Understanding the hidden job market
Further resources:
- Visit our International Careers page
- Read our information on undertaking unpaid work
- Learn what to consider before volunteering abroad