03 / Experience
The best way to understand business is to experience it.
Learning how business works gives you a foundation, but real-world experience helps you see how that knowledge is actually used. You can observe how people work, practise skills and discover what interests you.
You don't need to own a business to start thinking like someone in business.
- Learn
- Observe
- Try
- Reflect
- Grow
Experience doesn't only mean an internship.
Internship
Gain structured experience working within an organisation.
Work Shadowing
Observe someone at work to understand their role and responsibilities.
Volunteering
Contribute to an organisation or project while developing practical skills.
Projects
Take part in school, community or independent projects that involve planning, teamwork or problem-solving.
Part-time or Entry-level Work
Develop practical workplace skills while experiencing how an organisation operates.
Your experience action plan.
- 1Choose an Area
- 2Prepare
- 3Search
- 4Reach Out
- 5Prepare for Opportunity
- 6Experience
- 7Reflect
- 8Next Step
Finding an opportunity.
- Family & Personal Network
- Local Businesses
- School & University Connections
- Online Search
- Community Organisations
Your first opportunity may come from a conversation.
Reaching out professionally.
Subject: Work Experience Enquiry
Hello [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am interested in learning more about [area of business].
I am currently looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience and better understand how this area works in a real organisation.
I would like to ask whether your organisation offers any opportunities for work experience, shadowing or short-term internships.
I would be happy to provide more information about myself if needed.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
You got the opportunity — now what?
Before
Research
Learn about the organisation and your role.
During
Observe
Notice how people, processes and decisions work.
Participate
Take part appropriately when opportunities are available.
Ask
Ask relevant questions and learn from people around you.
After
Reflect
Think about what you learned, enjoyed and want to improve.
Follow Up
Thank the organisation or person who supported your experience.
Experience log.
Nothing here is saved. It clears when you leave or refresh the page.
- Experience
- Reflection
- Skills
Key takeaway
Real-world experience can help you understand how businesses operate, practise useful skills and discover what interests you. Your first experience does not need to be perfect or impressive — what matters is what you observe, practise and learn from it.