How to Get Work Experience as a Teenager

Work experience helps you learn what jobs are really like. It also builds confidence and gives you something to write on your CV. But how do you start when you are young and have no contacts? Here are simple, practical steps.

Check the rules first

Laws about the age you can work, the hours allowed and the permissions needed differ by country. Ask your school or look at your government's official labour or education website. If you are under 18, talk with a parent or guardian before you agree to anything. Never pay money to get a job or work placement, and be careful of offers that sound too good.

Start with what you already know

Think about who is around you. Family, neighbours, teachers and friends of the family may know someone who works in a field you like. Ask them for a short chat about their job. Learning from a conversation is real experience too.

Ask for job shadowing

Job shadowing means spending a day or a few hours watching someone at work. To ask:

• Write a short, polite message or email.
• Say who you are, what you are curious about and how long you would like.
• Ask a parent or teacher to read it first.
• Be ready for a no, and thank them anyway.

Try volunteering

Many groups welcome young helpers: libraries, animal shelters, community centres, sports clubs and charities. Age limits vary, so ask. Volunteering shows responsibility and teaches teamwork.

Look for small paid work

• Tutoring younger students
• Helping at a family shop or business
• Pet care, gardening or helping at local events

Always tell an adult where you will be and who you are working for.

Create your own experience

No one has said yes? Build something yourself. Start a blog, design posters for a local club, learn to code a small app, or make a simple business plan. Document what you did. Projects show initiative, and they cost little. If you are not sure which field to try, our free assessment can give you some ideas.

Ask your school

Many schools run work experience weeks or have contacts with local employers. Talk to your counsellor or teacher. If you are a teacher or school leader, you can see how we support students on our schools page.

Make the most of it

• Arrive on time and dress properly.
• Ask questions and take notes.
• Say thank you and keep in touch.
• Afterwards, write down what you learned and liked or disliked.

Remember that learning what you do not like is useful too. Work experience cannot guarantee a future job, but it helps you choose with your eyes open. Use our career toolkit to plan your next step.

Want a second pair of eyes on your plan? Take the free four-factor quiz or book a free 20-minute intro call with William.