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Taking time out
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"The attitude of employers to my 'year off' was a very positive one - some interviewers went as far as to say they wished more people would do the same."
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Each year, some 8% of graduates decide to take 'time out' after finals. These are some of their reasons:
- I want the chance to travel and to learn a new language
- I need more practical, relevant experience before trying for the job area
- It's good to get away from academic life for a bit and think about what to do next
- I'd like to do some voluntary work "give something back" to the community
- I want to do a postgrad course, but I'm going to work first to finance it
'Time out' can be very productive. It is really 'development time' rather than 'time off'. But for it to work well, and to avoid possible downsides (falling a year behind your friends, getting (even more) in debt, missing out on vacancy information, being more, not less, confused about what to do afterwards) you need to think ahead.
- Work out why you want to take time out
- Research the possibilities - there may be more than you think
- Think about timing (if you're going abroad, how long do you want to be away?)
- How long will it take to plan? How long to raise money?
- Consider what you might want to do afterwards. What might the implications be?
- Get as much information as you can before you go away - for example, how and when employers (or courses) recruit - what sources of help will be available to you when you get back
Make the most of your 'time out' - plan well ahead.