Gap years can be great – but risky

Matrics who are tempted to take a year off after their school careers – whether it is because they feel they just need a break, or because they don’t yet know if or what they want to study – should think twice about their decision, a South African educationist says.

“There are significant implications to taking a so-called gap year instead of directly entering studies,” private higher education provider Independent Institute of Education general manager Peter Kriel says.

Chief among these is the fact that matriculants who study straight after school, and who complete their qualification within the required time frame, are significantly better off than those who elect to enter the workplace right away or who opt for a gap year, particularly if that gap year is unproductive.

“A gap year doesn’t necessarily mean that you take off a year to travel the world and pretty much do nothing as the term was understood in the past.
“The concept has evolved to include other activities, such as getting a job after matric to earn some money or gain work experience, or volunteering or even undergoing a structured programme,” Kriel says.

However, while these options are still better than just relaxing for a year before entering studies, they may still put you behind your peers in terms of studying and earning potential, he says. Another risk with taking a gap year is that one loses one’s “study muscles”, Kriel says.

“It is completely understandable that the idea of getting away from the books after the demands of one’s final year at school is a very attractive idea for many.

“However, after that year, getting back into the habit of studying and focusing on academics are major challenges which are best avoided.” But Kriel adds that there are ways to make a gap year work, which will lessen its impact on a person’s long-term success in the workplace.

And obviously, where a young person is really not sure what they want to study, a gap year as long as it is productive is a better investment than a failed year of post-school study.

“If you do decide to take a gap year, it is crucial that you at least do something to improve your skills and competencies during that time.

“A great option in this instance is to do some distance or part-time courses.”

This is a particularly attractive option for those matriculants who are hesitant to sign up for a full degree straight away because they are still uncertain of what they want to do with their life.

“Doing some short or distance courses allows you to investigate your options and interests without the financial and time commitments required of full-time degree study,” Kriel says.

“This means that you can get a better idea of where your passion and talents lie, while at the same time earning some certification that will make your gap year less of a ‘hole’ in your CV.

“And finally, staying with the books, even without the commitment of having to study full-time and the ability to study at your own pace, means you keep your brain working and geared for when you do sign up for full qualification study later.”

It is important to also note that some higher education institutions will not keep your “offer” warm for you, so if you get in to the qualification of your dreams, it is rarely prudent to delay taking up the place, Kriel says.

“But for those who have legitimate reasons for not going straight into further studies, our advice is definitely to ensure you don’t lose sight of the long game, and that you keep learning even if you are already earning.” Kriel says the time should also be used to actively investigate future study options to limit time-wasting later.

“Look at all the higher education institutions, whether it be a public university or private, and their offerings.

“Find a qualification that will make you employable – one that is recognised by employers and has a curriculum that is relevant in the workplace of today.

“You must also choose an institution whose curricula and learning processes enable you to master work-ready skills so that you have a competitive ‘hit the ground running’ advantage.

“Having a portfolio of work at graduation, for example, allows you to instantly showcase what you have learnt and what makes you an attractive prospect to potential employers.

“Finally, you must choose an institution that will give you the best possible chance of succeeding and completing your qualification in the minimum time.

“Every additional year of study leaves a long-term financial impact, so consider things such as student support, class sizes, and the quality of lecturing and facilities.”