Among students at top degree colleges or universities, work experience with top companies appears to have trumped higher education.
Graduates opt to work for well-established companies before pursuing further education. According to placement officers and career counselors, they see this trend among students fighting for a spot in the top B-schools to improve their resumes. However, counselors at some of the city's finest colleges indicate that students with degrees in pure sciences, humanities, and commerce are now following this pattern.
Students are taking a year break from the rat race to figure out what they want to do, according to Sahana Das, chair of Mount Carmel College's Communication Studies Department. "However, they work or study for competitive entry tests during their gap year and take time to figure out what they want to do." Students who are unsure about their job options may use the year to figure out what they want to do next. "Taking a gap year can help you with this," she explains.
Are you thinking about taking a gap year after graduating from college or university? To assist you in making your decision, here's a list of the pros and cons of a gap year.
PROS
1. You'll learn new skills
One of the most compelling reasons to consider taking a gap year is the opportunity to learn new skills.
Gap years are excellent learning periods, and there will be plenty of opportunities to broaden your horizons. Let's say you've always wanted to learn how to code, study more about world history, or cook – this could be the year you cross those items off your to-do list.
If you plan to travel, you may want to consider learning a language or two along the road. You might also take online courses, volunteer, or enroll in traditional programs.
According to Ty Stewart, CEO, and president of Simple Life Insure, taking a sabbatical can help you gain career clarity while also developing vital working skills. 'I'd much rather recruit someone who learned to code or started a freelance writing business during their gap year and can use those abilities for my company's growth than someone who has always played it safe,' he says.
So, regardless of how you want to spend your year off, you should take advantage of the opportunity to broaden your horizons.
2. You build up work experience
If you already know what industry you want to work in, an internship, traineeship, or entry-level position could be the ideal opportunity to add real-world experience to your CV before applying for a more permanent job. Not only that, but you'll have the chance to build a professional network, make business contacts, and save money all at the same time.
Even if you spend your gap year working in a field or area where you don't intend to pursue a career, you'll most likely gain a set of transferable skills and information that you can use for future roles.
3. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Taking a year off to travel the world, work odd jobs, and experience new cultures is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. You may have heard something along the lines of 'Travel now while you still can!' throughout your undergraduate years. And there is some truth to this oft-repeated remark.
With a degree in hand, no looming deadlines, and no job on the line, there's no better time to take a gap year than straight after graduation. You'll have complete freedom to travel without any attachments or duties connected.
'Being in a different place is a fantastic opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and habits,' says Pete Sosnowski, co-founder and VP of Zety. Broader vistas imply greater openness, flexibility, and the ability to adjust to changing situations.'
Overall, your gap year will be an enriching experience that you will undoubtedly treasure in the future.
CONS
1. You may feel left behind
You might feel a little left behind during your gap year as your friends start their master's degrees and graduate employment. At first, it may appear that you're floating around while everyone else is advancing in their careers; this is especially true if your gap year is more laid-back and less meticulously planned.
However, this point is quite common and can be prevented by setting realistic goals for yourself and doing some simple planning, which gets us to the following point.
2. You'll need to create a thorough plan
You'll need a precise plan to make your gap year genuinely memorable. Of course, that doesn't imply you should plan everything down to the hour – the goal of a gap year is to get used to not having a rigorous academic timetable instead of following a term-by-term rhythm. Nonetheless, it would help if you had a broad notion of what you aim to accomplish within that year. Otherwise, it could all be for naught, and you can miss out on other opportunities you passed up to take this gap year.
You'll need something to show prospective employers or academic institutions, not simply your inquisitive family who are still doubting your gap year decision.
But the planning doesn't end there; you must also make time to consider what follows once this year comes to an end: your goals, aspirations, as well as an actionable plan that will help you launch into the next stage of your life.
3. It could affect your job prospects
Applicants with work gaps on their CVs had a 45 percent lower probability of securing a job interview, according to a survey by ResumeGo. Those who explain why they had a hiatus in employment, however, obtained 60% more interviews.
"The appearance of a gap year on a candidate's résumé does not automatically propel them ahead of other contenders or lower their chances of being hired," says Sullivan. It is simply an experience that will be handled differently by each individual. Many recruiters and hiring specialists, on the other hand, have experienced the benefits firsthand and appreciate how a gap year can assist a young person in preparing for joining the profession and making a difference in the firm they will work for.
The moral of the story is that you should be using your gap year for something. Otherwise, you'll have an unmasked gap on your CV, which most companies will find unappealing. A gap year, as previously said, might be detrimental if you do not use it to earn additional skills, certificates, and experience.
New more consideration about taking a gap year or going straight to the workplace? Do a consultation with us! Also, follow us at Instagram @baikgp and @ayureadypodcast for more information and extra insights!