Work Experience
5 places to find virtual work experience
Work experience ideas for students who love animals
5 places to find virtual work experience
Sometimes it can be tricky to find work experience. Maybe the program you wanted to do is full, or it’s in a city that’s far away. Luckily, there is another option - virtual work experience.
An increasingly popular option, virtual work experience gives students from anywhere in the country (or world) the chance to experience working in a place they might not have had the option to before.
Here are some places that offer virtual work experience you might like to check out.
Forage
Forage is an Australian-founded company that offers virtual work experience programs and internships from over 100 companies worldwide, including some pretty big names. You don’t need any prior experience to sign up to one of their programs, and they are totally free.
Find the programs on offer here.
Springpod
Springpod offer a huge variety of virtual work experience programs, all developed in partnerships with real companies. You can speak with professionals about their jobs, complete mini projects based on real world tasks, and receive a certificate you can use to boost your resume - all from the comfort of your own home.
Take a look at the programs on offer here.
Capital Placement
If you have a bit more time on your hands, you might like to take a look at Capital Placement's Remote Internships. They'll work to match you with a suitable opportunity, ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months in length at over 1,500 companies across the world.
Note that there is a fee to take part in the program, but you can also be paid for your time in some cases.
See what they have to offer here.
Speakers for Schools
Speakers for Schools works with a variety of employers across the UK to offer both virtual and in-person experiences for students. Whether you're interested in health, arts, tech, sports, business, journalism, or something else entirely, they're bound to have an opportunity that interests you.
Search online
Nothing in this list interest you so far? Many companies offer in-house virtual work experience programs too - so if you have a particular place or industry in mind, it might be worth just having a search for what's available.
All you need is a device with access to the internet and you're good to go. And don't forget to ask your school's careers advisor or guidance counsellor - they might have some places you can look too.
Work experience ideas for students who love animals
Are you a high school student with a passion for animals? Finding work experience that aligns with your interests can be both exciting and valuable for your future. Whether you're considering a career in veterinary science, animal conservation, or just love being around furry, feathery, or scaly friends, gaining hands-on experience now can give you a head start.
Let's explore some work experience opportunities that would be perfect for animal enthusiasts.
Local animal shelter volunteer
Animal shelters are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help care for the animals waiting for their forever homes. This is a fantastic way to gain experience while making a real difference. As a volunteer, you might:
- Help with daily feeding and care routines
- Clean enclosures and exercise areas
- Spend time socialising animals through play and attention
- Assist with adoption events and community education
Most shelters welcome volunteers from age 14-16 upward, though you might need a parent to volunteer alongside you if you're under 16.
Veterinary clinic experience
Want to explore a career in animal healthcare? Approaching local veterinary clinics about work experience opportunities could be your perfect next step. During your placement, you could:
- Observe veterinarians and vet nurses as they work
- Learn about animal handling and basic care procedures
- Help with reception duties and appointment scheduling
- Gain insight into the day-to-day running of an animal healthcare facility
Many clinics offer structured work experience programs for high school students, so it's worth calling around to find out what's available in your area.
Pet store assistant
Working at a pet store can provide valuable experience with different types of animals while developing customer service skills. In this role, you might:
- Care for store animals including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring
- Help customers choose the right pets and supplies for their needs
- Learn about various species and their specific care requirements
- Assist with stock management and store maintenance
This could be a great part-time or casual job option for weekends or school holidays if you're old enough for employment.
Wildlife rehabilitation volunteer
If you're more interested in wild animals, volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center might be something you'd like to consider. As a wildlife rehab volunteer, you could:
- Assist with feeding and caring for injured or orphaned wildlife
- Help prepare special diets and environments for different species
- Learn about conservation issues affecting local wildlife
- Support community education programs
Many wildlife centers have junior volunteer programs specifically designed for high school students.
Animal boarder or pet sitter
If you're looking for something more flexible, consider offering pet sitting or boarding services in your local community. This entrepreneurial option allows you to:
- Care for pets in their own homes or yours
- Set your own hours and rates
- Build relationships with different animals and their owners
- Develop responsibility and business skills
You could start small by offering services to neighbors and family friends, then expand as you gain experience and confidence.
Where to find opportunities
Ready to get started? Here are some ways to find animal-related work experience:
- Visit your local council website for volunteer opportunities
- Ask your school career advisor about established programs
- Check community noticeboards and social media groups
- Reach out to family and friends who work with animals
- Browse our Work Experience database for opportunities
Even if positions aren't advertised specifically for high school students, it's still worth asking if they'd consider taking you on for work experience.