Why take a Gap Year after uni?
More and more students are choosing to take a Gap Year after uni to give them a much needed break from studying and gain some real life experience before applying for jobs.
Taking a Gap Year after uni is a great idea if you want to make sure that you are able to study with your friends at uni and don’t want to delay starting your degree. At the same time, the option to take a Gap Year after uni gives you more options. You can choose what time is right for you and know that you can wait until after you graduate if you want to. On the other hand, if you want to take a year out of uni and have a Gap Year experience instead, this is also possible. Most universities will support your decision if you can demonstrate that it will be a worthwhile experience.
What are the benefits of taking a Gap Year after uni?
Many employers value applicants who have chosen to take a Gap Year after uni and can demonstrate how the experience has helped them as individuals. A meaningful Gap Year, spent building on your existing skills and learning new ones, can set you apart from your peers when applying for jobs.
A Gap Year gives you a wealth of examples to prove your abilities to employers. Skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and determination are all things you will need on your Gap Year and they are key skills you can carry into your working life. This is also an opportunity to put real evidence of your experience on your CV and help your application stand out.
Similarly, students who have chosen to take a Gap Year after uni or take a year out of uni often enter the workplace as more mature adults who are ready to focus and work hard. Seeing other parts of the world can give you more awareness of your own life and the privileges you have. This means you are more ready to take advantage of all the opportunities open to you when you return home.
Choosing a Gap Year after uni
Deciding what Gap Year program is right for you should be based on what you hope to do in your future career. The most valuable Gap Year experiences are the ones chosen for their opportunities to learn and broaden your skill set. Your time is precious so don’t fall into the trap of wasting your year. Do something worthwhile that will give you the best start to your career and your future.
Taking a Gap Year after uni is not only about taking a break, it is about making a start on the life you want to lead.
What opportunities are available to me?
Bearing in mind your goals for the future, you can start to look at the Gap Year programs that are relevant to you. Volunteering can be a great experience that gives you plenty of opportunities to experience new things whilst also challenging your abilities and improving your confidence.
All AV programs are flexible so you can choose what activities you want to be involved with. AV volunteers taking a Gap Year after uni have the opportunity to teach in local schools, be part of rewarding community projects and live within the community in their host country. On top of this, volunteers are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities ranging from sports to dance to choirs and more. If your chosen activity isn’t available, you can set it up yourself, sharing your skills and leave a lasting legacy for your time there.
The beauty of taking a Gap Year after uni is that you have time to consider exactly what you want to do and where you want to go. There is no rush. Think carefully about what you hope to get out of the experience and go for it.
