Benefits of work experience

Work experience is important because it gives you a chance to explore possible careers, and gives you the opportunity to build the skills you will need to succeed.

Advantages of work experience

Employability is a key focus at Cardiff University. 95.7% of its students are employed or in further study six months after graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2016/2017) – that’s above the UK average (94.6%) and ahead of other leading UK universities like Oxford (93.4%) and Cambridge (93.1%).

The University is partnered with over 200 leading institutions across the world, and its Global Opportunities team will help you to gain valuable international experience through study, work or volunteering. What you learn here will help you stand out from the crowd.

Networking

In many industries, it is all about who you know. The more work experience you undertake, the more contacts you will meet, opening you up to a wealth of opportunities in the future.

Explore your interests

It can be difficult to decide what job you want to do in the future. The possibilities can seem endless, which (whilst a good thing) can make choosing a career to pursue feel intimidating. The more experience you have, and the more different things you try out, you will discover what interests you and which areas your skills are most suited to.

Gain practical knowledge and skills

Certain skills are key to employability, such as communication, teamwork and organisation. The more work experience you do, the more chances you will have to practise these and more.

Secure a graduate job

With more people graduating than ever before, the job market is an increasingly competitive place. Work experience will help you build an impressive CV to appeal to potential employers.

Gain insight into the working world

Work experience is a great opportunity to build confidence and get used to the routines of work. It gives you a chance to practise timekeeping, maintaining the right appearance, and building relationships with colleagues.

Put what you’ve learnt in the classroom to the test

The theory you study on your undergraduate programme will only get you so far. It is important to be able to apply it in a workplace context to further your understanding and be able to make a difference through your career.

Improve your CV

Work experience shows employers you are serious about finding work in your chosen area. It demonstrates that you have the initiative and drive to look beyond your studies. The more relevant work experience you have, the more attractive you will seem as a potential employee.

Make a difference

Cardiff Volunteering, based in the Students’ Union, offers opportunities to help out in the local community, while building key skills for your future.

How Cardiff can make you more employable

Careers support starts at the International Study Centre, with a range of activities designed to build skills for success, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication. Staff will also help you to create a personal development plan for your time at university and beyond.

When you move on to the University, a majority of degree programmes give you the option of a professional placement year and/or internship. Cardiff University’s extensive links with industry leaders make it straightforward to find rewarding experience in a field that interests you. You will also have access to the Careers and Employability service, offering specialist advice on CV writing, help with interview preparation, and work experience opportunities.

When you graduate, you can apply for a post-study work visa, allowing you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years. This is an excellent opportunity to build knowledge and contacts in your chosen area and show employers what you can do.

Join us at Cardiff University International Study Centre and take your first steps towards working in the UK.