Why take a gap year?
If you are considering taking a gap year you should be clear about your
reasons for making this decision.
Reasons students have for taking a gap year include:• Thinking that they can’t combine applying for jobs with getting a good
degree
• Wanting to travel and experience living & working in another country
• Knowing what they want to do next, but wanting a break
• Wanting to gain further skills to enhance employment prospects
• Needing to gain relevant experience necessary for being accepted for
postgraduate study such as social work, librarianship, museum and
archive courses.
Advantages
• It can give you time to clarify your ideas and plan for the future
• You may be able to earn money to fund future plans e.g. further study
• Relevant work experience can help you get into competitive careers
e.g. broadcasting
• A gap year may heighten your enthusiasm for further study and work
• You may gain new, or develop existing skills valued by employers e.g.
team working, organisational, problem-solving
• You will meet new people, learn more about yourself and benefit from
increased confidence.
• It can help you to ‘build’ your CV
Disadvantages
• You may find it hard to get back into the routine of work and study
• You may end your year in debt rather than profit
• You may find it difficult to apply for jobs whilst abroad, or be unable to
attend interviews if you are working - you must plan ahead
• You may be a year behind your contemporaries in terms of salary and
promotion prospects
• Not every employer will see the benefit of a gap year – you will need to
convince them
Source: http://www.careers.dur.ac.uk/info/leaflets/2004/gap_year.pdf
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