This page helps you understand how you might feel at different points of your work experience journey and the support you can access. The feelings outlined in each area are not exhaustive or exclusive to a particular part of your work experience; you may experience some, all or none, and may have other feelings too. There is no right or wrong.
Finding work experience
This can be a busy time as you juggle study and other commitments. It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed and important to remember to take care of yourself.
Consider any needs you have or anything that may impact upon your wellbeing at the earliest opportunity to give yourself time to prepare.
Discuss any concerns, for example, health conditions that might affect your work experience, with a person you trust and access relevant services for support.
The application or interview process can be frustrating or even demotivating, and tend to involve a lot of waiting and negotiation. You may succeed with your first application or it may take several attempts to secure work experience. Or the employer may decide to revise the job description or withdraw after offering you a job.
Coping with rejection is a normal part of the application process and whilst it can be demoralising, you can learn to bounce back and succeed with future applications.
Recognise that setbacks are a natural part of the job search process. Try not to take unfavourable outcomes personally.
Remain professional in your interactions with the employer. Ask them for feedback on your application or interview. If the offer has been changed or withdrawn, ask them politely to clarify the reason. If you're still interested in working for the organisation, enquire if there are alternative opportunities.
Take time to reframe your mindset, reflect on the positive take-aways and how you can navigate similar challenges in the future. For example, your CV is updated and you've learned how to improve it for future applications.
Assess your career goals, review your options and stay flexible and open to other opportunities. Consider support from the careers serviceLink opens in a new window, your personal tutor and the wider network.
Stay proactive and motivated – focus on your accomplishments, strengths and future goals as you continue your job search efforts with renewed determination.
Where the job offer rescindment causes legal concerns (e.g. if you believe your rights may have been violated or a contractual agreement has been breached), you may want to consider seeking legal advice to understand your options.
Speak to someone you trust, a friend or relative or someone in your department. A problem shared is often a problem halved.
Preparing for and during work experience
A change in your day-to-day routine can often bring on different feelings; you may feel excited, nervous or a bit out of your depth as you prepare for and go on work experience. Circumstances may change while you’re working. For example, an employer may revise your role due to a change in priorities after gaining a new business contract.
Accept that you’re embarking on something new and different. It’s natural to feel out of your comfort zone so a little apprehension is to be expected, which is likely to reduce as you get into the role.
The resources in Get Ready stageLink opens in a new window, in particular "Manage work issues confidently" will help you prepare for and embrace the new experience.
It’s ok to ask your manager or other colleagues for help or when you have questions. As a new member of the organisation and perhaps new to work experience, or if the role has changed to address new challenges, they will understand that you may need extra guidance and support and would rather you ask when you are unsure.
If you continue to experience difficulties, talk to your manager or supervisor, so the situation can be addressed promptly. For wellbeing issues, you can also access support from Wellbeing Support ServicesLink opens in a new window.
Talk to your manager or someone you can relate to in the organisation. They may be able to put something in place to help, such as, introducing you to the right colleagues to help you find the information you need.
Student OpportunityLink opens in a new window provides practical support with your work experience, such as work experience Moodle courses to help you reflect on and learn from your experience.
There is also the University’s safe and confidential Report and Support serviceLink opens in a new window if you experience any kind of unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, and need advice or someone to talk to.
After work experience
Think about the experience: what has gone well, skills you have gained, objectives you have achieved, and anything that did not turn out as expected. When things turn out well, we can feel inspired and motivated but less so if the experience didn’t turn out as expected. If this is the case, it’s normal for our mood to be affected.
Take time to reflect on how or why the experience did or didn’t work out and be kind to yourself. Work experience is all part of your learning experience and there will likely be positive aspects you can take away.
Consider what you would do differently or the same if a similar situation occurred again.
Perhaps take a training course to improve your skills, such as time management, project management or communication.
Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. You’ve had an opportunity to find out if that type of role, area of work or industry are a good fit for you. If not, you have the chance to set new objectives.
If you didn’t enjoy the experience, you will have gained some transferable skills which you can use as evidence of your suitability in future applications.
