Gap years 'a great experience for graduates'

University graduates have been urged to consider the benefits of taking a gap year before entering the world of work.

Writing for Independent Online Travel, Samantha Hartshorne highlighted the benefits of "getting away" for a while after the completion of higher education studies.

She noted that many degree holders will feel under pressure to get a job straight away, but this can see them miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad.

"It is an exciting prospect for young people to escape for a time and experience different cultures," Ms Hartshorne stated.

"The gap year can be an adventure in independence."

If graduates are keen to get more work experience to add to their CV, they may have the opportunity to do so during their travels, she suggested.

Ms Hartshorne said there are opportunities for work overseas, but this often depends of the skills possessed by individual candidates.

"Young adults with a specific, sought-after skill are obviously in the best position to negotiate work and visas and often it is a case of getting a certificate for a short course to open doors," she explained.

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