Graduate employers are increasingly interested in what skills graduates can bring to the table; focusing not just on skills obtained by a degree, but the extra experiences that make applicants stand out. Co-founder of the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, Dan Hawes, has said that a degree will usually provide individuals with the "transferable skills" employers are looking for.
Nonetheless, with so many graduates searching for graduate jobs, all of whom are equally qualified it is the extra experience that can really make a candidate stand out and secure that graduate job. "Graduates by their nature don't bring a lot of work experience with them to the job market," said Hawes. "That's primarily what an employer wants - someone who has a commercial understanding and will also be able to apply that to a work environment," he continued.Gap year travel has been hailed as a way for graduates to achieve the extra experience needed to put themselves ahead of the game, by actively engaging with hands on issues rather than theoretical dilemmas.
According to life coach, Julie Newton, young people will remain more motivated to continue their studies upon their return; contradicting the stigma that is often associated with gap years stunting educational progression.Gap years can give individuals a renewed enthusiasm when approaching further or higher education, said Newton. This increases desire to work hard, commit to projects and take on alternative tasks. As a gap year student myself I see the value in this time out. It is a period where individuals can take a break from the prior fourteen years of education, and learn not only through new experiences, but mature and learn to take care of themselves in a way that few fresh faced freshers seem able to achieve. This level of maturity gained from the new experiences is transferable into the graduate job market, since young people have had to think hands on, make quick decisions and react when situations throw up new problems.
Working in a Ghanaian school for five months and being responsible for large groups of children, taught me to use my initiative and creativity to deal with difficult situations. This has benefited my commitment to my further studies and will continue to be influential when I come to get a graduate job. Therefore in a market that is so competitive, graduates and undergraduate alike need to be thinking; 'What is it that makes me stand out? What experience can I bring to the table?' Extra experience is invaluable, so if you haven't already, get out there and make yourself stand out of the crowd!
Jenni, GRB Journalist
