MATRICS who are tempted to take a year off after their school careers \u2013 whether it is because they feel they just need a break, or because they don\u2019t yet know if or what they want to study \u2013 should think twice about their decision, an education expert says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are significant implications to taking a so-called gap year instead of directly entering studies,\u201d says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA\u2019s largest private higher education provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief among these, is the fact that graduates who went to study straight after school, and who completed their qualification within the required timeframe, are significantly better off than matriculants who elected to enter the workplace right away or who opted for a gap year, particularly if that gap year is unproductive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA gap year doesn\u2019t 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,\u201d says Kriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another risk with taking a gap year, is that one loses one\u2019s \u201cstudy muscles\u201d, says Kriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is completely understandable that the idea of getting away from the books after the demands of one\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Kriel adds that there are ways to make a gap year work, which will lessen its impact on a person\u2019s long-term success in the workplace. And obviously, where young persons are 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf 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 is part-time courses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 lives. 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 \u2018hole\u2019 in your CV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd 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 that you keep your brain working and geared for when you do sign up for full qualification study later.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MATRICS who are tempted to take a year off after their school careers \u2013 whether it is because they feel they just need a break, or because they don\u2019t yet know if or what they want to study \u2013 should think twice about their decision, an education 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