Gap year
: Is a gap year right for you?
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There are many reasons for considering a gap year. They range from taking time out during your university course (either to develop skills or earn some money to finance the rest of your studies) to spending a period of time after university to travel, discover different cultures or gain specific experience.
Taking a gap year can help you to:
Develop your skills
You can use a gap year to develop your skills in a variety of ways, such as:
- trying new activities, ranging from scuba-diving to bungee jumping;
- gaining experience in a variety of jobs;
- improving your people skills by mixing with different people in different environments;
- taking opportunities for learning - e.g., extending your IT skills, learning a language, or some academic-related study.
Shape your career path
In the current economic climate, it is important to look on a gap year from the perspective of using it as a lever into employment rather than as a break. A gap year can inform your decisions about your career by helping you to:
- develop maturity and awareness about yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses;
- gain new perspectives about yourself and your surroundings;
- take time to review your life and career goals;
- if you are taking time out during your course, using the chance to step back and put your studies into perspective.
Impress employers
Activities and experiences from structured and planned time out can be used to:
- provide evidence of key skills on your CV to increase your chances of getting an interview;
- help you consider and research your career options - showing potential employers your commitment and focus;
- build a rapport with employers during interviews by sharing your experiences and how they have shaped your decisions and outlook.
Be aware of the risks
Although a gap year can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks and challenges. These include:
- the costs involved and the likelihood of increasing your debts, especially if you participate in a tailored gap year experience programme straight after graduation;
- missing out on employment opportunities because you are out of contact;
- focusing too much on fun and relaxation, which may not add any value to your CV from an employer’s perspective;
- possible difficulties settling back into university life or employment on your return.
Other issues to consider
You need to think carefully about issues that will affect what is feasible and desirable, such as:
- personal commitments that may make it difficult to get away;
- any disability you have and how this might impact on your plans - think about the adjustments that will be required;
- home or abroad? Consider what impact you want to make in the long term, environmentally and socially;
- how stretched do you want to be? How far out of your comfort zone are you prepared to go?
Top tips
- Do your research - speak to people who’ve been there and done that.
- Take time to plan and prepare - it can take 9-12 months lead up to plan and raise the funds.
- Budget but don’t get hung up on saving money at all costs so that you miss out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities - have a reserve of money to fall back on.
- Be open-minded - even in your own city you may see things that you haven’t experienced before.
- Use the time to make contacts - this is an important time to develop networks that could help you in your future career.
AGCAS
Written by Hannah Clements, University of the Arts London
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