So, you’re stepping out into the workforce for the first time? How exciting! Transition work experience can be an invaluable learning experience that helps you to get ahead– but you’ve heard it all before.
Today, you’re here to secure your placement with flying colours, and with this short, sweet, and simple yet effective approach to finding transition year work, it’s only a matter of time.
So, let’s get to it …
Step 0: Start Early
Many well-known organisations and public bodies run Transition Year work experience programmes every year. They usually have an application process, an early closing date, and a lot of interested applicants – so be sure to get in there first.
Step 1: Write up your CV
What Should my CV Include?
- Basic Details
You know this part like the back of your hand. Name, address, date of birth, contact details – and voilà – finished.
- Education
Scroll down where you went to primary school, including address and years attended. Do the same for any educational establishment you’ve attended, including the one you find yourself in at present.
Note: Be sure to include your junior cert results!
- Work Experience
Don’t worry – you’re not expected to have any work experience just quite yet. But if you do, great! List out the name of the establishment you worked for, for how long, and the tasks you undertook while in employment.
Don’t forget! Volunteering work counts too.
- Skills
Now’s your chance to show off! Are you proficient in Microsoft Office or Excel? Have you completed a First Aid course? Let them know. If you’re eager to give your CV’s skill section that competitive edge that’s utterly irresistible to most employers, consider partaking in a Transition Year course.
- Interests
What makes you tick? Write it down here! From reading to karaoke – just be sure to keep it CV-appropriate.
- Awards, Achievements & Projects
Throw some sugar at yourself. What have you achieved? Think along the lines of achievement in academia, hobbies, sporting, or other such activities.
- References
From a coach to a teacher, and all the way to pretty much anyone who knows you well enough to be a reference for your character – put them here (keep it to one or two references.) Just be sure to let them know beforehand!
Step 2: Brainstorm
Some people already know what Transition Year Placement is right for them – others don’t – and that’s okay. Transition year work experience is your chance to ‘try on’ a career path to see if it’s right for you. If you still have no clue, ask parents, relatives, friends, or any trusted individual for inspiration. You can even find some worthwhile Transition Year Work Ideas online.
Step 3: Get Looking!
Once you’ve decided what you want to do – it’s time to hunt the perfect opportunity down! Check out careersportal.ie, where hundreds of TY placements are advertised, or reach out directly to any establishment you’d like to work with.
Tip: Local councillors or TDs have a vast network of connections. Don’t hesitate to contact them for some suggestions during this step!
Step 4: Apply
Take some time to craft a personalised email with every CV you send out, including why you’re interested in working with the organization/businesses, outlining what makes you the perfect candidate, e.g., “I’ve been interested in Law since 1st year,” “I recently partook in a food and beverage course to develop my hospitality skills …”
Step 5: Get to Work!
Transition Year Work Experience Nerves are completely normal. You and around 30,000 transition years the length and breadth of the country will be feeling the same first-day jitters. So, don’t sweat it.
Finally …
At TY Courses, we make our business helping you to get the most out of your Transition Year Experience. By offering a range of industry-approved courses, we’ve helped thousands of students to secure transition year placements while providing them with the skills to work with confidence and ease. It all comes with a CV-sharpening edge to boot! From hospitality courses to team building courses, our mission is to help you put your best foot forward always – we look forward to hearing from you!
