by André Double
Up and down the country and across the world, as the dust settles on A Level results, the direction of travel for many will be heading towards university. The anticipation of what is to come, the preparation and final respite before many move on to pastures new. Personally speaking, I found my own teachers and family members quick to dampen any ideas of a gap year before university. For me, it remained the best option. However, heading to university directly after Sixth-Form needn’t be the only option. Times are changing and more than 25 years on since I went to university, with each passing year, I can see the value of a work placement before starting university – not just during one’s time there.
Challenging the Stereotype – Diversity Matters
Taking a year out before university is not a soft option. It does not mean that your life chances will be diminished or that you risk not landing that dream job. To the right employer – presumably one that you would want to work for, it shows consideration, an appetite for risk and a desire to witness life through a completely new lens. Here, we consider some of the gap-year structures that students could engage in:
- Full-time/Part-Time work. For a variety of means, to support yourself at university, broaden your networks and allow you to travel, where possible.
- Start a business. It has never been easier to start a business. Students can turn great ideas into a cash flow that could support their future degrees.
- Charity work. Organisations like Project Trust provide international volunteering opportunities for young people. Since 1967, over 8000 Project Trust Volunteers have done just so. Our very own charity partner Raising Futures Kenya, is always looking for dedicated and ambitious people to make a difference to the lives of others.
- Travel. Lots of organisations allow travel to be combined with a range of work opportunities.
- Caring for friends and family. There can be few more rewarding options than supporting your friends and family who may need additional support.
- Music, Drama and Art. Before starting university, the opportunity to take part in a Drama production, learn a musical instrument or develop your love of Art may develop your creativity and enhance your later experience at university.
- Sporting and Athletic Preparation. Some may even choose the option of developing their athletic abilities.
The Benefits of a Gap Year
- Time to Reflect: A gap year provides an opportunity to think about your future goals, interests, and passions. Students can gain clarity on what they really want to study or pursue as a career.
- Renewed Motivation: After a break from formal education, many students return to their studies with renewed energy and motivation.
- Clarifying Academic Goals: A gap year can help solidify the choice of major or career path, reducing the likelihood of change or feeling unsure about one’s academic direction.
- Practical Skills: Whether through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work, a gap year offers a chance to develop practical skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings.
- Resume Building: Work experience gained during a gap year can enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for internships, jobs, and graduate programs.
Cultural Awareness and a Global Perspective
Using a gap year to travel, can broaden cultural awareness, language skills, and global perspective – particularly valuable in today’s interconnected world. It can also be used for:
- Networking: Meeting new people from diverse backgrounds can expand your network and expose you to different ways of thinking and living.
- Earning Money: A gap year can provide an opportunity to work and save money, reducing the financial burden of university tuition and living expenses.
- Financial Literacy: Managing your finances during a gap year can improve budgeting and financial planning skills.
- Avoiding Burnout: After the intense academic pressure of high school, a gap year can offer a much-needed break to recharge, reducing the risk of burnout in university.
- Offer Unique Experiences: If you’re applying to universities during or after your gap year, the unique experiences you gain can make your application stand out. Admissions officers often value the maturity and diverse perspectives that gap-year students bring.
Summary
A gap year before university presents a range of options for students to learn, support others and develop extensive skills-set that can enhance the overall university experience. Whilst it may not be the right option for everyone, a formal discussion with a career counsellor may help to unpack the opportunities and value that students can add to their portfolio and help them get even more out of their degree that follows.
André Double is the Founder and CEO of Leading Your International School
To connect with André on LinkedIn, click here
LYIS is proud to partner with WildChina Education
