Taking a Year Out
If you are planning on taking a year out your options are endless - from volunteering to working and travelling around the world. Use your time wisely and start planning your trip, to make it count.
Many students consider a year out. This is sometimes referred to as a GAP year. The reason for taking one varies. It could be a desire to travel or it could be the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience and earn some money. Your degree course may offer you the option of taking a year out of your study. However if it does then there will be an expectation from your course and prospective future employers that you use the time wisely and productively. Remember you will need to sell this time out and what you did in it to employers in applications, interviews and at employer-selection events in a positive way.
You may alternatively consider taking a GAP year after your course. Again the same principles apply with regards making the time count in the employer's eyes. If you are thinking about taking a GAP year either during or after your course then why not book in for an appointment with a Careers Consultant, who can offer confidential guidance and advice. They can also take you through relevant resources which will help you plan. It is also a good idea to start the planning process as early as possible ideally at least the year before the actual GAP year. So you can do the necessary research and preparation.
The current economic climate may also have given you thoughts of taking time out from the graduate job market to pursue further study. If you are considering such a routes then it is a excellent idea to book in with a Careers Consultant to discuss whether this is the right route for you.