Work Experience benefits

The skills you could learn from work experience

If you’re contemplating getting some work experience, you might’ve read that most of your time will be spent observing. Understandably, you might be a bit confused about the skills you could be taking away from your work experience placement.

Well, not all work experience will be watching and learning (and even it is, at least your observational and note taking skills will be top notch by the end of it). In reality, you’ll probably be leaving your placement with new or improved technical skills that are specific to each job or industry. Let’s take a look at what some of these skills are.

Skills you’ll learn from work experience

There’s way more to work experience than you might realise. In fact, just applying for a position and turning up will guarantee that you have demonstrable talents to add to your resume. Here are just a few examples of skills you’ll need at work and that you could develop during your work experience placement.

Problem-solving

You won’t be expected to solve any big problems on your placement, but finding solutions to how you’ll get there each day, arrive on time, and organise your day are still all examples of this skill.

Time management

Arriving on time, knuckling down, and getting tasks done are all a part of building this valuable skill.

Communication

Having to work closely with your supervisor, other employees, and customers means both your verbal and non-verbal communication skills will get a workout. In addition to honing your communication talents, you might find that your active listening, collaboration, and diplomacy abilities are improved too.

Teamwork

Working well with other people, listening to them, following instructions, engaging, and adding value in the workplace are all demonstrable teamwork skills, highly desired by most employers.

Professionalism

This includes looking the part, taking the job seriously, trying your best, and using appropriate language.

Networking

Have you heard the phrase “it’s not what you know but who you know”? Well, it’s very true in many aspects of life, so learning how to network could open up lots of opportunities for you.

Business etiquette

Knowing how to write professional emails, the best way to answer the phone, when to step back from a situation, and how to remain professional in all situations are invaluable when you’re looking for paid work.

Initiative

If you finish a task and your supervisor is busy, wash up the mugs, do some filing, or ask around if there’s another job you can do to help out – just be proactive. Also, let your employer know if you have an idea about trying something new or different that could help get the job done.

Work ethic

Don’t complain, don’t slack off and take advantage of the fact you’re not at school, don’t take excessive breaks, and don’t spend time on your phone. Do try your best, give everything a go, and ask for help if you need it.

Willingness to learn

Be enthusiastic, show you’re ready to listen and learn, try new things, follow instructions, and don’t be a know-it-all.

Computer, technical, and practical skills

You probably already have a great understanding of technology, but using it in a workplace environment, and using new programs, software and equipment will only expand your knowledge.

Customer service

Dealing with the public isn’t always easy, so learning how to handle tricky situations, keep customers happy, or just provide people with the information they need is a great skill to have in any industry.

Confidence and self-esteem

These might not sound like typical workplace skills, but they’re really important as you go through life. They’ll help you reach goals, take opportunities, challenge yourself, and ultimately help you move forward.

To get the most out of work experience…

Ask lots of questions at your placement to maximise the benefits from being there. Your employer and colleagues recognise that you’re there to learn, so don’t feel embarrassed or that you’re annoying them.

If appropriate, take a notebook and write things down as you go. You might think you’ll remember all the important stuff, but knowing it’s all written down is great peace of mind.

Once your placement is over, think about the skills you gained from your experience and make sure you add them to your resume or portfolio.

Want more?

If you’re looking for more information, we have heaps of other blogs you can read on our website here.