Thinking of Taking a Post-Uni Gap Year? Think Again!

With the 16-25 unemployment rate standing at almost 12% the post-university gap year is an increasingly popular trend. With many graduates facing the choice of working behind the counter on their local high street or ‘finding themselves’ on a rough and ready backpackers adventure, it seems a bit of a no-brainer.

The ‘post uni’ gap year

Life is all about adventure, but no travel experience is infinite. Once you’ve spent your savings and hung up the flip flops, the reality of the impending job hunt hits like the hangover you didn’t deserve. You’ve got a degree, yes. Maybe even some work experience during university. But the problem now lies in crafting an attractive CV whilst explaining what you’ve been up to since graduating. How do you mould months of partying, backpacking and sightseeing into transferable skills ready to take on the overcrowded graduate job market?

If only there was a way to see the world whilst gaining a few vital skills that could be recognisable to your future boss along the way …

Travelling with transferable skills

The rise in government funded voluntary schemes has come into effect since the Tories took over in 2010. Whatever your thoughts on Cameron’s ‘Big Society’, this has lead the way to some great opportunities for young people and graduates. Organisations like ICS (International Citizen Service) offer 3 – 6 month long overseas placements for young people to volunteer, gain important life and leadership skills whilst aiding the development of the world’s poorest countries.

The scheme is run by some of the UK’s best-known charities like Raleigh, VSO and the YMCA. Voluntary placements are available in 18 countries across three continents worldwide. You can apply either as a team leader or volunteer team member working in areas of health, education or business development.

Wherever your future career prospects lie, the skills gained through a voluntary placement could help you towards nailing that all-important first role. A recent study shows that 84% of employers look favourably upon candidates with voluntary experience. The experience of working and living abroad may also totally change your perspective on what’s important to you and what it means to craft a meaningful career.

Many volunteers find they develop skills they would never have even imagined. Writing skills through blogging their overseas experience, language skills through surviving in a foreign environment, project management skills… the list goes on. Check out the ICS blog page for more in-depth stories from former volunteers!

Bang for your buck!

No one knows the meaning of value for money better than students. As a recently practising student, you’ll be pleased to hear that the majority of voluntary placements are pretty much free. For example, ICS ask for a fundraising donation of between £800-£1200, which is easily attainable after a few good old fashioned cake sales or a charity pub quiz. After that, all expenses are paid. Including inoculations, visas, even the train ride to the airport!

If you’ve recently graduated and are feeling like you’re banging your head against the wall, maybe it’s time to try something totally new. It’s one thing travelling the world from Full Moon party to Full Moon party, but if you can pick up transferable skills at the same time, what could be better?

You never know, you might come back with a totally new perspective on your life as a grad ready to take on the job market.

Bon voyage!

Edward Rhodes graduated from Oxford Brookes with a degree in Modern History. You can find him on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for internship jobs and giving out graduate careers advice. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs London, visit our website.