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Let's Get Started

Early Issues

Some problems can begin arising pretty quickly after you've sent out that first email, or even before.

 

You may find that there is nowhere in Gisborne that currently caters to your desired placement. In this case, there isn't a lot you can do except compromise. For example, if you wanted to shadow a pastry chef but there were none in Gisborne, you could try a baker or bread maker. While this may not seem ideal, you may end up discovering something that you are even more passionate about, or at least build a bit of resilience. 

 

Another problem which can come up easily is a lack of replies. Some business' are really busy and may overlook your email. The first step is to be patient; don't expect an answer back immediately. If a week passes and you've still got nothing, it's fair to assume that it's time to take the next step. Double check that you've definitely sent the email to the right address, or that their reply hasn't been redirected to your spam folder. From here, you could do one of two things. You could politely send another email, making sure to acknowledge the last one you sent, or, you could make a phone call, which is certainly more direct. You could even try and see them onsite. Whatever you do, it's important to be polite, and remember that not all businesses are willing or able to give students placements.

 

Following on from this note, it is possible that all of the workplaces which you contact are unable to take you in. While this might feel really discouraging, it's important not to give up. Get creative and step out of your comfort zone! You've got nothing to lose, and a bad start could lead into something great. You could look into a different branch of what you were hoping to do, or try something completely different! Whatever you choose to do, be sure not to leave it too late, as placements can take a while to organise and fill out the paperwork for, and you'll want to get out in the field as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Launch Pad

Getting started can often be one of the hardest parts of a project, especially when you don't have the vaguest idea of what you want to do when you leave school. Luckily, Careers New Zealand offers a comprehensive, fifteen-minute quiz which could give you some ideas.

 

Click on the 'Careers NZ' graphic on the left to be redirected to their 'CareerQuest' Quiz!

 

Once you've got some sense of the career you want to be focussing on for this Semester, it's time to make a decision, and start looking for practices that might take you in for work experience. This generally involves a bit of Googling, but don't hesitate to ask friends and family for contacts, as a personal connection can make it easier for you to get in. 

 

If you've chosen the area you want to work in, and have a couple of practices you'd like to visit, it's time to make contact. If there is only one business which specialises in your chosen area, for example, if there was only one Veterinary clinic in Gisborne, it would be more direct to make a phone call. However, it can be safer to choose a couple of workplaces and send them all an email outlining your interest in doing a placement.

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Click here to see the first email I ever sent out, and to get some tips on how it's done.

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