Gerardo took a gap year to work and explore his options before deciding to study a Masters degree at the University of Dundee
I was completing my undergraduate degree in strategic marketing. The moment I finished, rather than rushing straight into the next chapter, I decided to pause. That pause became one of the most defining periods of my life.
I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do next, or whether I was qualified enough to do it. I think uncertainty is something many graduates feel but don't always admit.
For me, it felt more honest and more productive to acknowledge it and use the time to address these feelings, rather than making a rushed decision I might regret.
It was a mix of experiences and dedicating time to developing new skills. Activities included:
Every week brought something different, which kept me motivated and engaged throughout.
My main goal was to work on my profile and become more competitive. So, I threw myself into learning and took courses across:
That period of exploration was also when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: I decided I wanted to pursue a Masters degree. The gap year gave me the headspace to:
I liked to start my days early, usually with a gym session or a run to set the right tone. Then I would work through courses or freelance projects before taking a proper lunch break.
Afternoons were often spent researching topics I wanted to understand more deeply. My days were not rigidly structured, particularly when I was travelling, and that balance between discipline and flexibility suited me well.
I funded it through a combination of freelance work and my parents' support. Taking on freelance gigs not only helped financially but also gave me real-world experience and kept me professionally sharp during a period that could have easily become stagnant.
It was the feeling that I was falling behind. That feeling is very real, and I won't pretend it wasn't there. But I kept reminding myself that this was part of a bigger picture and that everything would fall into place. Trusting the process, even when it felt uncomfortable, was the most important thing I did that year.
The range was broad and deliberate, resulting in a:
I was building a toolkit that I knew would serve me regardless of which direction my career took.
It influenced everything - it was during my gap year that I decided to pursue a Masters degree, a choice that has shaped my life and career ever since.
Today I work across two roles I am passionate about, and that journey started with the decision to take a year and figure things out.
The biggest misconception is that a gap year is simply time wasted. Sometimes a break is exactly what you need to:
Take it. A gap year is a genuinely valuable opportunity to discover yourself, your strengths, interests, and what you actually want from life.
Use the time with intention, stay curious, and don't let the fear of falling behind stop you from doing something that could change your trajectory entirely. It changed mine.
