Work Experience

There are a number of good reasons for finding work while studying:

• to develop valuable skills that will impress future employers.
• to gain experience and a greater understanding of the workplace.
• to develop networking opportunities.
• to help you financially during your studies.

Student jobs and work experience opportunities are available, throughout your time at university.

myVacancies

myVacancies is the vacancy service for Sheffield students and graduates. Work experience opportunities available on our database include the following:

Part-time work and vacation work

Work ranges from casual bar work, to work which is more course related. Apart from the money, which obviously comes in handy, all types of experience will help you develop your skills.

Please note: if you are on a full time course, we strongly recommend that you should not work for more than 16 hours (maximum) per week during term time.

Summer placements (also known as internships)

Summer placements are usually structured, project based work experience opportunities within larger firms. They are often open to students from any degree discipline although they are highly competitive and often have early closing dates. Internships are usually offered to students between their penultimate and final year and are used by employers as a way of getting to know students who they will consider for graduate jobs.

Year out placements

Degrees with Employment Experience offer students a one year work placement as part of their degree programme. Select the left-hand menu option for more information.

Voluntary work

There are many opportunities available in local, national and international organisations. If you have certain careers in mind e.g. the caring professions, teaching, journalism, environmental or museum work, it is considered highly desirable, even essential, to undertake relevant voluntary work first.

Insight Courses/Open Days

Some larger organisations offer the chance to find out what it is like to work for them via short insight courses or open days. This can help you make applications in the future for jobs in a particular occupation or organisation.

Work Shadowing/Career Mentoring

Obtaining work experience can be difficult in some occupational areas, so as an alternative try asking companies to take you into their organisation for a short period of work shadowing where you observe post holders doing their job.

Career mentoring gives you the opportunity to meet professionals who are willing to offer support to help develop career ideas and give you the benefit of their experience.

Both opportunities will give you an insight into the knowledge and skills that will be needed to be able to enter and progress in that profession.