Work experience has long been seen as a crucial factor in improving a graduate’s chances of finding meaningful employment. In today’s competitive job market, that assumption is being revisited with more nuance. While experience does play an important role in shaping career outcomes, it is not the only piece of the puzzle and certainly not a guarantee of success on its own.
Many employers now take a more balanced view when evaluating applicants. They’re not only interested in whether someone has worked before, but also how they’ve grown from those experiences. In fact, surveys consistently show that employers value a mix of academic performance, transferable skills, work readiness, and cultural fit. For example, research from the Institute of Student Employers notes that students who complete a structured internship or placement are more likely to receive job offers, but this is often tied to how well they reflect on and present that experience, not just the fact that it happened.
For university students, part-time work or internships can be a turning point. It provides more than just a reference or a line on a CV. It helps them understand the demands of the workplace, gain confidence in a professional setting, and make sense of their career goals. Even seemingly unrelated roles, such as working in retail or hospitality, can teach valuable lessons in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that transfer across industries.
At the same time, the impact of work experience depends heavily on how it’s supported and contextualised. Working during university is a reality for many students, particularly those who need to support themselves financially. This type of work often brings pressure and fatigue, especially when combined with the academic load. And yet, studies show that students who work during their studies often report higher levels of self-awareness. They’re more likely to identify gaps in their knowledge and be motivated to improve, which can be a huge asset when entering the graduate job market.
One of the most interesting patterns seen in recent years is how students use work to shape their sense of identity and direction. Those who have worked — even in informal or casual roles — tend to be more proactive about their career planning. They’re often better at articulating what they’ve learned, more prepared to adapt to change, and more realistic about the kinds of environments where they’ll thrive. This process of developing confidence through lived experience is something that no amount of classroom learning can fully replicate.
That said, access to work experience is not always equal. Some students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, may not be able to take on unpaid internships or spend time on placements that don’t offer financial support. As higher education expands and diversifies, it’s essential to recognise that not all students have the same opportunities to gain experience outside the classroom. Universities and employers need to acknowledge this and create more inclusive pathways that allow every student to build a meaningful portfolio of experience.
Employability, ultimately, is not about ticking boxes. It’s about how students grow, how they respond to challenges, and how they turn experience into insight. Work experience can be a powerful tool in that journey, but only when it is supported by reflection, context, and the opportunity to connect learning with future goals.
The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers are no longer just looking for technical qualifications — they want adaptable, self-aware graduates who understand their value and can contribute from day one. That level of readiness comes not just from where a student has worked, but from how they’ve made sense of those experiences and how prepared they are to keep learning and evolving.