{"id":9973,"date":"2025-01-22T11:23:33","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T22:23:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.co.nz\/?p=9973"},"modified":"2025-01-22T11:23:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T22:23:33","slug":"work-experience-internships-nz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.co.nz\/work-experience-internships-nz\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for Landing Work Experience and Internships"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

If you’re a high school student in New Zealand, you’re probably already thinking about your future (or at least, you should be). Whether your dream job involves designing apps, working with animals, or even running your own business, getting some <\/span>work experience<\/span> or landing an <\/span>internship<\/span> is an absolute must. Not only will it look great on your CV, but it also helps you develop the <\/span>future skills<\/span> you\u2019ll need to succeed!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, going about finding your first bits of work is tricky if you don\u2019t know where to look; That\u2019s why we\u2019re dedicating this blog to all the ways you can get ahead! So, are you ready to kickstart your career journey? Let\u2019s dive into some top tips, tricks, and advice for securing that all-important <\/span>internship<\/span> in NZ and making the most of it!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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First Things First: <\/span>Internship Meaning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to snag an <\/span>internship<\/span>, let\u2019s break it down; <\/span>what even <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> an <\/span>internship<\/span>?<\/span><\/a> Simply put, an <\/span>internship<\/span> is a short-term <\/span>work experience<\/span> opportunity where you get to learn the ropes of a particular job or industry. <\/span>Internship<\/span>s can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid. Essentially, they\u2019re designed to help you gain hands-on experience, build your skills, level-up your resume and get a taste of what it\u2019s like to work in a specific field.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Internship<\/span>s in NZ are super popular among high school students, especially during school holidays. Why? Because they\u2019re a fantastic way to test the waters of a potential career path (without fully committing to it) while building important connections that could help you later on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why Internship Programs are Important<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

You might be wondering: <\/span>Why should I bother with an <\/span><\/i>internship<\/span><\/i> or <\/span><\/i>work experience<\/span><\/i>?<\/span><\/i> Well, <\/span>there\u2019s no shortage of good reasons<\/span><\/a> to start applying but if you still need a bit of convincing,\u00a0here are our top motivators:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll Build <\/span>Future Skills<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Employers love seeing <\/span>work experience<\/span> on a resume because it shows you\u2019ve already started developing key skills that can help you in a part-time or full-time role! Plus, with the job market being so competitive, it doesn\u2019t hurt to make your resume just a little bit flashier!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll Explore Your Interests<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not sure if a career in coding or marketing is right for you? That\u2019s totally normal. After all, most of us have a least a few different interests! However, before jumping into a permanent role, try an <\/span>internship<\/span> to find out if a certain industry really is right for you. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll Boost Your Confidence <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Starting out in the workforce can feel a little scary; that\u2019s why it\u2019s great to ease yourself into it by starting out with an <\/span>internship<\/span> or <\/span>work experience<\/span>! Getting out of your comfort zone and working in a professional setting is a huge confidence booster.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll Stand Out to Employers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s face it; landing a job is competitive. <\/span>Internship<\/span>s give you a real edge by showing that you\u2019re proactive and serious about your future. Trust us, it\u2019s worth it!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Which Internship is Best for You<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

While we\u2019d like to believe they are, not all <\/span>internship<\/span>s are created equal, so it\u2019s important to find one that matches your interests and career goals. Here are some tips for choosing the right <\/span>internship in NZ<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Think About Your Interests:<\/span><\/b> Love animals? Look for <\/span>internship<\/span>s at vet clinics or animal shelters. Obsessed with tech? Explore opportunities in app development or IT. There are tonnes of different options available to suit every calling!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    1. Consider Which <\/span><\/b>Future Skills<\/span><\/b> You\u2019ll Need:<\/span><\/b> Think about what skills you want to develop, and which ones would look great on a resume you\u2019re submitting to your dream job. The first step to doing so effectively is to <\/span>start your goalsetting journey<\/span><\/a> and plan from there! An example could be if you want to work in media, look for an <\/span>internship<\/span> that involves writing, photography, or video editing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      1. Location, Location, Location:<\/span><\/b> Try to find an <\/span>internship<\/span> that\u2019s close to home or offers remote options; that way it\u2019ll be much <\/span>easier to manage<\/a><\/span> your work-life balance<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. Check the Details:<\/span><\/b> Is the <\/span>internship<\/span> paid or unpaid? How long does it last? Make sure you\u2019re clear on <\/span>all <\/span><\/i>of <\/span>the details before committing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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          How Internships Help in Your Future Career<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Trust us, <\/span>internship<\/span>s aren\u2019t just about filling up your school holidays; they\u2019re an investment in your future career. Here\u2019s how they can make a huge difference:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          They Teach You Soft Skills<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

          It might not seem like it but soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are just as important as technical know-how! During an <\/span>internship<\/span>, you\u2019ll learn how to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n