One of the best ways to get that much-needed experience in your field of study is by taking on internships or work experience. It pays to get started when you're still at uni so you can put your skills to good use before you step into the workforce. The more experience you get, the greater your resume will appear to future employers. It's a no-brainer!
Fix up your resume
Before you even apply for any internships, you'll need to get your cover letter writing skills and resume up to scratch. While this might seem annoying, there are numerous resources that you can use to help you craft the perfect application. Websites such as Skillsroad, myfuture, Your Career, The Good Universities Guide and Job Jumpstart provide tips and tricks to use when you're creating your professional resume.
Look through job boards
Scour through job boards such as Seek.com, ECA Internships, GradConnection, Student Job Board, GradAustralia and Pedestrian Jobs. These extremely useful sites have lists of not only internships but also paying jobs in all sorts of industries.
Contact your dream companies
Do your research on companies in your field and reach out to them asking if they have any internships available. Send a polite and enthusiastic email along with your resume to the HR department of your chosen company. You can usually find their contact details on LinkedIn or through the company website team page or contact page. You'll never know if you never try!
Ask around
Contact your uni professors, tutors or friends and ask them if they know of any places that are hiring or any connections that they can put you in contact with. Often it's all about who you know, and you never know the valuable links you can find in your existing network. If someone does refer you or helps you out, make sure you do your best in the role, as not only is your reputation on the line but also theirs for referring you.
Know your rights
Make sure you know your rights and don't let any company take advantage of you. If you're doing work that an employee of the company would do or you're doing work that extends over the normal agreed-upon hours, then your internship may be considered unlawful. The Fair Work Ombudsman has more information on this, which can be found here.
Remember to give your all when you're completing an internship or work experience and make the most of it, you never know where it could take you! If you're struggling to find any opportunities and are feeling down, contact Sonder who can provide support 24/7.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Information sourced from: Youth Central, Fair Work Ombudsman and myfuture.
Image sourced from: The Internship
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.