Since the late Nineties - when I started pursuing work experience opportunities - I have taken any opportunity to extoll the virtues of giving up your time and making the effort to work for free.
The difference is, I understand that the value of work experience is in how you, as the 'workie' make the most of it.
There are still people out there deriding their work experience because it was demeaning or they simply hung around for too long, when it was probably clear that no wage or salary offer was forthcoming.
Students seeking work experience are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They need the contacts and experience, but publishing (and journalism in particular) is a fiercely competitive market, which means they have to work twice as hard.
The fact is that you have to put the effort in and make the experience work for you. Here are my tips for students:
1. Get out there - write to, email or telephone every contact you can find
2. Don't be choosy for the time being - there is plenty of time to specialise. All experience is valuable.
3. Be prepared to do anything within reason, including making lots of tea.
4. Be prepared to work hard. Dress up, turn up early, work smart and smile.
5. Keep in contact with everyone you meet. Do not lose touch - the people you meet now may be employers - or employees - in the future.
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