What made you decide to take a gap year?
During sixth form, you're often expected to decide quickly between university and apprenticeships. I wasn't completely sure which route was right for me, so taking a gap year felt like the best way to consider my future and make a more informed decision.
I wanted to gain real-world experience before committing to further study.
What did you do during your gap year?
I worked as a partner success specialist at Peerscroller alongside tutoring GCSE mathematics and science.
At Peerscroller, I supported schools, councils and colleges in successfully implementing the platform. This included:
- answering questions and providing guidance
- building relationships with key contacts
- delivering presentations to staff, parents and stakeholders
- supporting organisations through the rollout process.
Alongside this, I completed virtual courses in:
- cloud engineering
- cyber security
- data science.
How did you decide what to do during your gap year?
I wanted to gain experience without putting too much pressure on myself. Each activity had a clear purpose:
- My job gave me insight into professional working environments, including how organisations collaborate, communicate and solve problems.
- Online courses allowed me to explore areas of technology aligned with my long-term goal of working in cyber security.
- Tutoring helped me maintain my academic knowledge while developing communication and mentoring skills.
Together, these experiences developed both technical knowledge and professional skills.
How did you fund your gap year?
I funded it through my:
- role at Peerscroller
- tutoring work.
I also received some support from my parents. Working throughout the year allowed me to save money while expanding my practical experience.
What was a typical week like for you?
A typical week involved working in the office four days a week from 9am to 3pm. My responsibilities varied depending on the needs of the schools I was supporting, including:
- collaborating with colleagues internally
- meetings with schools and external stakeholders
- planning projects and managing accounts.
I also tutored in the evenings from 4pm to 7pm on certain days.
Outside of work, I completed online courses and made time for:
- hobbies
- sports
- travelling at weekends.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your gap year?
I felt isolated at times, especially as many of my friends had gone straight to university. I also occasionally questioned whether I was making the most of my gap year.
To overcome this, I made a conscious effort to stay engaged by:
- continuing to learn through online courses
- exploring new hobbies
- joining sports communities.
These experiences helped me to:
- build confidence
- meet new people
- recognise my progress.
What skills did you develop during your gap year?
I developed a range of skills, including:
- Communication - adapting my style when working with different audiences such as schools, councils and stakeholders.
- Leadership - guiding schools through implementation processes.
- Problem solving - adapting quickly when plans changed and finding effective solutions.
- Professionalism and confidence - presenting to stakeholders and working in a professional environment.
- Teamwork - collaborating with colleagues to solve challenges and share ideas.
- Time management and organisation - balancing work, tutoring, online learning and personal commitments.
How has your gap year influenced your career plans or study choices?
It gave me clarity about my future. The combination of work experience and self-directed learning confirmed my decision to study computer science at the University of Liverpool.
The technology and cyber security courses I completed strengthened my interest in the field and gave me confidence in my career direction.
Are there any common misconceptions about gap years you'd like to challenge?
One misconception is that taking a gap year means falling behind. My experience has been the complete opposite. In reality, a gap year can help you build:
- confidence
- experience
- skills.
Another misconception is that you need to spend your gap year travelling the world for it to be worthwhile. While travel can be valuable, working, learning and exploring career interests can be just as rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone considering a gap year?
- Don't compare yourself to others - everyone's gap year looks different.
- Gain relevant experience - look for opportunities linked to your interests.
- Have a rough plan - you don't need everything mapped out, but setting goals helps you stay focused.
- Keep learning - courses, certifications and projects can help you build skills.
Was taking a gap year worth it?
Absolutely. My gap year helped me:
- develop key skills
- feel confident in my future plans
- gain professional experience
- save money.
After my gap year, I am more confident, independent, and certain about my future. It has been an incredibly valuable year that has prepared me well for the next stage of my journey.
Find out more
- Discover gap year ideas.
- Explore whether a gap year is right for you
- Read our advice on planning your gap year.