GO Wales Case Studies

Nicola Porter was looking for work experience in a business consultancy when she approached GO Wales. She managed to secure a Work Taster with Ciotek; a business consultancy in Swansea. She spent time with the company one day a week over the course of a few weeks. We interviewed Nicola to find out more about her experience;

What activities did you undertake during your GO Wales Work Taster?

During my work taster I shadowed business meetings, conducted research into a company expanding overseas, analysed and presented market research result using Excel, and worked on client reports.

Was this a positive experience for you?

I found the work taster a very positive experience. I undertook activities I would otherwise not have been able to and it helped me to understand the job role of a business consultant which I would not otherwise understood if I had not taken part in the taster.

Has it helped you to make a decision about your future career?

The work taster has reaffirmed for me that Business Consultancy is definitely a sector I would look to move into as my career furthered; however, I am now concentrating on obtaining my accounting ACCA qualifications.

How important is it for students to take on unpaid work experience alongside their studies?

I believe it is very important for students to undertake unpaid work experience as it gives you an insight into the work carried out by your chosen sector profession. It shows employers that you are very interested in the particular industry and are willing to undertake extra work in order to gain extra skills and enter the profession.

Would you say that GO Wales is beneficial to students and graduates living in Wales? 

I would definitely agree that GO Wales is beneficial to students and graduates in Wales as it has links with employers which students could not replicate.  It has the ability to develop students and graduates skills, builds confidence and prepares students for applying for jobs after graduating.

Would you recommend the GO Wales programme to other students and graduates that you know? 

Yes I would as I believe it can benefit most students and graduates who want to utilise their time and increase their skills in a specific job sector.

Any comments on the organisation that you attended for the work experience? 

The owners of the company I undertook work experience with; CIOTEK, were very helpful and accommodating. They allowed me to undertake very hands on jobs such as attending meetings, reading and developing company reports and assisting me with the task of researching a foreign market. I learnt more from carrying out hands on tasks and feel my confidence has grown from the time I have spent here.