# Build experience

**Source**: https://careers.ed.ac.uk/build-experience
**Parent**: https://careers.ed.ac.uk/

Find out ways to build your experience, challenge yourself and expand your skills.

While work experience including part-time work and internships is a great way to develop your skills, it’s not the only sort of experience which counts! Employers are looking for people who have a breadth of interests and skills as well as a good degree.

Volunteering, activities outside your degree and focused programmes will all contribute to building your skills, broadening your outlook and increasing your self-awareness.

### [Volunteering](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/build-experience/volunteer)

Find out the many benefits of volunteering, how you can do it and where to look for opportunities.

### [Taking part in activities](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/build-experience/take-part-in-activities)

Find out about the range of activities you could consider outside your degree programme.

### [Finding part-time & vacation jobs](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/node/155567)

How to find part-time and vacation jobs as a student, and information on National Insurance Number and your work rights.

### [Creating your own opportunity](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/node/115981/)

Learn how to reach out to employers with a speculative application, and how to start your own business or freelance.

### [Edinburgh Award](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/build-experience/edinburgh-award)

Take part in the Edinburgh Award to gain recognition from the University for the skills you have developed.

### [Employ.ed on Campus](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/node/116332)

Learn about Employ.ed on Campus and how you can apply, including eligibility and application support.

### [Developing your skills](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/build-experience/develop-your-skills)

Research opportunities to develop your skills further, and access training opportunities.

### [Getting your summer recognised](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/build-experience/get-recognised)

An overview of two ways to get recognition for your summer activities.

### [Getting virtual work experience](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/discover-what-s-out-there/find-jobs-while-student/look-for-internships/top-tips-when-considering-virtual-work-experience)

Find out what is virtual work experience and read our top tips.

### [Students as Change Agents](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/node/155563/)

Find out more about the Students as Change Agents (SACHA) programme.

### [Become professional](https://careers.ed.ac.uk/build-experience/become-professional)

Advice on some of the behaviours which will help you to make an easy transition into the workplace and perform well in your role.

This article was published on
2024-05-14