Photo by Anita Jankovic on Unsplash
By Jodie Cave, second-year English with creative writing student
During my first year of university, I completed a vast range of work experience. Let me give you some advice on the best way to take part!
School of Vikings
In my first semester of year one, I did Vikings for Schools. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to work with children, something I adore doing, and learn more about Viking culture, which I was studying at the same time.
I found Vikings for Schools through the opportunities email at the start of the term, and its flexibility was great for newcomers, allowing me to choose which weekly sessions I wanted to attend.
The programme consisted of a rotation of activities, which I would alternate manning: burials, decrypting, and so much more!
Literacy Support Project
In my second semester, I applied for the Literacy Support Project, which I found on Moodle. Applications for this were super accessible, and aside from getting my Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, I was quickly welcomed by Rosslyn Park Primary School.
This opportunity involved spending three to four hours a week at Rosslyn, aiding four children with their reading skills ahead of their SATS. Some weeks, students would bring personal books that they had been reading at home; other weeks, I would be given set reading tasks with comprehension questions underneath to work through with them.
The students were so incredibly smart, and they loved reading as much as I do (sometimes, we got a bit sidetracked talking about our favourite childhood books).
This experience was honestly so gratifying, and made me feel more independent at university, as it was something I undertook outside of the campus and did on my own. If you are looking for a way to help children and learn more about what it takes to be an excellent teacher, I definitely recommend this project!
NAA Experience Culture
Alongside the Literacy Support Project, I completed the Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA) Experience Culture programme, where I did 35 hours at the Nottingham Playhouse, shadowing Artist Development Producer, Beccy.
Within this experience, I helped:
- format and populate websites
- edit and review an annual report
- and evaluate Script Submissions for their Amplify Nights.
This was an incredible opportunity because it taught me so much about the submission process for plays and ask so many questions about how a company like the Nottingham Playhouse exists and runs on a yearly basis. I was supported by a wonderful team, who let me shadow so many meetings with other departments, and attend ones set up just for me, so I could satiate my curiosity.
After I had completed my 35 hours, I gave a five-minute presentation to other people doing the NAA, which was a bit nerve-wracking. I had an overall great time as it allowed me to see for myself all of the progress and improvement I had made, in confidence, in self-belief and in resilience.
The Nottingham Advantage Awards are a crucial way to build these professional skills while still being supported by the Careers team, so if you’re looking for a way to gain experience, I would advise looking at the NAA modules and they even get added at the end of your degree as extra modules.
Within my first year, I did so many amazing things and met so many incredible people.
The Careers team here are truly dedicated to pushing students to pursue each and every opportunity available to them. On top of this, they have great introductory sessions and evaluation sessions, allowing you to see your own progress.
My advice to you
In my opinion, your first year is the best time to delve into work experience, as the academic side of your course is less heavy and stressful, and it improves your confidence so much.
My main piece of advice for first years – or anyone trying to get experience under them during university – is to apply to everything that interests you.
Applying does not mean you are automatically committing to a project, it means you’re opening yourself up to the opportunity for experience. Every experience is a good chance to make friends, network and develop skills outside of your course.
If you're interested in developing your skills and adding experiences to your CV, check out our work experience webpages, the Nottingham Advantage Award and opportunities through the Students' Union. it's never too early to get involved!
Posted on Thursday 4th December 2025