Work experience is normally referred to as time spent in the workplace learning about a job role, a company, or a career sector. With work experience placements in particular, a person learns and observes, and is not always required to undertake activities that need extensive training or expertise. This is normally done for students, people who haven’t yet joined the career field or have been out of work for some time and are planning to re-join the workforce. Joan Mugenzi, a life coach expert says it’s ideal to understand that work experience is not just for young people or those starting out their careers. Rather, it can be useful for career changers and people looking to get back into work, which at the end helps in gaining skills needed to take your career to another level. She says the best way to do this is by looking for work experience that’s related to the job you want to do, or in the same sector or industry as far as your career is concerned. “Work experience is all about giving one an insight into the world of work. It doesn’t have to be in a career that you would choose in the future. Understanding the work environment and what employers expect of their workers is important as it’s an opportunity to explore possible career options,” she says. Mugenzi goes on to note that work experience is an opportunity to introduce people to the reality of working life within an organisation willing to help them secure and sustain employment. For instance, she says by taking students or learners for work experience, they get an opportunity to engage, inspire and inform others about what working life is really like. Enock Habimana, a motivational speaker in Rubavu District working with young people believes work experience to have the capacity to raise one’s profile, which in the end comes with opportunities. He says having suitable work experience also improves staff retention. This means that employees, especially young people will be able to commit to what they are doing thus more likely to stay with the business which helps maintain productivity and reduce recruitment costs. Besides, he notes that with work experience, one is also able to grow their talent. “For those who have never worked before, work experience would be the best place to learn about employer expectations and the world of work,” he says. Moving forward, Mugenzi says work experience also increases self-understanding, maturity, independence, and self-confidence. “One is able to change as they grow and develop additional experiences. This could range from your knowledge, skills, and interests to your values and personality.”
