If studying for a degree and becoming a ‘grown-up’ wasn’t scary enough, when thoughts turn to your ideal job after university, things can get pretty terrifying. Time after time, we are wisely told that work experience is the key, but sometimes it simply isn’t that easy to find. If you are staying in York this Easter holidays and looking to gain some work experience, we’ve done some of the legwork to kick off your search.
Firstly, it is important to make the most of the Careers service which already exists at the University. You can visit their office on campus, drop them an email or use the Interactive Careers Service, to search for opportunities where you can narrow your search to a specific field of interest, area and type of work depending on what you are looking for. You can also look at Job Search (jobsearch.direct.gov.uk). This is probably the most comprehensive job vacancy site on the web, and you can again narrow your search to a specific location and hours of work to find the right opportunity for you, which you’ll both enjoy and benefit from.
However, you may not be able to find any directly relevant work experience, so why not look for something a little more fun? Volunteering looks great on your CV and, although it won’t bring in the pennies immediately, it can pay off in the long term. There are plenty of local charities who are in constant need of volunteers in and around York. Do It (www.do-it.org.uk) is a website aimed at 16-25 year olds and lists a variety of local volunteer opportunities, from becoming a ‘buddy’ for disabled children to dog walking.
You can also look for more specific volunteering experience, for example, if you are considering a career in the Arts and Heritage sector, why not volunteer for The National Trust? They have a variety of opportunities advertised on their website which are different and interesting. The best opportunity I came across is definitely the ‘Visitor Experience Volunteer’ at Goddards, where you can spend the day in the house of Mr Terry (of Chocolate Orange fame) telling stories about chocolate.
Finally, if you want to not only do something different, but be paid for it, consider becoming a Ghost Walk Tour Guide. For example, Abbot Tours are looking for a variety of guides, translators, leaflet distributors and general helpers. You can even be an official ‘jumper-outer’ – surely ideal for any pranksters out there. You can find the information regarding applying on the Interactive Careers Service, but all they ask for is an application via email and a ‘fun’ photo. It’s certainly an opportunity which will stand out on your CV and provide a talking point, whilst demonstrating various transferable skills and showing undoubted personality.
So York this Easter could be the time and place to gain that key work experience your CV is craving – but remember, don’t limit yourself too much. Yes, it would be perfect to work for that one company’s department you’re dreaming to be employed by after you graduate, but sometimes it just isn’t possible.
Any form of work experience will develop and improve your skills set and add to your CV if you present it well, so keep an open mind and there will be something out there for you. If a Ghost Walk Tour Guide can be shown to demonstrate skills of adaptability, confidence and communication, alongside providing a fun way to earn some cash, then any work experience is valuable.