How to Secure Summer Work Experience in 2025: Your Complete Guide for University Applications
- xhesika leka
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Are you worried about finding work experience for the summer? With university applications becoming increasingly competitive and the new UCAS personal statement format emphasising experience outside of the school curriculum, securing meaningful work experience has never been more crucial.
The good news? It's absolutely not too late to find valuable opportunities for summer 2025.
💡 Before We Begin...
Before diving into our tips on how to find great work experience, we wanted to highlight a free guide we’ve created just for you: '10 Things to Do This Summer to Prepare for University Applications'.
It’s packed with practical, actionable ideas to help you:
✅ Make the most of your summer
✅ Strengthen your uni application
✅ Boost your chances of getting into your dream university
Whether you're just starting out or already have a game plan, this guide will help you stay productive and intentional over the summer holidays.
📥 Download it for free here and start ticking things off today!
Now, let's dive into some fantastic tips to secure work experience for this summer ...
Why Summer Work Experience is Essential for Your Future
The New UCAS Personal Statement Reality
The recent changes to the UCAS personal statement format have changed to a three-question format. Students must now specifically address Question 3: 'What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?'
Whilst students were always expected to reflect on their experiences, this requirement is now explicit, making having work experience even more crucial. Universities want to see authentic interest in your chosen course, backed by real evidence and practical exploration beyond your school studies.
Beyond University Applications: Building Your Career Foundation
Work experience offers benefits that extend far beyond your personal statement:
Career Exploration: Summer work experience helps you explore different career paths before committing to a university course. You might discover a passion you never knew existed or confirm that your chosen course is the right fit.
Transferable Skills Development: Every work experience opportunity, no matter how small, helps you develop crucial skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, which are all highly valued by universities and future employers.
Professional Network Building: The connections you make during work experience can open doors to future opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance for years to come.
Confidence Building: Real-world experience gives you confidence when discussing your career aspirations in interviews and university applications.
What Actually Counts as Work Experience?
One of the biggest myths about work experience is that it needs to be a formal, prestigious internship in order for it to be worthwhile to be included in your CV and/or personal statement. This simply isn't true. Universities and employers value authentic experiences that demonstrate your commitment and learning, regardless of their formality.
Types of Valuable Work Experience Include:
Volunteering Opportunities
Local charities and community organisations
Hospitals and care homes
Youth clubs and sports organisations
Cultural institutions like museums and galleries
Online Work Experience Programs
Virtual internships through platforms like Forage
Springpod online experiences
Company-specific virtual programs
Remote volunteering opportunities
Traditional Employment
Part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or customer service
Formal Internships/placements
Informal Learning Experiences
Job shadowing professionals in your field
Attending industry events and conferences
Research projects
How to Find Summer Work Experience Opportunities
1. Leverage Online Platforms
Doit Life: Your go-to resource for local volunteering opportunities. Simply enter your postcode to find organisations near you that need help.
Forage: Offers virtual work experience programs with major companies across various industries. These are particularly valuable if you're interested in business, technology, or finance.
Springpod: Provides online work experience and insight programs designed specifically for students.
2. The Direct Approach Strategy
Don't underestimate the power of reaching out directly to local organisations. Many companies are happy to offer short-term shadowing or volunteer opportunities to enthusiastic students.
How to approach organisations:
Research local businesses in your field of interest
Find contact information for HR departments or managers
Send a polite, professional email explaining your situation and attach your CV.
3. Utilise Your School Network
Your teachers and career advisors are valuable resources with professional networks you can tap into:
Ask subject teachers for industry contacts
Connect with alumni through your school's network
Speak to your career advisor about local opportunities
Making the Most of Your Work Experience
Securing work experience is only the first step. How you approach and maximise these opportunities is equally important for your personal statement and future job applications.
Before You Start:
Research the organisation thoroughly
Prepare thoughtful questions about the industry
Set clear learning objectives for yourself
Bring a notebook to record insights and experiences
During Your Experience:
Be proactive and ask for additional responsibilities
Network with different team members
Document your daily activities and reflections
Ask for feedback on your performance
Observe workplace culture and professional dynamics
After Your Experience:
Send a thank-you email
Maintain professional connections through LinkedIn
Reflect on what you learned
Common Mistakes to AvoiD:
Starting Too Late: While it's not too late now, the earlier you start looking, the more options you'll have.
Being Too Picky: Any legitimate work experience is valuable. Don't turn down opportunities because they're not at your dream company.
Passive Participation: Simply showing up isn't enough. Engage actively during your work experience and seek learning opportunities. Make sure to reflect on your experience(s) afterwards.
Timeline for Securing Summer Work Experience
Now - Mid-July:
Research and apply for work experience
Send speculative emails to organisations
Explore online work experience options
Late July - August:
Participate in secured opportunities
Document your experience thoroughly
Network and build relationships
September - October:
Reflect on experiences and their impact
Begin thinking about how you will discuss your experience in your personal statement
How EasyUniPrep Can Accelerate Your Success
While this guide provides a foundation for securing work experience, you may need more targeted support to stand out in a competitive landscape.
Finding Work Experience Opportunities Course: If you're struggling to find opportunities or don't know where to start, our comprehensive course provides specific strategies, proven email templates, and insider tips to secure opportunities even without existing connections. We include subject-specific links and general opportunities across various industries/courses.
Maximising Work Experience Course: Already secured an opportunity? Our course helps you make the most of your experience, ensuring you can effectively reflect on it in your personal statement and future applications. Remember, it's not just what you apply to – it's how you maximise every opportunity that sets you apart.
Taking Action Today
Summer work experience is within your reach, regardless of your current connections or experience level. The key is to start now, be persistent, and remain open to different types of opportunities.
Remember: universities value authentic experiences that demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, completing an online program, or shadowing a professional for a few days, every experience contributes to your personal and professional development.
The students who succeed are those who take action despite uncertainty. Your future self will thank you for the initiative you take today.
Have You Secured Work Experience For This Summer?
YES
NO
Need personalised guidance on securing and maximising work experience opportunities? Explore our specialised courses designed to help students like you navigate the competitive landscape of university applications and career preparation.
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