Compulsory work experience: IELTS essay ideas

Some people believe that every university student should complete a period of work experience before graduating. I agree with this idea, as it benefits students, employers and universities alike.

The main advantage is that students acquire practical skills that lectures cannot teach. During a placement, a student learns how to meet deadlines, work in a team, communicate with colleagues and apply theory to real problems. A business student who spends a summer in a company's marketing department, for example, will understand far better how the concepts in textbooks operate in practice. Work experience also helps students decide on their careers. Some discover that a field is not what they expected and change direction while there is still time, while others find a profession they love. Employers value graduates who have already spent time in a workplace, so students with experience are generally more likely to find a job quickly. Several countries, including Germany, have built placements into degree courses, and graduate employment rates there are high.

There are, however, some difficulties. Finding enough placements for all students may be difficult, particularly in small towns or for specialist subjects, and unpaid positions can be unfair to students who cannot afford to work without income. Some courses are also very theoretical.

To overcome these problems, universities could work with companies to create a wide range of paid placements, allow flexibility in the type of experience, for example volunteering or research projects, and offer support to those with financial need.

In conclusion, compulsory work experience improves skills, clarifies career choices and enhances employability. Provided it is organised fairly, I believe all students should complete it.