Looking to boost your skills this summer? Akash, a Computer Science student, shares how he gained real-world experience through ambassador work, volunteering and online learning — and how you can do the same, with support from the University.
Summer is upon us and it provides us students with the perfect opportunity to gain real world experience, build our networks and supercharge our CVs through internships, part time jobs or volunteering. By strategically combining these opportunities, you can step into the upcoming academic year not just refreshed but equipped with tangible achievements and professional momentum. In this blog, I’ll share with you my experience and proven tips on how to do that.
Levelling Up Outside the Classroom – my experience
In my first year, after careful research and analysis, I decided to apply for a job as the University’s ambassador. Though this role, I had a chance to support various events such as open days, alumni events, school visits and graduation. These events helped me gain leadership, management and organisational skills and effective communication skills, especially as I worked with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
I also got to learn a lot just by watching and working alongside others. Learning from experienced colleagues – including my manager and ambassadors who had been in the role for years – accelerated my growth and boosted my confidence. I was also able to market the university to people both in person and through online marketing campaigns. That experience gave me a better understanding of how to tailor a message to different audiences, which is something I’d never really thought about before. As a computer science student, I never imagined I’d gain experience in marketing and communication, but now I see how valuable those skills are, no matter what field you’re in.
No summer job? No stress
LinkedIn is a great place to start looking for work experience, but what many people don’t realise is that it also offers LinkedIn Learning – a platform full of courses that can help you build valuable skills on your own. Another good news is that UoR students have free access to all the courses on their personal devices. There are many free certifications on sites like LinkedIn or Forage that will allow you to gain new skills and add them to your CV which will boost your employability. Moreover, LinkedIn Learning provides certificates of completion for courses and learning paths that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.
I have done a few courses for data analysis and M&A by JP Morgan on Forage as I wanted to gain some financial data skills to be able to work in that industry. I have also done a few technical ones like using GenAI to boost productivity for companies from LinkedIn. These allow me to gain experience in a field that I do not study and do it at my own pace. Now, I am trying to gain some Marketing and Sales experience via these.
Not sure where to start with self-learning? Why not check out Digital Learning LinkedIn Challenges designed specifically for UoR students by the University’s Digital Technology Services? There’s also a page on Essentials that helps you improve your digital literacy skills.
Helping out helped me too – volunteering
Reading has also a lot of volunteering options. Local charities like Reading Voluntary Action and HAF holiday projects is a great way to gain valuable experience while making a real difference in the community. Your time and effort contribute to small but positive steps that help create a better, brighter future for everyone. I took part in Students in Schools in my first year, where I volunteered as a substitute teacher in local schools, delivering engaging sessions to encourage interest in STEM among school pupils. I promoted higher education pathways, answered questions about university life, and fostered curiosity through interactive activities. I received positive feedback from school staff for building strong rapport with students and helping to boost engagement in the classroom.
This experience helped me build valuable skills that are highly useful in the workplace — like public speaking, adapting my message for different audiences, and thinking on my feet. It also strengthened my ability to engage and communicate clearly, which is essential in any professional setting, especially when working with people from different backgrounds.
While these experiences might not seem directly related to my computer science degree at first glance, they’ve played a huge role in shaping my personal and professional development. From communication and teamwork to leadership and self-motivation, the skills I’ve gained through ambassador work, online learning, and volunteering have helped me build a stronger, more well-rounded CV – and given me an edge that goes beyond technical knowledge.
Plenty of Ways to Gain Experience – Just for Reading Students
Whether it’s through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering, there are so many ways to gain real-world experience alongside your studies – and many of them are designed specifically for Reading students. The Reading Internship Scheme (RIS) is a great example, offering flexible, paid placements with small businesses, charities, and even departments within the University itself.
Whatever route you take, your experience can also count towards the RED Award – an employability certificate that recognises your efforts and gives you something tangible to show for them.
And if you ever need help along the way, the Careers team is always there to support you – whether it’s reviewing your CV, helping with cover letters, or prepping for interviews. You can also check out the University’s dedicated support pages to explore even more ways to build your skills and confidence and learn how the University can support you in your careers journey.