LONDON, UK – Pop-up shops in some of the capitals trendiest shopping areas can offer jobseekers valuable work experience exposure, says reed.co.uk

As more and more high-street retailers continue to fall victim to higher rental and business costs in London’s most fashionable shopping areas, forcing multiple outlet closures, the number of temporary pop-up shops occupying the vacated space is seemingly on the rise. reed.co.uk, one of the UKs leading job sites, claim these temporary ventures are providing opportunities for jobseekers to gain relevant work experience exposure, especially if they wish to attain future retail or sales jobs in the capital.

Since the turmoil of the economic recession in 2008 heaved financial pressure on retailers, many of the UKs leading high-street brands have had to shut-up-shop in some of London’s most bustling shopping areas. Continual rises in costs have only added to the number of closures, however the vacated space has meant smaller, pop-up shops are now emerging across the capital; giving smaller traders the chance to benefit from higher levels of shopper traffic, even if it is for a limited time only.

With relevant experience highly sought after by prospective-employers, reed.co.uk say jobseekers, aiming to improve their chances of gaining jobs in London are now considering applying for work experience in pop-up shops; especially if, in the past, financial constraints have limited the time available to undertake unpaid placements.

The job site admits that one of the biggest barriers jobseekers face when undertaking work experience placements is financial sustainability- after-all most placements do not offer a wage or any sort of payment for work. However with pop-up shops only trading on a temporary basis (most are only typically open for a month at a time), reed.co.uk claim attaining work experience for such a short period of time is ideal for those unable to commit for greater lengths of time.

“Pop-up shops provide ideal opportunities for jobseekers to gain valued work experience, quickly. Not only can they gain great exposure to the retail industry as a whole, but they can see how smaller businesses can thrive in such a competitive environment,” said a spokesperson for reed.co.uk.

“However it’s not just small clothing retailers taking advantage of higher levels of shopping traffic- as you’d expect. Many restaurant owners, artists and top-brand designers, including Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, have also jumped at the chance to temporarily rent from previously vacated shops, so there are plenty of work experience opportunities in several career sectors.”

With pop-up shop venues set-up across London, most notably in Shoreditch, East London (Box Shoreditch- the world’s first pop-up mall), Carnaby Street and Camden, shop owners have exposure to some of the busiest shopping areas in the world.

Image Courtesy of  Kamira / Shutterstock.com

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Volunteering is not only good for your soul and your karma bank, it is also extremely good for your cover letters and resume.

Although many charities are suffering from lessened funding and donations due to the recession, they are on the lookout for willing volunteers.

Even if you don’t have tons of time on your hands, there are heaps of ways you can help, and particularly for students, there are some positions which count as work experience as well!

Volunteering holds opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and availability.

For example, on volunteermatch.org, a U.S.-based organization, a quick search revealed volunteers needed for a one-day event, older people imparting their experience and advice to youth, host families for overseas exchange students, teachers to show refugees how to use bus systems in the area- enabling them to get to appointments and interviews- and that was just on two pages!

There are also sometimes industry-specific positions advertised: Are you in communications? Many organizations need help with producing information sheets, media releases, or newsletters. Are you a female scientist? Girl Scouts are looking to facilitate science workshops and need leaders with expertise. Are you an accountant? Many organizations need help with managing their accounts.

Volunteering can also be suitable for those looking into a drastic change or an interesting gap year- you can help overseas through organizations such as Cross-Cultural Solutions, or the Red Cross. These have work similar to that which you can find in the U.S., but as part of your travels it also involves aiding communities hit by disaster, or helping to teach any language you are fluent in.

You may think, “I work full time- when am I going to find time to volunteer and help others?”

Are you able to take half a day on weekends to mentor someone? Or tutor someone in a subject you were really good at in school or college? Can you take one day a year to help out at an event you are passionate about? (Assuming you aren’t already participating). If you are good at copy editing you could take one evening a month to look over an organization’s monthly newsletter.

Most volunteers are able to find the perfect position, on that makes them happy, and in which they are able to use their existing skills to help as much as possible in their community.

Check out Volunteermatch.org and search your area to find volunteer opportunites near you, or Google search ‘volunteer opportunities’ and see what pops up- you never know what you might find and what a  difference you could make to the lives of others.

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