Work Experience
THIS ISSSUE
5 work experience ideas for students who love photography
Why work experience matters for your future
You can find previous work experience information in these issues:
Issue 6
5 work experience ideas for students who love music
Work experience opportunities for students with disabilities
Issue 5
5 places to find virtual work experience
Work experience ideas for students who love animals
Issue 3
Work experience options for future medicine students
5 work experience ideas for students who love photography
Work experience gives you the chance to test-drive your career interests and build practical skills that you can't learn in a classroom. If you're passionate about photography and want to see what it's really like to work in the industry, there are several paths you can explore. Here are five work experience opportunities that can help you develop your skills and decide if photography is the right career path for you.
Find experience at a local photography studio
Working at a photography studio is one of the most direct ways to understand professional photography. You'll learn how to set up lighting, handle expensive equipment safely, and see how different types of shoots work - from portraits to product photography.
You can approach local studios about work experience programs, volunteer opportunities, or part-time positions. Even if you're just helping with basic tasks like moving equipment or tidying up, you'll be absorbing valuable knowledge about how the business operates and what makes a professional photographer successful.
Assist with event photography
Event photography is fast-paced and unpredictable, which makes it an excellent learning opportunity. Wedding photographers, corporate event photographers, and party photographers often need extra hands to carry equipment, help with crowd management, or capture different angles.
Start by asking family and friends if they know anyone who needs photography help for their events. You'll learn how to work quickly under pressure, adapt to changing lighting conditions, and develop the people skills that are crucial for working with clients.
Learn photo editing and post-production
Photography doesn't end when you take the shot - post-production is where many photos truly come to life. Learning industry-standard software like Photoshop and Lightroom is essential for any photographer, and these skills are highly transferable to other creative industries too.
Offer to edit photos for friends, family, local sports teams, or small businesses. You could even advertise your services online as you build your skills. This experience will teach you the complete photography workflow and help you understand how editing can enhance or completely transform an image.
Try freelance photography
Taking on small freelance projects helps you understand the business side of photography while building your portfolio. Start with simple assignments like headshots for LinkedIn profiles, photos for local business websites, or family portrait sessions.
Freelancing teaches you crucial skills like pricing your work, communicating with clients, managing deadlines, and delivering finished products. These business skills are just as important as technical photography skills if you want to make photography your career.
Attend photography workshops and classes
Photography workshops give you access to experienced professionals who can share techniques you won't find in textbooks. Many workshops focus on specific styles like landscape photography, street photography, or studio portraiture, allowing you to explore different areas of the field.
Look for workshops that offer hands-on practice and personalised feedback. Some even provide certificates that you can add to your portfolio or CV, which can be valuable when applying for jobs or further education.
Making the most of your experience
Getting the most from any work experience means being proactive about learning. Ask questions about equipment, techniques, and the business side of photography. Take notes about what you learn each day, and don't be afraid to request feedback on your own work.
It's also a good idea to connect with other photography enthusiasts through local camera clubs or online communities. The photography industry relies heavily on networking and referrals, so building relationships early can open doors to future opportunities.
Want to explore more?
Work experience is a great opportunity to discover which area might suit your interests and skills best, whether you're interested in photography or something else entirely.
Why work experience matters for your future
Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming when you're making decisions based on limited information. You might have strong academic interests or exciting ideas about certain industries, but how do you know if those translate into careers you'll actually enjoy? The answer lies in getting real-world experience before committing to a future direction - and that's where work experience comes in.
Work experience bridges the gap between theory and reality, giving you insights that no amount of research can provide. It's your chance to test assumptions, explore different environments, and discover what truly motivates you.
The reality behind the dream job
We've all fantasised about our ideal career based on films or social media...but the reality can be quite different. Work experience shows you what a job actually involves rather than just the highlight reel.
Take marine biology – you might picture swimming with dolphins, but a work experience placement might reveal that much of the job actually involves:
- Data analysis in labs
- Writing detailed reports
- Applying for research funding
That's not necessarily bad news, but it helps you make informed decisions about whether the reality matches your expectations.
Try before you commit
Work experience lets you test different industries and company cultures without the long-term commitment. You might discover you thrive in the fast-paced environment of a marketing agency but find corporate banking too rigid. Or perhaps hands-on work gives you more satisfaction than desk-based roles.
This exploration is especially valuable when you're torn between options. Instead of choosing based on theory, you can make decisions based on actual experience.
Skills you can't learn in a classroom
Work experience develops essential human skills that education alone can't teach. You'll learn to navigate workplace dynamics, communicate across different levels, and adapt to professional expectations.
These transferable skills make you more employable regardless of your eventual career choice. Plus, you'll start building a network of contacts who could become mentors or future employers.
Building confidence and self-awareness
Successfully completing work experience proves you can handle real workplace responsibilities. This confidence becomes invaluable during job applications and interviews, where you can speak from experience rather than just theory.
Work experience also helps you identify your strengths in a real-world context. You might discover you're naturally good at problem-solving under pressure or excel at explaining complex ideas – insights that could shape your career direction.
Standing out from the crowd
In a competitive job market, work experience often separates candidates. Employers consistently value practical experience alongside academic qualifications. When you can demonstrate workplace understanding and relevant experience, you become much more attractive to employers.
Work experience also shows initiative and commitment. It proves you've taken proactive steps to explore your options rather than simply hoping for the best.
Making the most of your placement
To maximise your work experience:
- Approach it with curiosity and ask plenty of questions
- Volunteer for different tasks when possible
- Observe how various roles interact
- Pay attention to what energises or drains you
Our biggest tip: don't avoid fields you're unsure about. Sometimes the most valuable experiences are the ones that help you rule out certain paths, saving you time and energy later. So treat every opportunity professionally – you never know where it might lead.
Start exploring today
Work experience isn't just about ticking a box on your resume – it's about actively exploring your future and making informed decisions. Whether you're considering university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly, work experience provides insights that can help you move in the right direction.