How can you get your first work experience, an internship or a job?

You can also use your time as a student to gain work experience. Gaining work experience is not only linked to student work. You can gain work experience as an (active) member of an organisation, as a volunteer, as part of an internship, study exchange, etc.

Try to work as close as possible to your field of work, within your field of study and interests. At the same time, use the work experience as an opportunity to test your work habits, discover and learn about different features of the work environment and deepen your contacts with employers to advance your career. This experience is also valuable for your future job search, as it will give you a much better idea of what you want (or do not want) and help you find and hire suitable future employers. One option is to follow your own entrepreneurial path.

KC iskanje zaposlitve_mala pasica.png — Startup Stock Photos, Pexels

The Career Centres organise and run a series of career management skills development workshops throughout the year. This will cover how to identify your qualities and skills to include on your CV, how to write your CV and cover letter, how to search for jobs, how to prepare for interviews and how to manage the transition from studies to the future.

The POPR portal (Personal and Professional Development Portal) gives you access to current training courses, events and job vacancies. Through the portal you can register for events and a free one-to-one careers consultation where we can review your CV together, prepare for an interview or discuss your career plans.

Take a look at the activities at POPR!

How do you get your first experience, your first internship, your first job?

Entering the job market can be quite a challenge, but with the right steps, enthusiasm and perseverance, you can find your way to success. Finding a job is a job, so plan your activities accordingly and be patient. Use multiple job search methods simultaneously to increase your chances of success. Be proactive and persistent in your efforts!

Get started step by step

Before you start looking for a job, you should ask yourself what your strengths, skills, experience and competencies are. Think about what is really important to you and what you can not imagine being happy in a job without. What are your personal qualities and how do they match your career aspirations or the jobs you are considering? Think about what you like to do in your spare time and how you can combine this with a potential job. Also be aware of your limitations, e.g. you are a young parent and it is important that you have enough time for your family.

We also invite you to participate in our career management skills development workshops that we offer on the POPR portal.

Careers are not only based on expertise, but also on values, interests and personality. Think about what kind of working environment you would like to work in. Would you be better suited to a smaller or larger organisation? Would you prefer to work in a team or more autonomously? Would you like to work under direction or would you prefer more freedom and autonomy? Perhaps you would like to working in an international environment where you also have more opportunities for business travel. Determining your preferred working environment will help you find the right job.

Write down your career goals and make a plan to achieve them. Try to be as positive, specific and constructive as possible when setting your goals. When we set ourselves goals, we define a path that we want to follow and arrive at. Write down your goals and organise them. If you have too many goals, it can be difficult to achieve them. Perhaps some of these goals are connected and you can combine them into one. Then prioritise which goals can be achieved faster, which can wait, which could lead to another goal, etc. The SMART method, one of the most commonly used goal setting models, can help you with this. Set a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For more information on the SMART method, see page 31 of the Tutors' Guide (Tutorski priročnik), which you can find on the tutelage page (available in Slovenian).

Employers post some student jobs and job opportunities on the POPR portal for UL students. Vacancies are advertised at the Employment Service of Slovenia, on employment portals, in employment agencies, in the media, on companies' websites and their Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, etc. As the advertised jobs will not only seen by you, but also by many other jobseekers, the number of applications for these jobs is likely to be high. Do not limit your job search to these resources alone, but also look for opportunities on the hidden job market.

You are already building your network of contacts during your studies, so take advantage of the many opportunities available to you.

Networking is all about making, establishing and maintaining contacts. Social networks help you to find out about employment opportunities, be better informed, keep up to date with the current situation in the industry and job market, get advice and names, and get in touch with other people. Networking gives you access to information that you would not have come across otherwise.

Be curious and proactive, browse the internet, research companies and organisations working in your field of interest,
Get in touch with colleagues, ask friends and professors, contact former employers and organisations where you have completed an internship or volunteer service, think about the people you have met at professional events, conferences, round tables, presentations, etc.
You can also connect with companies at career fairs, hackathons, company presentations at faculties or during company visits, open days, via LinkedIn, alumni clubs, etc.
Keep your Linkedin profile up to date as Linkedin is a networking tool.
Join AlumniUL, a digital platform that connects a network of professionals from different fields who are willing to mentor or inform young professionals;
Actively participate in lectures and extracurricular activities. Professors will remember you more easily and may recommend you to potential employers;
Participating in student professional associations or organisations will help you get to know your peers better, with whom you can build a long-term working relationship;
Make direct contact with employers - submit your CV, contact them to write a term paper, project or thesis.
Search for jobs in various databases according to your recruitment plan, even if there are no vacancies advertised.
Look for job creation opportunities (for a specific company, we develop a proposal for the introduction of a new activity, a new product, a new business idea and thus create new jobs).

Start step by step: If you are one of those people who are more introverted and do not like to socialise with strangers, you can start by networking with professors and colleagues at your faculty/academy. Create a Linkedin profile and keep adding new connections to your network.

Connect with alumni from your faculty/academy: As mentioned above, join the AlumniUL platform where you have access to experienced professionals in your desired field of work. You can discuss common challenges, current career opportunities in the job market and views on new developments in your field.

Build your confidence: Every time you walk through a door and meet someone new, you build your confidence and communication skills.

From acquaintance to lasting friendship: Although the purpose of networking is to develop professional relationships, some work-related relationships develop into strong lifelong friendships.

How do you present yourself to an employer?

We need to be able to present all the different experiences in an appropriate way. We advise you to develop your written presentation for the employer as soon as possible, preferably during your studies.

The content, style and format of the presentation can have a significant impact on the employer's first impression and should therefore be prepared with particular attention and time. A positive impression can be created by a correct presentation that appeals to the addressee and follows business communication. Regardless of which form of written presentation you choose, we recommend that you follow these guidelines when preparing your written presentations:

Use an appropriate level of language.
Provide only truthful information.
Be clear and precise.
Remember that employers spend an average of twenty seconds on each application.
Observe grammar and spelling rules. Errors in a document divert the reader's attention from the content to the errors. Therefore, run a spelling and grammar check in your word processing programme.

Career counsellors can provide you with advice and assistance and give you feedback on the written presentations you have prepared. You can also take part in one of the workshops organised and conducted by the Career Centre of the University of Ljubljana on this topic. Find out more on the POPR portal.

Types of written and other presentations

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document in which you write down your education, professional experience, project work, additional training, skills and abilities (digital, linguistic and social skills), articles, memberships in associations, your own projects, international exchanges, certificates obtained, references, hobbies and personal contact details. It is a document that is usually one or two pages long and contains a short, concise and concrete presentation of yourself, your activities and your achievements, both on a professional and personal level. It is used to obtain an invitation to an interview for a student job, internship, scholarship or position, or to present yourself in other applications.

A letter of motivation (also known as a cover letter) is a document that is attached to your CV. It consists of a few paragraphs in that you explain your interest in the position or job in question, but also why we are the most suitable candidate and what we can offer you - what our added value is.

To review your CV or cover letter, please contact the career counsellors at your UL faculty or academy.

This is the kind of short presentation made on Wall Street, where you can only meet bankers in an elevator. Even though the name "elevator pitch" is often symbolic and you most likely will not have the opportunity to actually deliver it in an elevator, you can practise and give a convincing speech about yourself. That way, you will be prepared when you at a networking event, conference or other event.

A short presentation of yourself, your idea or your product can grab an employer's attention and get them to invite you for an interview. The presentation should last about 30 seconds to pique your interest enough for the interviewer to invite you for a meeting. When you approach them, tell them who you are, what you do and what you propose to do to get their attention.

It is an extension of the general business card and briefly summarises your most important skills and competencies. You can also use the CV business card when you go to a networking event or to give it to a person who can be able to help you on your future career path. It is practical because it does not take up much space, includes elements of your CV and portfolio and integrates well into your email signature or on your website. Various tools such as Canva and Themeforest can help you with the design. You can also make your brand visible online.

Did you know that more and more employers are using LinkedIn to find new employees? LinkedIn is the ideal place to showcase your knowledge and professional achievements, share up-to-date information from your field and connect with a wide range of professionals from different fields.

Do not have a LinkedIn profile yet? Follow our event announcements in POPR and do not miss our next workshop where we will introduce you to the possibilities of this professional network.

In addition to LinkedIn, you can also improve your online visibility with your own website, where you can showcase your experience, achievements, work/services/writing more comprehensively. This is especially common in the design, architecture and blogging fields, but that does not mean you can not do the same. There are also many ways to use a variety of images. Nowadays, there are various technical tools you can use to create your own website. Some of the most popular and affordable are Wix.com, Wordpress.com, Webs.com, Weebly.com, etc.

Not so long ago, the video CV was mainly used by the more progressive, creative and adventurous applicants. Today, however, this type of CV is increasingly being requested by employers in their job advertisements so that you can present yourself in three minutes.

Sometimes all the effort we put into presenting ourselves in different ways is for nothing if we do not pay attention to the other 'footprints' we leave or communicate on social media. Especially in personal profiles. Be careful what you post and how you post it. Set your own creative boundaries and remember that "make it personal" must have a personal touch!

How do you prepare for a job interview?

The next step is usually to invite the invitation to an interview by the employer. An interview can be defined as a conversation with two or more people in which the job seeker/job applicant presents their knowledge, skills, personal qualities, competencies, abilities and attitudes required for a particular job and in which, on the other hand, the interviewer/potential employer assesses the applicant's suitability for a job with them. It is considered one of the most useful tools for assessing applicants.

In most cases, the interview takes place in person, but it can also be conducted by telephone or online, in one or more rounds, individually or in groups. Individual interviews are the most common. An applicant can be interviewed by several people. They usually take place in several rounds in which the applicants are examined in detail.

In some professions, there is a special type of "job interview". In the case of artists, this is an interview in which the focus is on the applicant's artistic expression. In artistic professions, it is common for applicants to bring their portfolio to the interview.

Steps to prepare well for a job interview

1. Take the time to get to know the organisation that is inviting you for an interview

Before the actual interview, it is important to prepare for the interview and get to know the potential employer well. For example: What does the organisation, what is its vision and mission, what is its corporate culture, how many employees does it have, what is its position in the market, what is its financial situation, etc. If you are invited to an interview on the basis of an application, re-read the requirements in the job advertisement and your presentation to the employer (letter of motivation and CV).

2. Practise the job interview

Think about how you present yourself, what you can say about yourself and what you can offer the organisation. You will often be asked: "Why you? What can you bring to the organisation? What makes you different from other applicants?" You can simulate an interview with a friend or colleague. You can also prepare with our help by making an appointment with a career counsellor. Try yourself as an applicant and as a recruiter. It may be interesting, it may be fun, but it is certainly very effective and useful. You can also practise with an observer, i.e. someone who will watch you during the exercise, who can give you feedback/information after the exercise or who can record you during the exercise - this is very useful!

3. Dress appropriately for the work environment and location

Find out about the organisation's dress code. If you are not sure, it is better to dress more "conservatively". Do not choose garish, too short or too tight clothing. Wear discreet make-up and perfume. Do not experiment. Jewellery should not be too ostentatious. If you are applying for a job as a director, dress like a director, but if you are applying for a job as a programmer, it is certainly not necessary to go to the interview in a suit and tie. If you are applying for a creative job, you can dress accordingly.

4. Check and update your online presence if necessary and update your references

Be aware that the employer will also prepare for the interview and find out about you in advance. They may check you with a previous employer or with the person you have given as a reference. Employers also use web browsers or social networks (e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter). So be careful with what you post, as this may give the employer a preconceived opinion of you that is difficult to change later.

5. Be on time

Do not arrive too early or too late for the interview; 5 minutes earlier than stated in the invitation is just right. Turn off your phone. If something unforeseen happens, inform the person listed as the contact person in the interview invitation and apologise for the delay or reschedule.

6. Do you feel anxious in stressful situations?

Try to overcome it by practicing some relaxation techniques before the interview. You can find out more about these techniques in the video in our online classroom (in Slovenian).

1. Body language

Try to get your stage fright under control during the interview. Come across as confident and relaxed, but don't overdo it. Make sure you have a confident handshake when you meet your interviewer. Maintain eye contact with everyone you speak to. Make sure you maintain good posture when sitting on a chair, even if there is a table in front of you. Do not hide your hands under the table.

2. Communication

Speak clearly and distinctly. Be respectful and keep your answers to a minimum: avoid long explanations and one-sentence answers. Concentrate on the question. Do not give too much information, but do not be too modest either. Above all, concentrate on presenting yourself as a person who brings new added value to the employer.

3. Psychometric tests and additional skills tests

During the selection process, you may also be asked to take a psychometric test, complete a questionnaire from HR or solve a task to test your skills.

4. Remember

At the end of the interview, you should also ask the potential employer a question to express your interest in the potential job. Do not immediately ask about the salary and benefits on offer. Of course, you can ask about these too, but it depends on how you ask. Remain polite and, as already written, do not ask your first question straight away.

Evaluate the course of the interview. Write down your impressions of the interview: What went well and what could have gone better? What questions were asked and who did you contact? The evaluation can serve you for a possible new round of interviews or a better presentation in the future. And if you were very impressed, you can of course express this in a thank you letter to the potential employer. Be brief, polite and to the point. In it, you can once again emphasise your good qualities, your potential or your strengths that are of benefit to the organisation.

In cases where the applicant is geographically distant from the potential employer's headquarters, which is particularly common when the job/internship is in another country, employers resort to online interviews.

If you have been invited to an online interview, the employer will let you know (or has already done so) when the interview will take place and what means of communication will be used (Zoom, MS Teams, Skype, etc.).

Technology test

The day before or at least a few hours before the interview, test your internet connection, camera, speakers/headphones and microphone or have a small test interview with a friend, mother, cousin, etc.

A suitable room

Think about which room in your home is best suited for the call and make sure in advance that you'll not be disturbed by anyone during the call. A quiet environment will help you to relax and keep your composure so that you can make a better impression. If you are conducting a test interview with someone close to you, you should not only check the sound and camera performance of the app in question, but also pay attention to your background: Is there anything that could be distracting that you should remove for the interview? Is there perhaps a robe hanging on the door or a poster of your favourite musician on the wall? The save way is selecting digital background.

Dress code

Even if you're at home, dress as if you're going to an interview, i.e. appropriate for the job. If you're applying for a computer technician job, you do not necessarily need a shirt and tie, but make sure you wear a neutral shirt or a shirt that is appropriate for the interview (no provocative slogans). Your employer may ask you to get your degree or you may need to be on camera for some reason. So dress as if you are going to a job interview (and do not combine a shirt with a tracksuit). Make sure that you are on your best behaviour, that you feel comfortable in your clothes and that they are appropriate for an interview.

Just in case

Make sure you have the contact details (phone number, e-mail) of the person you will be interviewing with, just in case. If something gets complicated or "Murphy" is at work, you can sort everything out in good time or report any delays.

Before you start

Before you start, turn off notifications on your computer, turn off the radio or TV, turn off the phone or make sure you can conduct the interview without "distractions". Please also take care of pets.

Body language

Try to relax and keep your anxiety under control, but still appear confident. Look into the camera, make eye contact and pay attention to your person you're talking to. Eye contact inspires confidence and reflects self-confidence and credibility. It may feel strange, but to make good eye contact, you need to look directly into the camera. This test will help you do that! Stay natural. Despite the nervousness, try to avoid sitting in a chair, fixing your hair, clenching your fist, twirling a ring on your hand, frowning and smiling..

Communication

Online communication encourages listening even more and requires tact when engaging in a conversation. Speak clearly and concentrate on the question being asked. Try to answer clearly, calmly and specifically. Show the interviewer why you are the right candidate for the job. Do not forget to ask a question at the end. This shows your interest in working for the organisation.

Are you thinking about entrepreneurship?

The will to succeed, perseverance, the ability to learn from mistakes, optimism, creativity, dynamism and innovation. Do you recognise yourself in these characteristics? Are your wishes and goals also geared towards realising business opportunities? Then you have a good basis for entering the world of entrepreneurship.

Frequently asked questions for future entrepreneurs

There are a number of support facilities for those who want to enter the entrepreneurial environment. Individual business incubators, advice centres and funds offer a supportive environment. Below you will find some links to support centres for (future) entrepreneurs:

Further supportive environments can be found on website.

If you want to develop your entrepreneurial potential, if you are motivated to learn and, above all, to acquire the information and skills you need to realise your vision, then you are welcome to participate in our activities.

Workshops to strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills take place throughout the year at each member faculty location. They encourage entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and serve to put your ideas directly into practise. For more information, please contact your faculty or academy careers councellors.
3P: Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Every autumn, we organise a 3P event to encourage young people (especially students) to explore their entrepreneurial potential, showcase examples of best practise and introduce the support groups/organisations available to individuals starting or just thinking about their entrepreneurial journey.
UL students can join the University of Ljubljana's Incubator, which helps entrepreneurs and those who want to become entrepreneurs to test their ideas in business. They offer mentoring, entrepreneurship workshops and online training. You can find many business incubators and support organisations online and get in touch with them to start your entrepreneurial journey.
I have made an invention or innovation – now what? The Knowledge Transfer Office of the University of Ljubljana can help you determine the potential of your idea, protect your invention legally (e.g. through patents, designs and trademarks) and find business partners. The University of Ljubljana is also at your side at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Read the University of Ljubljana's Knowledge Transfer Guide, which describes, among other things, how to raise seed capital and start a new business.

What do you need to know before you sign an employment contract?

Are you finishing your studies and have already decided on an employer you would like to work for? Before you sign an employment contract there, we have put together some tips for you that you should bear in mind when signing your contract. Read the contract carefully before you sign it and don't be afraid to contact the employer to clarify the content of the contract.

Frequently asked questions about the employment contract

The employment contract establishes an employment relationship that is regulated by the Employment Relationships Act (in Slovenian), while the employment relationship of public employees is further regulated by the Public Employees Act (in Slovenian). The Act only regulates individual employment relationships. Collective labour relations are governed by other regulations (collective agreements) and apply at the level of the company or activity. Collective agreements concluded for the entire national territory are entered in the register of collective agreements kept by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

Pursuant to Article 31 of the Employment Relationships Act - 1, the employment contract must contain the following:

Details of the contracting parties, indicating their domicile or registered office;
the date of commencement of work:
the job title or type of work with a brief description of the work to be performed under the employment contract, which requires the same level and direction of training and other employment conditions;
the place of work;
the duration of the contract (if it is a fixed-term contract, the reason for the fixed term must also be stated, as well as a provision on how annual leave is to be taken);
an indication of whether the contract is full-time or part-time;
a provision on the daily or weekly working hours and the organisation of working hours;
the amount of the basic salary in euros and any other payments;
the other salary components, the payment period, the payment date and the method of salary payment;
annual leave or the method for determining annual leave;
the length of the notice periods;
indication of the collective agreements binding on the employer or the general legal acts of the employer in which the working and employment conditions of the employee are laid down;
other rights and obligations in the cases provided for by law (e.g. working from home, part-time work for several employers, temporary posting abroad, supplementary work, non-competition clause)

The rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship commence on the day the employee starts work, not on the day the employment contract is signed. If the date of commencement of employment is not specified, the date of conclusion of the employment contract is deemed to be the date of commencement of employment. Furthermore, the employer must observe the principle of equal treatment before and during employment irrespective of nationality, race, ethnic origin, national or social origin, gender, skin colour, illness, disability, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation, marital status, trade union membership, assets or other personal circumstances.

The employee's duties include:

carrying out the work (following the employer's instructions, complying with health and safety regulations),
the duty to inform (of any danger to life, health or property and of any change in information affecting the exercise of rights arising from the employment relationship),
the prohibition of harmful behaviour,
the obligation to maintain professional secrecy,
Non-competition clause (non-competition clause - statutory prohibition of competitive activity; non-competition clause - contractual prohibition of competitive activity),
Proof of entitlement to employment.

The duties of the employer are:

the obligation to pay,
the obligation to provide safe working conditions (conditions for the health and safety of employees),
the obligation to register the employee for statutory pension, disability, health and unemployment insurance in accordance with the special regulations and to provide him with a photocopy of the registration within 15 days of starting work
the obligation to protect the employee's personality (protection against sexual and other harassment or abuse in the workplace; i.e. protection of dignity in the workplace and personal data).

An employment contract terminates upon the expiry of the term for which it was concluded, upon the death of the employee or the employer - a natural person -, by agreement, by ordinary or extraordinary termination by the employee or the employer, by court judgment, by operation of law, in the cases provided for in this Act or in other cases provided for by law (Article 77 of the Employment Relationships Act). Upon termination of the employment relationship, if the employee is dismissed by the employer for operational reasons or due to incapacity for work, the employee is entitled to severance pay. The employee is also entitled to severance pay on expiry of a fixed-term employment contract (in certain cases), on retirement and in the event of extraordinary dismissal by the employee.

How do the Career Centres help you find a student work or a job?