What work experience would be helpful in order to be a cinematographer?

What work experience would be helpful in order to be a cinematographer?
The best experience is direct experience. Shoot short films, mock commercials, any other project you can dream of. Enter local film competitions, check out the 48 hour film competition that is held nationwide. Focus on surrounding yourself with interesting events or in unique environments, use the best camera you can afford, and share your work with family and friends. Offer to work for free for local non-profits, attend acting classes at a local university or even high school to recruit actors and actresses without worrying about having to pay high salaries.

Second, make sure you watch as many films as possible. Pay attention to shooting styles and techniques. There are a few books on the subject of how these techniques were achieved, but these largely highlight the technical aspects of the shoot.
Third, connect with other filmmakers you admire and respect - you may not be able to secure a meeting with a major Hollywood filmmaker, but google your region for film production companies and attempt to find any local film screenings.