So, your TY coordinator has just given you your work experience dates. Suddenly, you’re faced with the prospect of finding a work placement. The possibilities are seemingly endless.
Or, as happens every year, maybe you’re struggling to find a placement – don’t worry – you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to find the work experience placement of your dreams!
But let’s not waste time, let’s start with a quick exercise.
Here’s a few key questions to ask yourself:
“What do I Want to Get Out of my Work Placement?”
Maybe you want to trial run your dream career path. Or, perhaps you want to work somewhere that can help you secure summer jobs or part-time work in the future. Doing work experience in a restaurant, retail shop or local coffee shop can make it easier to find a part-time or summer job later on. This could even be an educational experience for you.
“What do I Want to do in the Future?”
This is the obvious one. If you know – you know.
But let’s face it – we don’t all have a clear idea of what we want to do in mind – and that’s completely fine. In fact, it’s what transition year is all about! If that’s the case for you, it’s time to ask …
“What do I Enjoy Doing?
If you haven’t found your calling yet, chances are it’s hidden in what you enjoy doing. Try to envision a bearable 9 to 5 day that’s fulfilling and doesn’t really feel like work. What can you picture yourself doing?
And last but by no means least …
Don’t Sweat it
Transition year is a time of exploration, experimentation, and growth! There are opportunities to work with Michelin chefs, major tourist attractions, top-class hotels, and restaurants, as well as marketing, event management, finance, HR – and everything in between! So, let’s get to looking at transition year work experience ideas!
The Holy Grails of Transition Year Work Experience
First things first, if you’re truly stuck for ideas, take a look on the websites www.careersportal.ie, TY.ie, and Tourismcareers.ie.
Transition Year Work Experience Ideas
Transition Year Programmes
Every year, several organizations organize transition year programmes for transition year students. The places go fast so be sure to get in fast!
Engineering:
Charity:
UNICEF Transition Year Programme
Tourism:
Fáilte Ireland TY Programme
Irish Defence Forces
Transition Year Work Experience Placements
Art & Theatre
The Ark Transition Year Work Experience Programme
Politics
It might be worth checking out the offices of the EU in Dublin if you’re interested in politics as they often have youth programs running.
Check Out Local Universities
Universities across the country reserve spots for TY students, offering them a glimpse inside academic life. For example, Trinity hosts several Transition Year Programmes, spanning fields such as botany, chemistry, computer science, nursing, and midwifery.
Charities
Working in a local charity shop also counts toward work experience. Or if you’d to take part in more ‘back office’ processes, consider reaching out to NGOs such as Concern, Amnesty International or UNICEF.
Primary Schools
An extra pair of hands always go down a treat at primary schools, making them a popular choice for TY work placement.
Talk to a local TD or Councillor
It’s not the conventional route. However, it is overlooked when it comes to finding work placement. Your local TD or councillor are part of large networks; the likelihood is that they’ll be aware of placements and opportunities long before others.
Finally
Transition year is your chance to experience the diverse opportunities available and get a taste of the many job roles and skills required to successively thrive in the workforce. To get the most out of your work placement, it can help to have the necessary skills and preparation before taking on your role. TY courses are here to help you put your best foot forward – be sure to check out their transition year courses that are geared towards helping transition year students unlock their full potential.
