Ready for the Real World? How work experience can give you the edge
Sixth Form is about more than just exams—it’s about exploring life beyond school (‘Beyond CHS’ Cheadle Hulme School) and figuring out what’s next.
Work experience is a powerful way to do that. It helps you discover what excites you in a future career—and just as importantly, what doesn’t. Long gone are the days when work experience was making tea and sorting the mail! These days, companies are offering placements designed to give hands-on experience because they recognise the fresh talent and unique insights young people bring.
As Head of Sixth Form, I’ve seen our students dive into all kinds of industries, including Premier League football, top law firms, quirky startups and working at major live music events at Coop Live.
Here are my top 5 reasons why work experience can make all the difference to Waconians:
1. Get a Sneak Peek into the Real World
It’s one thing to read about a career, but it’s a whole other story when you’re actually there. Work experience throws you right into the action, letting you see how things work day-to-day, from sitting in meetings to getting involved in projects.
2. Boost Your Confidence
Stepping into a professional environment can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but by the end, you’ll be sharing ideas, and surprising yourself with how much you’ve grown in just a week.
3. Discover New Skills
From teamwork to problem-solving, you’ll gain practical skills you can use in any future career. These aren’t just for your CV—they are important life lessons.
4. Figure Out What You Want (or Don’t Want)
A key benefit of work experience is that it lets you try out a role to see if it’s a good fit, or if it helps point you in a new direction.
5. Make Connections That Matter
Our amazing network of parents and Old Waconians opens up incredible opportunities for our students. These placements often lead to long-term connections, with some students even landing future internships.
Sixth Form is all about building a future that’s true to you. Work experience helps you get a taste of what life after school and higher education might look like while giving you the freedom to explore.
By Mr Jones, Assistant Head (Sixth Form)