By Anneka Freeland, Erith School

Work experience is a great opportunity, providing that essential step in helping students such as myself prepare for the working world when we leave school.

From the dates of September 12 to 23 I completed my work experience at British Home Stores.

On the first day I felt excited of a change of scenery but nervous at the same time. But by the end of the day I was exhausted, having been working all day, and realised that retail hadn't lived up to my expectations.

But I was determined to make the best of the situation. One task I particularly enjoyed during my placement was replenishment as I felt it was the only activity that held any real challenge for me.

During the two weeks I feel I have improved my communication and working with others skills as working with the public is a major part of retail and I feel that I have enhanced my practical and physical skills.

Work experience for me was average and is definitely something that I can look back on in the future.

Work experience helps students gain an experience of the working world. This consequently may help in deciding a future career path.

It also helps students learn more about themselves as people and gain skills for life. If a student performs well and their hard work is recognised they may be offered a part-time job!

Sarah Jackson, another student that partcipated in work experience, said: "I definitely benefited a lot from work experience. I gained a sense of independence and I feel my confidence has grown."

Work experience is free labour for employers. Students are also helping provide a valuable service to employers, which gives them the chance to see if a student is worthy of being offered employment within the company.

My employer John Pinkerton at BHS quoted: "I like to offer students the opportunity to see what retail work is really like and show them the opportunities that do exist in retail management. I believe it is a worthwhile career and I'm always encouraged by the enthusiam of the students that I take on."

I think taking part in work experience is very beneficial, and although my experience hasn't given me some direction in a career, it has at least made me realise that retail is without doubt something I don't wish to pursue in the future.