How to find an opportunity

Securing work experience as a university student may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. Planning ahead and staying organised can help you balance your search with your studies.

We offer practical advice, resources to help you craft a standout CV and cover letter, and guidance on every stage of the recruitment process. Depending on the role, you may also need a DBS check.

Below, you’ll find useful links and tips to help you discover the right opportunities and take the next step in your career journey.

Course Team Support

Speak to your academic staff and course tutors. They often have connections with organisations that could offer work experience opportunities. Have a conversation with them to see what they can suggest.

Find Opportunities on CareersConnect

Find opportunities on CareersConnect for short-term, virtual, summer, sandwich, global, mentoring, and volunteer roles.

Social Media

Follow your favourite companies on social media, including LinkedIn. Engage with their posts by liking and commenting to start building relationships before reaching out for work placement opportunities. Networking on social media also strengthens your connections for future graduate job searches.  

Check out our tips on creating a LinkedIn and social media profile. 

Careers Fairs and Networking Events

Attend career fairs and employer talks. We host industry-specific events, general career or volunteering fairs, and employer meet-ups. These events offer a great chance to engage directly with potential employers.

Find work experience opportunities related to your course and career goal

Targeting employers and making speculative applications

If you are interested in gaining experience with a particular organisation, check their website and social media for more information and to see if they offer work experience.  If not, make a speculative enquiry:

1. Firstly, introduce yourself, who you are, what you are studying and what you are looking for, for example a 30 - 70 hour placement, a sandwich placement, 10 week internship, volunteering etc.
2. Secondly, explain your interest in the company, the role itself and how this relates to your career aspirations. Highlight your skills, work experience and interests.
3. Finally, include your availability and your CV. Thank them for their interest and say that you hope to hear from them soon.

Follow up and be resilient. Professionals are often busy, and it is common not to receive a response immediately.  Don’t be disheartened and follow up with either another email, or a phone call. It often takes several approaches to different organisations to find the opportunity that is right for you.

Using Your Welsh Language Skills 

If you’re fluent in Welsh - or even learning - you can make the most of your language skills during your work experience. Many organisations across Wales value bilingualism, and using Welsh in a professional setting can strengthen your confidence, employability, and cultural competency.

You can:

• Speak to your course tutors about how Welsh could be incorporated into your placement.
• Search for employers who operate bilingually or primarily through the medium of Welsh.
• Explore Welsh‑language job and placement platforms, such as organisations and directories that highlight Welsh‑medium opportunities (e.g. Safle Swyddi, Lleol.cymru, Swyddle)

Global Experience

Explore our resources and guidance for students considering or preparing for work placements or work experience abroad, helping you make the most of your international opportunity.

Global Experience

Websites

Follow these links to external websites that promote opportunities in various popular sectors:

• Targetjobs
• Milkround
• Gradcracker
• Step
• Indeed
• Higherin
• Glassdoor
• Debut
• STEM Placements
• Student Ladder
• The Interna