Boston City Campus and Business College Graduates

The process is simple: interested students apply for Experience It! opportunities at the Boston branch they studying at. The college then places them at a company where they can work for, usually, between six weeks and three months. Participating companies are invited to select as many students as they need to fill temporary vacancies, such as those that arise when people go on annual, study or maternity leave.

The Experience It! staff consult with companies regarding their staffing needs for 2011 and beyond, and then begin grooming students towards the vacancies identified. “It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” explains Rabson. “While students get exposure to the world of work, employers get a helping hand for as long as they need and without any obligation.”

However, should participating companies like a particular student an decide to employ him or her permanently, they may do so. Companies are also free to decide whether they want to pay students for their temporary work. According to Rabson, practically every company so far has indicated that they’d prefer to pay students on the Experience It! Programme a small stipend.

She points out that Experience It! is different from merely having a holiday job. When a student gets a holiday job, he or she does whatever work is required, regardless of whether it is related to their field of study. Experience It! on the other hand ensures that students get experience that is directly related to the job that they aspire to do in the future.

“It’s not about making a little money on the side,” she reiterates. “It is about getting experience that will improve your chances of finding a good job as soon as you have a qualification in hand.” Companies that are partnering with Boston in providing opportunities for students to gain practical work experience include Emperor’s Palace, Rectron (IT Company), Callforce, The Star and the Argus and Independent Newspapers, Jawitz Properties, MoB (digital marketing) and Ernst and Young (one of the largest accounting firms in SA), 1Time airlines, Comair airlines, and Bidvest Bank, among many more.

“We are delighted with the response received so far from corporate South Africa,” Rabson says. “Even though Experience It! is in its early stages, it has already turned out bigger and better than we expected.”

While the intention is to line up internship positions for students who will be qualifying towards the end of 2011, there are already vacancies available at this stage for which enrolled Boston students can apply.

Another component of the Experience It! programme entails mentorship opportunities. Later in the year, seven leading businessmen and women are to mentor top Boston graduates, giving them vital insight into what creates success. These mentor relationships (or days) will be filmed and broadcast on TV as an inspirational series to school leavers at the end of 2011.
Boston City Campus and Business College offers over 80 dynamic career qualifications throughout 48 branches nationwide. Unisa degrees and media studies are also available at selected branches. For more information or to participate in Experience It! visit experienceit.mobi or www.boston.co.za or phone 011 551 2000.