WORK EXPERIENCE SPECIAL:Want to get a taste of your chosen career? The work experience module is the most important aspect of the transition year programme, and preparation is crucial

IN 1968, the world's richest man was introduced to what would later make him his fortune. Microsoft's Bill Gates first laid eyes on a computer when his secondary school class got to try out a DEC PDP-10 computer on loan from General Electric.

Had Gates never been given this opportunity by his teacher, he might not have become the computer wizard, billionaire and philanthropist he is today.

Today's TY students have the opportunity to make their own luck. The work experience module is a chance to investigate any potential career area on your own terms without any pressure. But preparation is key.

The first thing is to be inventive. Don't look for work experience in the easiest place to find it. All sorts of organisations now take on students, but only if they show a genuine interest in the field. So if you are attracted to a particular subject - medicine, archaeology, music, whatever - learn about the industry and the people involved before you approach them.

"We encourage students to start by trying to find placements themselves through their family or other personal contacts," says Michael Gleeson of the Institute of Guidance Councillors and Ardscoil Ris in Limerick. "It places the responsibility on them to do it on their own. If they're unable to find one that way, we use our past pupils' network and local community. Students are also encouraged to look through newspapers and the Golden Pages.

'WORK EXPERIENCE IS a potentially very valuable activity and can help not just to focus on a career, but also to decide what college to go to and what subjects you would need to get into a college course. Even if you don't enjoy your work placement, it's still a positive experience," adds Gleeson. "It helps to rule out possibilities and teaches you about the cost of living in terms of working, commuting, eating out etc."

However, Tony Donohue of the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (Ibec) warns that getting the most out of a work placement is a two-way street.

"It's not worthwhile spending a week making coffee in an office," he says. "When you approach employers, you must be sure that you will get something out of the experience. It's important to make sure you will be doing meaningful work - try to have a chat with the employer either on the phone or ideally face-to-face beforehand. Ask whether you'll get some sort of orientation/introduction to the company on the first day and if somebody will be assigned to mentor you. Try and get an idea of the type of work you'll be doing."

Once you get the ideal placement there are some rules to stick to. As boring as it sounds, punctuality, appropriate dress and politeness go a long way to impressing people in any organisation.

"Communication is the area where most teenagers fall down," says Donohue. "Work placements are social environments so you need social skills to work in them. If you have no experience in a working environment you will be nervous and anxious. There's nothing wrong with that. Just try to think about your own communication skills.

"Keep your eyes open," he adds. "Look at how people get on with other people, how they relate to the public or their customers. In jobs that have dealings with the public there's a lot to be learnt by just watching."

Throughout your work placement, keep a diary of your experiences. It will be very useful at the end. It gives a chance to reflect, see what you liked and also what you disliked. "You should get a commitment of feedback from the employer at the end of the placement as well," says Donohue. "It may sound demanding but a good employer will be impressed by a student who is serious about their work placement.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for students to begin to understand the difference between school and work," concludes Donohue. "Employers are getting better at providing meaningful work but its up to the students themselves. Preparation and reflection are crucial."