At BBIS, Grade 9 students have the opportunity to experience a work environment for one week. They are encouraged to choose a placement that reflects their interests. Before the Work Experience Week, students receive guidance on how to write a CV, craft a professional e-mail, and conduct themselves appropriately in a workplace.
I am Jeongrin, and I am a Grade 9 at BBIS currently spending Work Experience Week with the school’s Marketing Department. To learn more about what work experience at BBIS is like, I interviewed two Grade 9 students, Lemohang and Daria, who are working in our Secondary School Library during their placement.
Can you describe a typical day during your work experience?
Lemohang: I arrive at school at 8 am and begin the day by checking in books, cataloging some of them, and shelving some of the books that were brought in either yesterday or this morning. I also help keep the library tidy by dusting. After lunch, I continue with the work.
Daria: We also have some projects going on sometimes, like setting up theme shelves or supporting home language-related projects.
What do you like the most and least about your placement?
Lemohang: I like my placement because it is very quiet and peaceful. The workload is manageable, and I find the tasks enjoyable. I also get time to engage and find my interest in reading. The one thing I dislike is the dust.
Daria: For me, one thing that I like is that I am learning new things related to the library or the system. What I don’t enjoy so much is that it is quiet. Sometimes, it feels a bit too quiet.
Why did you choose this placement for work experience?
Lemohang: Actually, I had difficulties finding my work experience placement. However, our school counsellor supported me a lot with finding a placement within the school, and I was able to get this opportunity to work in the Secondary School Library.
Daria: I thought it would be a great way to learn something I always wanted to learn, which is cataloging books, and to know a little bit more about my school.
What were the main difficulties you faced when trying to find a work experience placement?
Lemohang: Like I mentioned, I contacted many companies, but most of the companies did not respond. One that responded did not accept students. Those were some of the challenges I faced
Daria: I got rejected by one company I contacted, but I also think it is difficult to find something that interests you.
What have you learned from the work experience so far?
Lemohang: I have learned how to catalog the books and check in and out the books at the circulation desk. I have also better understood the school library and books in general.
Daria: The same for me, since we are working together.
How did you apply or prepare to get this placement?
Lemohang: Our school counsellor connected me with our librarian to apply. For preparation our librarian gave me a sheet that explained tasks a library helper typically does. So I used that resource to help me get ready for the work experience.
Daria: I applied by e-mailing our librarian directly. On my first day, I got here earlier and also prepared some other things to do in case there was nothing in the library.
What advise would you give to someone who is struggling to find a placement?
Lemohang: Don’t worry too much. You will be able to find the placement eventually. If you are struggling, the school will help you. They've got your back.
Daria: I would say put all your efforts into e-mailing companies that are interesting to you, and if nothing works, then just don’t worry too much about it. There are always other ways.
Has this work experience helped you think clearly about your future career? How?
Lemohang: I don’t think it has for me because I am still very confused and do not know what career path I want to take after school.
Daria: For me, I think it has helped me. I want be someone who manages other people in the future, but not in the library, but maybe in a field related to sports.
Through this interview, I learned Work Experience Week meant to Lemohang and Daria. With their determination and curiosity, they turned a quiet placement into a valuable opportunity for learning and growth.
In addition to placements like the Secondary School Library or the Marketing Department, BBIS offers a range of work experience opportunities - including assisting in the Primary School, supporting Early Education classes, and working with the IT department. Each placement offers students a meaningful way to build confidence, learn practical skills, and explore their interests.