10 Do's and Dont's for Work Experience Students

Recently I did a week of Work Experience at DOLLY Magazine! It was an absolutely amazing experience; I met the lovely team, saw just how much work goes on behind-the-scenes, worked alongside another gorgeous intern, explored the city, tried Starbucks for the first time, helped out on a photo shoot and so much more. The team is seriously amazing and I really did have the best time!

Today I'll be giving you guys 10 Do's and Don'ts for your next Work Experience that I learned whilst at DOLLY. I hope you enjoy!

DO show initiative while working. Offer to help someone if you see them struggling with a large work load, or ask if there are any extra jobs that need doing.

DON'T wear heeled shoes! Unless that is the dress code, try to always stick to flats or shoes with a very small heel/platform. I wore flats most days, and on the one day I decided to wear heels I had to walk around shopping for an hour or two. Although it was very fun the heels were super uncomfortable!

DO dress nicely and appropriate for your workplace. I got to wear lot's of outfits that were 'my style' because there was no specific dress code, but I still tried to keep everything looking professional. Make sure you understand your workplaces dress code properly before choosing outfits. If you're getting up early for work try to plan your outfits the night before.

DON'T use your phone all day long. The odd snapchat is ok (as long as you're allowed to take photos) but if you sit there all day Instagram-ing it will be very unprofessional.

DO any jobs that you're asked to do. Don't complain if you're given a job you don't like, just try and do it to the best of your ability. Everyone told me that coffee runs were annoying (I did them at DOLLY) but I actually really enjoyed them - it gave me a chance to explore the office, meet everyone and get food recommendations! ;)

DON'T worry if you can't do everything at first. I didn't know a thing about invoicing when I started, but after a few tries a few mistakes I quickly got the hang of it. If you are really struggling and don't understand what to do, don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone wants you to learn and do the best you possibly can.

DO be happy and enthusiastic! Come to work each day with a smile on your face and be willing to do anything. If you look sad you will look un-motivated and lazy and you might miss out on some super awesome tasks. Make sure to show that you're enjoying yourself!

DON'T forget to write down what you learn each day. This will be a great way to remember exactly what you did. You could write down names, new skills, your schedule, what happens each day and just any random notes.

DO ask for a reference. When you've finished your Work Experience send a nice email to your boss/employer thanking them for everything and asking for a reference. A good reference will help you to get a job in the future, so make sure you work really hard and put loads of effort into each task.

DON'T stress too much! Remember to enjoy your week and have fun. If you make a mistake, say something wrong or make a fool of yourself don't stress, it happens to most people. I managed to get lost while walking in Sydney, have some creepy guy ask me for money, get squished in a doorway by 1000 school kids, not be able to operate an elevator properly and still make it back in one piece. It's all part of the fun.

Good luck and happy working! Thanks again to DOLLY for having me, it was the best. xx