Advantages of a gap after graduation
After graduating from university, it is common to seek employment straight away. However, why not check with your future employer whether they would support a gap year – the worst they can say is no! On the other hand, if you have not yet made up your mind about your career path, a gap might provide you with new perspective on the world of work and enhance your skills and CV along the way.
Impress your future employers...
A survey conducted by the Association of Graduate Recruiters in June 2007 looked at the benefits of a gap year from the employer’s point of view. Of the Graduate recruiters questioned, 88% thought a well-structured gap year would help equip graduates with the soft skills that may not be acquired while studying.
Vice chairman Terence Perrin expands on this, saying "Overall, gap years are viewed very positively. Communication skills, leadership, organisation and motivation are all important. One thing that impresses employers is that graduates come back more mature and with more insight into themselves and the world. I think recruiters recognise that after a year's travel there's a lot more to bring to the table. They have left the security of their home looking for a new challenge and for that you need independence, motivation and confidence."
More than just a university degree to get the job you want...
A recent YouGov poll suggests that a university degree is no longer enough to get you the job you want. A gap year, however, may help. The 2006 poll, commissioned by volunteering organisation GVI and reported in The Evening Standard (9 November 2006), shows that 64% of managers said gap years would help prepare people to develop crucial work skills before they enter into their career.
Do your research...
There is a lot to consider when thinking about embarking on a gap year, and the first place to start is by doing some research in to what is out there and what will suit you.
Keep in mind that a gap year should enhance the skills needed for your chosen career, so look at activities specifically linked to your area of interest, degree subject or chosen career. Consider whether you want to travel the world or stay in the UK, and what pre-organised activities you can start off with, to build up your confidence before taking more control of your year.
Don’t forget the basics – who do you want to go with, where do you want to go, how long for and how will you arrange it? It can take time to fully plan a complex gap year, although there are various organisations that can help you plan part or all of your year, as well as look at the more complex parts of your journey for you, such as visas, insurance, health issues and so on
After your gap year...
Before you leave for your gap year, think about what you will be doing for the first few weeks when you get back. You may well save yourself a lot of effort and worry by deciding this before you go.
At some stage when you get back, reflect on your experiences and put them into context. What did you learn about yourself? Do you need to rethink your education and career plans?
You will have undergone many demanding experiences from which some personal development issues will have arisen. Take advantage of this - don't see it as threatening. Whilst these memories are fresh in your head, think about what you have done and learnt and update your CV.
Find out more...
To find out more about what a gap year can offer you and how to get started on your adventure, visit our discount section to see which companies are recommended by Graduate Extra to help you make your dreams of travelling the world into reality.