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Planning your gap properly is key to its success.
You don't have to have all your plans set in stone for the entire period, but you should have a fairly good idea of what you're going to do and when. |
Decide what you want to do.
This sounds obvious, but some people waste their gap years by not doing something that really excites them. Work out what motivates you - think about what you enjoy doing. |
Decide the focus of your gap year
Decide if your gap year is going to be related to your A-levels, university course or chosen career, or if it's going to involve doing something completely different. |
Research all the options.
Many people think a gap year is always a very expensive expedition involving conservation work in some far-flung land. Gap years though can also involve paid work (such as teaching English) or studying, as well as volunteering. A large number of people choose to take their gap year in the UK. |
Be flexible.
A gap doesn't have to be a whole year - many people only take three months, or even less. You can do lots of different things on a gap year. Some people do voluntary work for six months, then spend the other six traveling, for example. |
Budget your gap year.
You need to account for things like visas and insurance as well as more obvious costs like flights and accommodation. Some voluntary projects require you to raise a certain amount of sponsorship, and many countries won't let you in unless you can prove you have a certain amount of money. Take traveler's cheque's and cash, and have a credit card for emergencies. |
Stay safe and healthy.
Gapwork are partners in the Foreign Office's 'Know before you go' campaign which aims to help travelers stay safe abroad. Read up on the countries you plan to visit, and get as much information as you can about things like jabs, local culture, no-go areas etc. It goes without saying that you must get proper insurance, but we say it anyway because some people still travel without it. |
You can do it.
Don't think that you can't do it because you have too many commitments, you have a disability or a medical condition, or you can't afford it. Gapwork hears stories of people who have managed to get a sabbatical from work to take a gap year, who have completed exciting projects abroad despite disabilities, and who have successfully fund-raised for their expedition despite having little money initially. |
How will a gap year help?
A gap year can give your CV that much needed added extra when you look for a job. It can give you the skills and experience which will set you apart from other candidates and impress potential employers.
Independent travel means you learn to plan and organise, and manage your time and money. You might also learn about dealing with other cultures, and using other languages.
As well as showing the employer you are more skilled and experienced than other people, your gap year will demonstrate personal qualities that are attractive to recruiters, such as enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit.
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Making the most of your gap year
The general consensus amongst the graduate recruiters that we spoke to in our research for the
Careers Gap Pack was that taking a gap year was a positive thing - if the candidate had done something productive during his or her time out.
This doesn't mean you have to climb Everest or single-handedly save the whale (although either would make for interesting things to bring up at interview!) You can achieve great things and meet great challenges locally and on a smaller scale.
Ever thought of volunteering in the UK? Or doing a language course overseas? Or teaching English abroad? For more opportunities like this check out our Gap year
organisations directory.
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Graduate recruiter information
Recently graduated? Finding a job when you leave university is one thing. Starting a career is another. Even if you want to spend time traveling, or work overseas for a while, its worth thinking about what you are going to do when you get back.
If you want to take time out before starting your career properly, then gapwork can advise you about what employers want to see from you when you get back.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a gap year?
A gap year is general term used to describe a period of time taken as a break from education or
employment. It is an option open to people who feel they could benefit by doing something different either before or after higher education.
Why take a gap year?
It can be a good opportunity to broaden your range of skills and experience. This will have a positive effect on both your confidence levels, and on your CV, giving you a better chance of getting the place at university, or the job, you want.
What should I do on my gap year?
The choice is yours! There are so many options available - and they don't all cost loads of money!
The most important thing to do is make sure you know what your choices are, then make your decision based on what you need to do, as well as what you want to do.
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Useful Links
www.gapwork.com
www.activate.co.uk
www.agcas.org.uk
www.careershop.co.uk
www.doctorjob.com
www.gradunet.co.uk
www.hobsons.co.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk
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Talk to the gap year organisations for help and advice.
Finally - enjoy your gap year!
That's what you're doing it for, after all.
© Rachel Morgan-Trimmer and Gapwork Limited.
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