Day 1: Induction

I completed my Year 10 Work Experience at the Department for International Trade; it was a delighting and helpful work experience placement. On the first day I had an induction with my Supervisor about the building and health and safety rules and regulations. He then provided me with a laptop and a day to day schedule. I had many one-to-one talks (4 in total) and was given a research task with an employee.

Day 2: Re-Wired Digital at Olympia

The 2^nd day was even better as I attended an event at Olympia London. It was a Re-wired Digital health event. I was given the task to make a minimum of 3 points about the three main speakers: Matt Hancock, Ali Parsa and Rachel Dunscombe. It was an entertaining and gratifying event about the digital side of health and how many companies are hoping to enhance health technology.

Day 3: Business Meetings

The third day came with more personal one-to-ones (four in total) which means I talked to the employees about their role. I was able discuss their views on my future career choice and then I attended a Healthcare UK team meeting. It was a 45 min meeting and my first ever experience in a real work meeting. Otherwise it was a relaxed day and in my free time I completed the research work given to me on Monday. Overall Day Three was also an amusing day.

Day 4: Working with the Comm’s Team

The 4^th day included me having a briefing of meetings with another employee. I attended an export catalyst order book meeting and then at 2:30pm I went to Windsor house for a mini project with the Comm’s team. Over there I met with four apprentices who told me about their journey to becoming an apprentice at the DIT.

Day 5 and Beyond: Getting to Work

On Friday many of the employees are able to work from home, and so Friday was a day for me to complete most of the tasks given to me throughout the week. Week 2 was an outstanding week too, it came with more and more new perplexing experiences for me to discover. Overall my two week journey had days were I was usually busy which I was grateful for as the main purpose of going to a work placement is that you want to gain experience whilst also having something to do because going to somewhere new and doing the same thing daily can bring a negative view to work life for many people.

How it Was for Me

In conclusion, I would recommend this placement or any such placements relating to the government and the civil service. They are enjoyable and helpful in many ways. Before I got this placement I was confused on where to go because I couldn’t find one that suited me. Fortunately I realised there are many teachers to ask help from. My advice to people who are looking for somewhere to do their work experience is to ask teachers if they know any friends or family members that can help you find a work experience you might enjoy. You should do your work experience at a place that is not only helpful but also has a pleasurable working environment that you would like and enjoy working at. Do remember that work experience is to encounter an adventure that shapes your insight of work as a whole.

Written by Yousaf