Whether you just 'need a break' or want to have some planned time out after your studies, there are plenty of options open to you. Don't forget, employers are looking for more than just a degree when recruiting graduates. So, when it's done right, taking time out after graduation can be an amazing way to boost your CV.
What does 'taking time out' mean?
Alongside securing a graduate job or applying for a masters, taking time out is a popular answer for the inevitable question: what are you going to do when you graduate?
It's an interesting answer and one that means different things to different people. For example, it could mean recuperating at home for a while with family and friends after your finals and graduation or it could mean buying a round-the-world airline ticket and heading off to new horizons.
What does it mean to you?
- Finding a job – this could be a temporary or part-time job to earn some money in the short term while also building your skills
- Volunteering – this can be a good way to gain experience and create structure during time out
- Travelling – exploring new places and meeting new people
- Learning new skills by embarking on a short course
- Completing an internship - gaining work experience in the UK or overseas
Questions to get your started
To help you start to visualise your time out, give some thought to the following questions.
- How much time out do you want to take? Is it a couple of months or a whole year?
- What do you need to organise to take some time out? Visa? Accommodation options?
- What do you want to achieve through taking time out? Build your skills? Try out different career areas?
If you have a longer term plan, for example, to study for a masters or apply for a graduate scheme, knowing the deadlines will be helpful when planning your time out.
It’s important to remember that having a grad scheme is not the be-all and end-all for leaving uni. Taking a break after university before you launch into a career can be very beneficial.