Work Experience Can Be a Foot in the Door
Work shadowing isn't just about the skills and experience you pick up - it's also about who you meet. Just ask Paige Beresford, 18 from Glasgow.

Paige is currently working as a Modern Apprentice at BBC Scotland. Paige found out about the opportunity from someone she met during a placement at a radio station.
Paige's story
I thought I wanted to be an English teacher, but after carrying out some work experience in a school, I realised that it just wasn't for me. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do so thought I would try a few different things. It's when I decided to do some work experience at Clyde 1 that I remember saying to my mum "THIS is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Get as much work experience as possible, meet new people and learn lots - you never know what it will lead to.
During my Clyde 1 experience, I had the opportunity to speak to different people from the media industry and one of them was BBC Scotland journalist Marianne Taylor. I asked if I could have her email address and keep in touch. She kind of became a mentor to me. It inspired me so I started writing articles for my school newspaper and reviews for the local cinema. I also got involved in Future News, a conference for young journalists which meant I got to report live from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Marianne emailed me out of the blue one day with an advert for a position within the BBC Scotland Digital Creative Modern Apprenticeship programme. I was lucky enough to be selected and I now work and train as an Apprentice at the BBC. I rotate around 10 different departments from audio and digital to filming and get a college qualification too. Right now, I'm based in a music radio department. The most exciting thing so far has been sitting in on live sessions with bands.
Our top tips

- Explore the World of Work to help you kick start your career.
- Check out Young Scot Rewards for work shadowing opportunities.
- If you would like some more information on careers, employment rights and opportunities, please visit our W.O.R.K. page.