MIND THE GAP: Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking A Year Off After School
“There are significant implications to taking a so-called gap
year instead of directly entering studies,” says Peter Kriel,
General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s
largest private higher education provider.
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.
“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,” says Kriel.
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”, says Kriel.
“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.”
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