Boosting your CV and personal statement with different work skills and experiences can be a really good idea, placing yourself above those that may not have the experience but same level of education. Every year thousands of students finish school and college, but what sets you apart? If you’re competing against your peers and cohorts, even from the same institution, you will need something that can place you above the rest. This can be your work experience, skill sets, interests- all of which make you distinctly individual!

Is work experience really worth it?

Yes, normally depending on what you are applying for,  universities don’t just look for grades, but also want to see an active interest and some related work experience.  Any experience is better then none, and sometimes, volunteering or obtaining work experience/ skills in areas you think may never apply to you can help set your personal statement above the rest. Are any of the things you’ve done transferable?

Thinking of studying Nursing? How are you a people person? Applying for animation? What makes you a really creative individual? Do you read lots about it in your spare time? Do you self teach yourself from how to’s on YouTube?

Where can I find experience and ways to enhance my skills?

Everywhere! Opportunities are all around you. If you are trying to find work experience try to think where it is you are trying to get this experience for. You can speak to an advisor at school, college or university and they can help you find some companies looking for help, or even talk through it with you to help narrow down your search. You can email or send letter/enquiries to companies directly, for example if you know you want to work in hotel management, try emailing your local hotel asking if they have a work experience programme or any partnering companies who do. Even if they don’t, by taking the time to email mentioning your name will get your name out there so if you apply for a job in the future they may remember you as someone with previous interests and enquiries to the company. You can always volunteer. Volunteering for many organisations such as food banks, Scouts or Girl Guiding can expand your knowledge, qualifications and most definitely you CV in multiple ways. With Girl Guiding alone, you can achieve leadership qualifications, earn safeguarding training, first aid, show you can work with Children, organise and can be relied upon to be put in charge, work fast on your feet, budget and do accounts for a charity organisation and much, much more. All of these attributes, that may seem small at first, are exactly what employers look for and can widen your expertise and show practicality in the workplace. Especially with volunteering, you are not only helping yourself and helping keep your personal achievements and personal statement above the rest, but also helping those around you and those you reach through these volunteering processes.

Enhancing your CV and personal statement may seem daunting, or just not worth your time. But any extra knowledge, skill or proof of your practical abilities could be key to you landing that job, internship or even place on a course. These skills stay with you forever so they are most certainly worth it.