Comprehensive Work Experience Guide for Students
How to test if you like a career before committing 3+ years of study to it.
Why You Should Try a Career Before you Commit
Imagining a career is one thing, but how do you really know if it's for you without trying it out first? Before you commit to years of studying, there are ways to explore a career path to ensure it aligns with your passion and goals.
One Secret Trick to Contacting People on Linkedin
Learn How High School Students can Use LinkedIn as Part of Their Career Exploration Work. We'll guide you through creative ways to engage, explore, and even connect directly with professionals in the field you're interested in
Career Ideas and Job Lists
Find hundreds of job ideas in our comprehensive job guides. Career ideas organised by your personality, values, what you loved to do as a child, your favourite school subject, and the impact you want to have on the world.
Twelve Ways to Try a Career Before You Commit To It
FREE GUIDE
Work Experience /Job Shadowing
- What it is: Spending time following a professional to observe daily tasks involved in a specific job.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Direct insight into daily job activities.
- No long-term commitment required.
- Builds relationships with professionals.
- Helps clarify expectations and realities of a job.
- Time Required:
- Usually short-term, ranging from a single day to a week.
FREE GUIDE
Virtual Work Experience /Job Shadowing
- What it is: Participating in online simulations or virtual job experiences that provide a glimpse into different career paths. Some platforms and companies offer virtual tours, interactive tasks, and scenarios that emulate real job roles.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Safe and low-risk way to explore various careers.
- Opportunity to engage with real-world tasks and scenarios.
- Can be a starting point before pursuing more intensive experiences.
- Time Required:
- Ranges from a few hours for a brief tour to several days or weeks for more comprehensive experiences.
FREE GUIDE
Internships
- What it is: Working as an intern to gain hands-on experience in a specific field and understand daily responsibilities.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Real-world exposure to the chosen career.
- Opportunity to learn and apply skills.
- Builds a professional network.
- Enhances resume with relevant experience.
- Time Required:
- Can be quite time-intensive, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the internship.
FREE GUIDE
Student Organizations and Clubs
- What it is: Joining clubs or organizations related to the career of interest, providing exposure, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience through projects.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Opportunity to explore interests in a low-pressure environment.
- Collaborating with like-minded peers.
- Enhancing leadership and teamwork skills.
- Building a network with professionals through guest speakers or events.
- Time Required:
- Generally flexible, ranging from a few hours a month to more regular weekly meetings and project work.
FREE GUIDE
Online Courses and Workshops
- What it is: Participating in online educational platforms to gain knowledge and skills related to a desired career. These can include formal online courses, webinars, or workshops.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Convenient and flexible learning from home.
- Access to experts and industry leaders.
- Building foundational knowledge and skills.
- Often offers certificates or recognition for completion.
- Time Required:
- Varies widely, from short one-hour workshops to multi-week courses, allowing for customization to fit individual schedules.
FREE GUIDE
Mentorship
- What it is: Establishing a relationship with a mentor in your desired field, who can offer guidance, insights, and encouragement based on their professional experience.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Personalized guidance tailored to individual interests and goals.
- Access to an experienced professional's network and insights.
- Development of soft skills like communication and professionalism.
- Support and encouragement in exploring the desired career.
- Time Required:
- Typically a longer-term commitment, ranging from a few months to a year or more, with regular check-ins.
FREE GUIDE
Freelancing
- What it is: Taking on freelance work or small projects related to the desired career field. This might include creating websites, writing articles, designing graphics, etc.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Real-world experience on actual projects.
- Opportunity to earn money and build a portfolio.
- Flexibility to choose projects that interest them.
- Development of entrepreneurial skills and self-management.
- Time Required:
- Varies depending on the project scope, from a few hours for small tasks to weeks for more complex projects.
FREE GUIDE
Career Fairs and Networking Events
- What it is: Attending gatherings where professionals from various industries come together, such as career fairs, conferences, or networking meetups.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Exposure to a wide range of careers and industries.
- Opportunity to ask questions and gather insights directly from professionals.
- Building connections that may lead to future opportunities.
- Enhancing communication and networking skills.
- Time Required:
- Typically, a few hours for a single event, but preparation and follow-up might add extra time.
FREE GUIDE
Project-Based Learning
- What it is: Creating personal projects related to the career field of interest, which allows hands-on experience and skill development.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Practical experience in applying theoretical knowledge.
- Flexibility to design projects that align with personal interests.
- Opportunity to create a portfolio to showcase to potential employers or educational institutions.
- Enhancing problem-solving, creativity, and project management skills.
- Time Required:
- Varies widely depending on the project, from a weekend to several months for more complex projects.
FREE GUIDE
Informational Interviews
- What it is: Conducting one-on-one interviews with professionals in the desired field, asking specific questions about their career experiences, day-to-day responsibilities, and insights.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Personalized insights into the career path from experienced professionals.
- Opportunities to clarify misconceptions and gather honest feedback.
- Building connections and expanding the professional network.
- Enhancing communication and interviewing skills.
- Time Required:
- Preparation, conducting the interview, and follow-up may take several hours.
FREE GUIDE
TAFE or University Introductory Courses
- What it is: Enrolling in introductory or exploratory courses at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes or universities to test interest in a particular field. These courses often provide hands-on learning experiences and insights into professional practice.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Exposure to tertiary education and the field of interest.
- Opportunities to develop specific skills and knowledge.
- Building connections with educators and fellow students.
- Access to facilities and resources specific to the field.
- Time Required:
- Typically requires a commitment of a full term or semester, involving weekly classes and study time.
FREE GUIDE
Part Time or School Holidays Jobs
- What it is: Engaging in temporary or part-time employment during school holidays or alongside regular school/college schedules. These jobs are often entry-level and provide practical work experience across a variety of sectors.
- Pros for Teenagers:
- Gaining firsthand experience in the working world.
- Opportunities to develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Earning income which can be saved, spent, or invested for future needs. Building connections with employers, colleagues, and other workers.
- Understanding workplace expectations and learning about responsibilities.
- Time Required:
- Typically, part-time jobs require a commitment of a few hours each week, while school holiday jobs might be full-time but only for the duration of the holiday.
You are a student and you need to pick elective school subjects for next year or further study options for when you graduate, but you are unsure about what career you want to do, and regular career advice just doesn't seem to cut it.
At Careers That Matter, we have taken the world’s best career guidance and turned it into a three month online program to help teenagers like you uncover their unique career potential, choose the right career plan for you, and grow into a career you truly love.
Program
About
Careers That Matter acknowledges we work on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to the Country, their relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.