Case studies: Assistant centre manager, PGL: James Evans

After graduating with a BA in History with French at the University of Aberystwyth, James was keen to find a job where he could use his language skills. He worked for PGL for six months as a tour leader in Paris

When I finished my degree I wanted to find a job in France where I could use my capabilities as a fluent French speaker. While searching on the internet I came across PGL, who provide school trips and children's adventure holidays. I applied and was successful in getting a six-month paid seasonal contract as a tour leader for school groups at PGL's Paris centre, Chateau de Grande Romaine.

I started my job only days after leaving university. My main role was to welcome schools to the centre and act as their main point of contact during their stay, as well as taking groups of students on tours in Paris.

Day to day, the job involved working with school groups by acting as a liaison between them and the company and helping them out with any problems that arose. I accompanied groups of students on excursions to tourist attractions and local points of interest, mainly in Paris, to places like the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and the Stade de France.

On the way into Paris I would give a guided tour of the city with information on all the places we passed and provide entertainment for the children on the coach during the journey.

The most rewarding part of the experience for me was seeing the children enjoy visiting Paris and the surrounding area during their holiday and knowing that they had learnt something about the city. Taking groups of students into Paris was hard work but it was always a challenge I looked forward to.

My gap year boosted my confidence as a person and enhanced my life skills incredibly.

I had never worked with children and young people before so the entire experience was a massive learning curve for me. Working in that sort of environment, and with the constant challenge of different school groups, was an unforgettable experience. Also, due to the location of the centre, it gave me the opportunity to travel within the region and visit places in my free time, which was an added bonus.

Due to this positive experience, I have chosen to return to work for PGL in France each season. I have progressed up the ladder from administrator to my current position of assistant centre manager, and I have now accepted the post of centre manager, which is a permanent post.

My advice for other students and graduates who are planning a gap year is to consider seasonal work for a company such as PGL, as it will not only enhance your CV, the life skills you will take away from the experience are priceless. The work experience is great for capitalising on your language skills or if you're thinking of going into teaching. There are plenty of opportunities for moving up the ladder within the company or to work at other centres across five different countries.