Gap Years
How a gap year can supercharge your resume and life skills
For many students, the final year of high school can feel like a race to the finish line, with university or career plans immediately on the horizon. However, it’s OK to take a step back and take a gap year too – in fact, it could be one of the most impactful choices you make. Far from being “time off,” a gap year is a chance to gain valuable experiences, skills, and insights that can set you up for future success. Here’s how taking a gap year can help supercharge your resume and life skills, making you stand out in both the professional world and beyond.
Gain real-world experience
During a gap year, you have the opportunity to intern, volunteer, or work in fields that interest you. This hands-on experience can:
- Help you decide on a future study or career path
- Provide valuable skills that employers love (and the experiences and accomplishments to back them up)
- Give you an edge in applications
For example, if you’re interested in teaching, you could volunteer with an educational organisation and teach English overseas. If you see yourself working in healthcare, shadowing a medical professional or volunteering in a healthcare setting can give you insight into that field. This real-life experience demonstrates to future employers or admissions officers that you’re proactive and committed to your career path.
Develop independence and self-reliance
Whether you’re travelling, working, or volunteering, a gap year forces you to:
- Manage your time and finances
- Make important decisions
- Solve problems on your own
- Adapt to new situations and cultures
These skills are crucial for success in further study and beyond, and can all work together to help you gain clarity about your next steps and future direction.
Boost your global awareness
Travelling, working, or volunteering abroad during your gap year could expand your world-view and builds cross-cultural understanding:
- Improve or gain language skills
- Build your understanding of global issues
- Make you more adaptable and open-minded
- Learn cultural sensitivity
In our interconnected world, employers and universities (particularly those with international operations) value candidates who have these qualities.
Enhance your soft skills
A gap year provides countless opportunities to really work on and gain essential core skills such as:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Time management
These skills are often just as important as academic knowledge in the job market. It’s also handy to have examples to use during interviews or applications that highlight these impressive skills.
Stand out from the crowd
A well-planned gap year can make your university application or resume unique. It shows:
- Initiative
- Maturity
- A willingness to step out of your comfort zone
- The perseverance to learn and adapt
These qualities could really set you apart from other applicants and improve your chances of successfully landing a place or position.
Expand your network beyond the classroom
During your gap year, you’ll meet heaps of new people without even trying. Depending on what you choose to do, they could be:
- Fellow travellers
- Mentors
- Industry professionals
- Community leaders
These connections can be valuable for networking in the future. For example, a professional contact from a gap year internship could help you land a job after graduation, or a friend you met volunteering abroad might provide a reference for a scholarship. Expanding your network through meaningful experiences can open doors that you may not have access to otherwise.
Recharge and refocus
Simply taking a break from formal education could help you:
- Avoid burnout
- Discover new passions
- Return to school with renewed enthusiasm and focus
Learning how to balance your life and all your commitments is a valuable skill in itself – and prioritising your mental health and wellbeing is always important.
Final thoughts
Taking a gap year can be a life-changing experience that propels you forward, both personally and professionally. While it might feel like you’re stepping off the traditional path, the skills, experiences, and clarity you gain can set you far ahead of your peers.
Just remember, the key to a successful gap year is having a plan. Research your options, set goals, and make the most of this unique opportunity to supercharge your resume and life skills.
Find more information about gap years on our website here. Still unsure? Take the gap year quiz to help you decide if a gap year is right for you.