gap year - organisation travel and work experience

A survey carried out on members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) in partnership with Community Service Volunteers (CSV) overwhelmingly endorsed gap years as a way of equipping graduates with vital soft skills.

As a graduate you will have developed your capacity to learn at university but what about the skills recruiters now regard as equally, if not more, important? These include an ability to work as part of a team, communication and organisational skills, an ability to make effective decisions, to negotiate, solve problems and build relationships.

According to 88% of recruiters, a well-structured gap year helps equip you with the skills you may not have acquired while studying. And all 89 companies who responded to the survey agreed that a year out helps prepare young people for the work place.

Carl Gilleard, Chief Executive of the AGR, says employers now expect graduates to be equipped with these skills from day one. He recommends that all young people consider taking a gap year, regardless of the career path they are thinking about.

Tips for organising a year out

If you've decided to take the plunge and see a bit of the world before settling down in a career, good for you! The first things to decide are where to go, what to do and who to do it with (if anybody). These often depend on your financial situation. Whether you opt to work full-time in another country, join a voluntary project or travel from place to place supporting yourself with a bit of fruit picking, you are guaranteed experiences you've never had before. There are loads of books available to give you some ideas, so take a look.

In terms of the practical details, be aware that you'll need a visa to travel and work in some countries. If you've been offered a job abroad, the company you are working for will provide you with the forms necessary to apply for your visa. Be prepared to visit the National Embassy of the country you're visiting - these are all based in London.

You will also need to find out about vaccinations. Ask your doctor about the jabs and medication necessary for the country you're going to.

Where money's concerned, traveller cheques are best. They are easily replaced but cash isn't! Travel insurance is also important; you're likely to be away for a long time and anything could happen, so make sure you're fully covered.

Packing is a challenge; be resourceful. Only take essential items, such as a language guide; you will be carrying your rucksack for long distances and may start to appreciate your hairdryer a little less in the Australian outback!

And don't forget to set up an email account before you go, so you can keep in touch with friends and family while you're away.

STA Travel and Trailfinders are good places to plan your route and sort out your travel details. And for information on all aspects of travelling, including accommodation around the world, try the Lonely Planet books or Rough Guides

Why not browse our Student Travel and browse for Student Flights and Student Travel Insurance and more... TheBigChoice just more thans a student and graduate jobs site.