Work experience

We recommend that you take part in at least one kind of work experience during your studies to help you make career planning decisions, and to demonstrate the transferrable and workplace skills that future employers typically want to see in new hires. 

Types of work experience

There are many types of work experience that can be valuable in a job application. Here are some of the most common: 

  • Volunteering 
  • Substantial involvement in student clubs or extracurricular activities 
  • Work placements or practicums (for example, as part of your studies) 
  • Internships 
  • Casual work 
  • Job shadowing 

What the experience is called can depend on whether it’s paid or unpaid, the length of the contract, and what you’re doing during the time you are working. If you’re worried about how to frame or present the experience you have on your CV, take a look at our ‘Writing an effective CV’ Canvas module. 

How to find work experience

The steps to finding work experience are similar to searching for a casual or graduate role. You can learn how to find work experience opportunities by following the guidance in our ‘Job seeking’ Canvas module.  

It is always a good idea to do your own research to find the opportunities that best fit your skills, interests and career aspirations by following the tips in our Canvas module.  

However, if you are specifically seeking an international experience through an internship programme, we work with some third-party providers who offer opportunities virtually and/or abroad. These are unpaid and there are costs associated to enrol and participate in these programmes. Occasionally there may be reduced rates for University of Auckland students who want to undertake work experiences with these providers.  

You can also get in touch with the university’s International 360 team if you are looking for a global work or study abroad experience. 

Notice for international work and study experiences

All international University-student travel activities must be registered through the Student International Travel Registration Form prior to departure, so it’s important that any participants of a Global Internship complete this registration once flights are booked for the overseas programme. Additional information is also available under the Guidelines for students travelling overseas. 

The University of Auckland also provides international travel insurance to students with approved University student activity travel which meet the conditions for eligibility of coverage under the University Student Activity Travel Terms and Conditions. 

Any questions about the travel registration process or University student activity travel insurance should be directed to 360 International at 360international@auckland.ac.nz.