Work Experience Workbook: Curtin Unilife

CURTIN UNILIFE
WORK EXPERIENCE WORKBOOK

CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
2 CURTIN CAREERS FAIR GUIDE 2010
Explore • Connect • Grow
The Careers Centre is an invaluable resource for students interested

in maximising their career potential. We offer a range of professional
services including:
• Career counselling with qualified Career Development Consultants.

• Employment services, job search skills, resume checks, a professional
mentoring program and an online jobs board (Jobs & Events Connect).
• Employers on campus ready to chat most weeks of semester.
• WA’s premier university-based careers fair, the Curtin Careers Fair.
• Workshops on a range of career topics.
Engage with your Careers Centre today to reach your careers goal tomorrow!
Contacting the Careers Centre

Visit us at Building 599 (relocating to Building 303 in semester 2, 2010)
Email us at careers@curtin.edu.au
Call us on (08) 9266 7802
Skype us at CurtinCareersCentre (by appointment only)
Visit our website www.careers.curtin.edu.au
Access new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events

and employer presentations through Jobs & Events Connect.
www.careers.curtin.edu.au/jobsandeventsconnect/index.html
Register for your workshop.

www.careers.curtin.edu.au/calendar/
CURTIN CAREERS FAIR GUIDE 2010 3
Contents
01 What is Work Experience?
02 Why Work Experience?
03 Skills Gap Analysis
04 How to Find Work Experience
05 Networking
06 Approaching Companies
07 Volunteering
08 Starting a Placement
09 More Information
WHAT IS WORK EXPERIENCE?
The Curtin University defines work experience, as Vacation Work

an unpaid work placement a student undertakes Vacation work is paid part-time / temporary
with an employer/organisation as a co-curricula work for students or full time work for graduates
activity. The tasks undertaken by the student looking to gain experience and enhance their
support the development of their Employability career opportunities. Vacation work can also be
Skills (Graduate Attributes). The duration of the for academic credit.
placement is no more than 75 hours. Types
of work experience you may undertake while
studying include:
Work Placement
A work placement is a period of work experience,
which can be paid or unpaid and can be part
of your course of study or extra curricular. A
work placement can be arranged through your
university with an employer or by yourself and is
for an agreed period of time.
Voluntary Work
Voluntary work is any type of work undertaken for
no payment, usually outside of your course and in
your spare time.
Casual/Part-time Work
Casual/Part-time work is paid or unpaid work.
Work Shadowing
Work shadowing is where a student observes
a member of staff working in an organisation,
gaining an understanding of what is involved in a
particular job / industry.
Internships/Professional Placement/Practicum/
Project Work
Structured work experience placements in
an organisation which can be paid or unpaid.
Students may seek academic credit for a
professional placement.
Contract work:
Contract work is fixed term employment for a set
period of time and/or set out comes.
WHY WORK EXPERIENCE?
Employers are looking for graduates who not only technologies and being able to make valid
have good academic results, but those who have judgements and synthesise information from a
some practical skills in their field. Some of the range of sources.
skills you will gain from work experience include:
• Communicate effectively;
• Exposure to your field of interest. Communicate in ways appropriate to the
• Make contacts/networks. discipline, audience and purpose.
• Learn what it is like to work in that
organization and the world of work in • Use technologies appropriately;
general. To be able to use appropriate technologies and
• Increase professionalism and self- the ability to recognise their advantages and
confidence. limitations.
• Increase your marketability by expanding
your resume. • Utilise lifelong learning skills;
• Narrow your focus and clarify your career The ability to be able to use a range of learning
goals. strategies, to take responsibility for your own
• Learn the jargon of your profession. learning and developed as well as participating
in activities that sustain your intellectual curiosity
During your studies at Curtin University, you and continue to learn as a graduate.
are not only developing specific technical
knowledge, but also attributes that contribute • Recognise and apply international
to your professional development. Curtin refers perspectives;
these skills as the Graduate Attributes. A work Your ability to think globally and you can consider
experience opportunity can also help you develop issues from a variety of perspectives. You can
on these: apply international standards and practices within
your discipline or professional area.
• Apply discipline knowledge, principles and
concepts; • Demonstrate cultural awareness and
The ability to apply the discipline knowledge understanding;
you have learned from your university studies, Respecting individual human rights and can
to understand its theoretical underpinnings recognise the importance of cultural diversity,
and ways of thinking as well as extending the particularly the perspective of Indigenous
boundaries of knowledge through research. Australians.
• Think critically, creatively and reflectively; • Apply professional skills;

To apply logical and rational processes to analyse The ability to work in teams and independently,
the components of an issue and to think creatively demonstrate leadership, professional behaviours
to generate innovative solutions. and ethical practices.
• Access, evaluate and synthesise information;

The ability to decide what information is needed
and where it might be found using appropriate
WHY WORK EXPERIENCE?
Activity 1: Why would you like to do work

experience?
Write down why you would like to gain work

experience.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_________________________________
What skills would you like to develop through the

work experience placement?
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
SKILLS GAP ANALYSIS
Tasks/Activities
Self assessment is about having an introspective List all the responsibilities you have under each of
look at your values, knowledge, skills and abilities. these occupations and roles. Be very specific.
Even if you already have a good idea of your eg.
skills, it is worth taking the time to do a focused *write user help guides
self-assessment. The benefits of such an exercise *test IT programs
include: *respond to enquiries on help desk
• Drawing your attention to previously Role 1. ___________________________________

unrecognised skills _________________________________________
• Improving your job applications and _________________________________________
interview performance _________________________________________
• Increasing your self-awareness and _________________________________________
confidence _________________________________________
• Goal setting: Self assessment is a way of
learning what you do well, what you do not Role 2.____________________________________
so well, and what you might do in the future. _________________________________________
_________________________________________
When applying for a work experience or vacation _________________________________________
work opportunity you need to be aware of your _________________________________________
talents, inclinations and skills so you can make _________________________________________
good decisions, and can communicate clearly
too potential employers. Employers will expect Role 3.____________________________________
you to have assessed yourself and they will be _________________________________________
assessing you – trying to discover your potential, _________________________________________
the sore of contribution you might make to their _________________________________________
organisation, the nature and range of your skills _________________________________________
and how well you communicate. _________________________________________
Activity 2: Exploring your skills
Role/Occupation
List all the roles you have through study, work and
extracurricular.
1._______________________________________
2._______________________________________
3._______________________________________
SKILLS GAP ANALYSIS
Skills
List the skills applied and developed. Refer to the The purpose of this analysis is to help you identify
employability skills for assistance some goals you might want to make before you
*communication skills commence your work experience placement,
*editing skills review your program towards this goal and
*customer service skills identify how you will be able to measure your
*technical skills development of this skill or knowledge set.
*team work skills
Activity 3: Action planning- Competencies to
_________________________________________ be developed.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________ Write down which transferable, technical skills
_________________________________________ and knowledge or personal qualities you feel you
_________________________________________ would like to develop through participating in a
_________________________________________ work experience placement.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________ Competency 1. ____________________
_________________________________________
What type of work experience would you need to
The next step in the skills analysis process is develop this? ______________________________
to identify what skills you will need to be a _________________________________________
competitive graduate within the labour market ___________________________
and how can work experience assist you in
achieving this. Researching and analysing the Competency 2. ____________________
selection criteria and job descriptions of positions
you aspire towards as a graduate is the first step What type of work experience would you need to
towards identifying what makes a competitive job develop this? ______________________________
candidate. _________________________________________
___________________________
Once you have identified some skills that you
would like to develop, think about how you are Competency 3. ____________________
going to do this. What kind of work experience do What type of work experience would you need to
you need to develop this skill? For example, if you develop this? ______________________________
would like to develop on your team work skills, _________________________________________
you may consider volunteering working with a ___________________________
team painting a youth centre. If you are looking to
develop a technical skill, such as using Auto-CAD,
you should consider doing some vacation work.
Knowing position titles you would like to do,

helps you focus on specific companies, can help
you search more effectively and stay on target.
HOW TO FIND WORK EXPERIENCE
Direct Advertising Information Interviewing
The most common way employers advertise Information interviews should be a part of finding
job vacancies are directly on websites work experience. Information interviewing
specifically designed for job searchers to access involves contacting and “interviewing” people
independently. Job searchers can choose which within your industry, employers and people who
industry they would like to work in, positions they are working in positions you are interested in. An
would like to do and locations. The job searcher information interview is not the same as a job
can then explore jobs that are applicable and interview and when contacting employers for
then apply for them if the position is suitable. information should follow a different approach
Employers post the advertisement or go through than if you were applying for a job. You need to
a recruitment company that will do it for them. make it clear that you are searching for useful
These websites are usually free to access, cutting information rather than wishing to apply for a
down costs of advertising for the employer and position.
are free for job searchers to access.
When sourcing work experience opportunities,
Some useful websites are: many students rely on ideas from friends, family
• www.seek.com.au and the media. Unfortunately, these sources can
• www.careerone.com.au be misleading and inaccurate.
• www.jobsearch.com.au
• www.ozjobsguide.com.au Information interviews can;
• www.graduateopportunities.com
• www.unimail.com.au • Broaden and build on your current
• www.seek.com.au networks
• www.inernships.com • Get inside information on how to break
• www.gradconnection.com.au into the industry
• Learn about the current labour market,
If you know of a few companies that work in trends, growth areas
areas you are interested in, it is a good idea to • Gain information on the hidden job
go directly to the company website. You can market
also search companies in the Curtin Careers • Helps you learn about any gaps
Festival Booklet and website, and the Graduate that you may have and strategies to
Opportunities book. It is also useful to contact develop on your employability
relevant professional associations and student • Uncover areas not previously
groups to help put together a list of jobs that you considered
would like to do and companies that you can
target.
HOW TO FIND WORK EXPERIENCE?
Activity 4: Employer Search What is Personal Accident Insurance?
Using the GO booklets, Curtin Careers Festival If you are working and being paid by an
booklets and internet if you have your laptop or employer, the company’s Personal Accident
PC to research companies you would like to get Insurance should cover you. It is an essential, legal
work experience/ vacation / internship with. requirement, that all employees are covered in-
case of accident on the work site. However, if you
Share information with your class and discuss are working unpaid for a company, an employer
what employers you are most interested in a why? may not have the insurance to cover you. It’s
crucial that you are aware of your work place
cover before starting any opportunity. You should
Employers: contact your employer and ask before agreeing to
anything.
________________________________________
________________________________________ The Curtin Careers Centre offers free Personal
________________________________________ Accident insurance to all current students who
________________________________________ would like to participate in a work experience
________________________________________ opportunity that is related to their course. If you
________________________________________ would like more information on this insurance,
________________________________________ please visit: http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au/
_______________________________________ workexperienceprograms.html
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
_______________________________________
_________________________
NETWORKING
When looking for work experience, career Activity 5: People that may be able to help.
networking / professional networking, is the
oldest method used to find an opportunity. The Write a short list of people you may be able to
hidden job market can be accessed through leads approach and ask for help or advice. These people
from your contacts who are referred to as your can be from anywhere in your life.
network.
_________________________________________
Your network consists of people, who can link you _________________________________________
to an opportunity by providing you with valuable _________________________________________
job search information in the following areas: _________________________________________
_________________________________________
• By providing company or business _________________________________________
information _________________________________________
• By telling you what is going on in your _________________________________________
industry _________________________________________
• Providing referrals to people who may be _________________________________________
able to help you _________________________________________
• Give you leads on jobs coming up in the _________________________________________
future _________________________________________
• Advise you on what skills or qualities the _________________________________________
employer values
The reluctance to network for jobs, is generally

because job seekers are not considering their
network in a broader context. Most people say,
“the people I know can’t help me”. That may be
true, however, what if someone contacted you for
advice would you try and give them ideas? You
may not know anything, but maybe you know
someone that can help.
Who are people in your network?
These are people you could have met through

your job, people you deal with on a regular basis,
friends and relations, people you know through
sporti and other recreational activities. Other
professional networks are industry groups or
affiliations, alumni associations, rotary clubs etc.
APPROACHING COMPANIES
Cold calling may be one of the most Being Prepared

difficult aspects of the job search process. It
requires lots of preparation and confidence Before you contact an employer to ask or apply
on your part. for a work experience position, its important that
you have all the information you need, employers
The first thing you need to do is research WILL ask questions.
the company and a position that you would
like to apply for. It’s important to do this Activity 6: Be prepared
because when it comes time to contact the
company and ask them about doing some When are you available?_____________________
work experience, you will need to know What hours can you work?___________________
what area you are targeting, what roles you _________________________________________
would like to do and skills you would like to _________________________________________
learn. Would you consider unpaid work
experience?___________________________
The cold calling process is like doing a What position would you like to shadow / do?___
“sales pitch”. ______________________________
Do you have Personal Accident Insurance? ______
A sales pitch is a planned presentation of
what you will be brining to the organisation Activity 7: Write your cold call script
and why a company should hire you should
a position become available. A sales pitch is When you speak to an employer to request work
essentially designed to be an introduction experience it is a good idea to be prepared.
or expression of interest to a company who Writing a script will make sure you get across a
knows nothing about you. strong and clear message about yourself in your
search for work experience.
• Be seated, pen and paper ready.
• Know what you want to achieve. Who is ______________________________
the person you are seeking, and why are _________________________________________
you calling? _________________________________________
• Speak with a smile in your voice! Aim to _________________________________________
sound bright and confident. _________________________________________
• Have prepared questions or consider a _________________________________________
script. Don’t waffle! _________________________________________
• Choose a quiet and private location. _________________________________________
• Keep records of all calls. _________________________________________
• Plan the best time to ring (try to avoid _________________________________________
lunchtime, Monday mornings or Friday _____________________
afternoons).
• Be polite to everyone.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is great place to get this work Activity 8: Role Play, Asking for Work Experience.
experience that a lot of employers are looking for.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to: Choose a partner and practice your role plays
together. Before you do this you might want to
- Get experience in your field, or another think about what types of questions the employer
field that you hadn’t considered working in. is likely to ask you, that way the person acting
as the employer can ask you these questions to
- Meet people/network for future work experience practice.
placements.
Notes:
- Help the community and be involved.
______________________________
There are a number of ways that you can look for
volunteering. Some volunteering associations
______________________________
include: ______________________________
______________________________
Curtin Volunteers! ______________________________
They are located in Building 599
www.cv.curtin.edu.au
______________________________
______________________________
Volunteering Australia ______________________________
www.volunteeringaustralia.org.au ______________________________
Go Volunteer
______________________________
www.govolunteer.com.au ______________________________
______________________________
Volunteer Search ______________________________
www.volunteersearch.gov.au
______________________________
Australian Volunteers ______________________________
www.australianvolunteers.com ______________________________
______________________________
You can also go directly to a not-for-profit
company that you are interested in and approach
______________________________
them for volunteering opportunities. Most ______________________________
will have a section on their websites under ______________________________
“employment” advertising for volunteers. ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
STARTING A PLACEMENT
There are a few things to consider when your work experience, and to make sure
you start a work experience placement. that you get a glowing written reference
Firstly, if it is an unpaid placement, you from your employer:
will need to be insured for both personal
accident and public liability. Personal
accident is for if you injure yourself on the • Network – collect business cards.
job, and public liability is for if you damage
some equipment while you are on the job. • Get a referee from your employer.
• Keep a record of what you have worked on
and achieved.
The Curtin Careers Centre can offer
students insurance, free of charge. If you • Be honest and ethical, and display energy
have found a placement, please visit the and enthusiasm.
Careers website. • Maintain professionalism – take your
position seriously, whether paid or unpaid.
http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au/ • Take initiative and be assertive.

workexperienceprograms.html • Complete menial tasks quickly and ask for
more challenging work.
If you are taking an unpaid work experience • Ensure all work assignments are accurate
position, the Curtin Careers Centre and completed in a timely manner.
recommends that you work for 75 hours
total, which can be arranged around your
timetable. This time is enough for you
to be able to undertake relevant work
experience. After 75 hours, the employer
should be looking to start to pay you for
your services. However, if you find that you
are still getting meaningful work experience
after 75 hours, it is up to you as to whether
you continue your placement. Just be
aware that 75 hours is enough to put on
your resume, and make sure that you
aren’t being taken advantage of.
Just as your employer has a responsibility

towards you, you have a responsibility to
your employer. Below are a few hints to
make sure that you get the most out of
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on all of the

above please contact the Curtin
Careers Centre on 9266 7802 or email
careers@curtin.edu.au
Alternatively, drop into Building 599

to have a look through our Resource
Centre, or search the Resource section
on our website (www.careers.curtin.
edu.au).
MORE INFORMATION
Activity 9 : Real Life Application: Write an Email.
Work Experience Opportunities
3 - 6 month timeframes
Accounting and Fianance

Information Systems
Business Analysts
Are you a motivated, enthusiastic and results focused individual who is looking for some
way to prove their ability whilst gaining valuable working experience?
Diabetes WA, based in Subiaco, is a not for profit organization which operates on the
vision statement of Freedom from Diabetes. Our organization administers the National
Diabetes Services Scheme, an initiative of the Federal Government, creates health
awareness campaigns and promotions through State and Federal Grants and works with
other community service organizations in the delivery of public health services. Our team
comprises of people with skills in Health Promotion, Professional Services, Administration,
Finance, Fundraising, Marketing and communications.
Opportunities exists for the right individuals to participate in a work experience program
with Diabetes WA under the Corporate Services division. Working with the General Manager,
Corporate Services you will be assigned project based tasks and will be expected to problem
solve and show initiative. In return, you will gain valuable work experience, the opportunity
to be recognized for your volunteer time on your academic transcript, be invited to
participate in our various events and be provided with a letter of reference. This is an
opportunity for you to be able to make a difference whilst contributing to a worthwhile
cause in chronic disease prevention.
To be considered, you should be at least a second year student in a commerce degree with
good communication skills, the ability to manage your time and sound abilities to problem
solve. Ideally, a degree towards accounting, information technology, information systems,
management or business administration . A minimum of 3 months commitment is
required and it is anticipated that you will assist in the training and transition of new work
experience program applicants.
Explore • Connect • Grow
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
http://careers.curtin.edu.au
JOBS & EVENTS CONNECT

http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au/jobsandeventsconnect/index.html
Curtin Careers Centre

Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
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Copyright Curtin University of Technology 2010.
Information in this publication is correct at the time of

printing and valid for 2010, but may change from time
to time. In particular the University reserves the right to
change the content and/or method of assessment,
to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to
withdraw any unit of study or program that it offers, to
impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program,
and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any
loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic
loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence
or otherwise that may result directly or indirectly from the
use of this publication.
This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing

for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or
review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may
be reproduced by any process without written permission.
Enquiries should be directed to the Curtin Careers Centre
on +61 8 9266 7802.
Designed by Ian Bell.

Curtin Graphic Design and Photography Student, 2010.

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CURTIN UNILIFE

WORK EXPERIENCE WORKBOOK

Explore • Connect • Grow

The Careers Centre is an invaluable resource for students interested

• Career counselling with qualified Career Development Consultants.

• Workshops on a range of career topics.

Contacting the Careers Centre

Access new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events

Register for your workshop.

01 What is Work Experience?

02 Why Work Experience?

03 Skills Gap Analysis

04 How to Find Work Experience

WHAT IS WORK EXPERIENCE?

The Curtin University defines work experience, as Vacation Work

WHY WORK EXPERIENCE?

• Think critically, creatively and reflectively; • Apply professional skills;

• Access, evaluate and synthesise information;

WHY WORK EXPERIENCE?

Activity 1: Why would you like to do work

Write down why you would like to gain work

What skills would you like to develop through the

SKILLS GAP ANALYSIS

• Drawing your attention to previously Role 1. ___________________________________

Activity 2: Exploring your skills

SKILLS GAP ANALYSIS

Knowing position titles you would like to do,

HOW TO FIND WORK EXPERIENCE

Direct Advertising Information Interviewing

HOW TO FIND WORK EXPERIENCE?

Activity 4: Employer Search What is Personal Accident Insurance?

The reluctance to network for jobs, is generally

Who are people in your network?

These are people you could have met through

Cold calling may be one of the most Being Prepared

http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au/ • Take initiative and be assertive.

Just as your employer has a responsibility

For more information on all of the

Alternatively, drop into Building 599

Activity 9 : Real Life Application: Write an Email.

Work Experience Opportunities

Accounting and Fianance

JOBS & EVENTS CONNECT

Curtin Careers Centre

Disclaimer and Copyright Information.

Copyright Curtin University of Technology 2010.

Information in this publication is correct at the time of

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing

Designed by Ian Bell.

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