How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year

For many high school students, the thought of transitioning to the next phase of life right after completing their matric year can feel intimidating and overwhelming. This is why numerous recent matriculants choose to take a gap year. The pressure on students during their final year is immense, as they not only have to perform academically but also figure out their future career paths and passions.

This pressure contributes to the growing trend of gap years, which are often encouraged as a way to gain perspective.

What Exactly is a Gap Year?
A gap year is simply a year-long break from traditional education after more than a decade of schooling. This time off allows young people to travel, learn new skills, volunteer, or even spend time figuring out who they are. It ultimately provides an opportunity to pause and consider the educational and career paths they want to pursue.

However, for many South African students, the reality of a gap year isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Many matriculants feel compelled to seek immediate work opportunities after school to support their families.

According to Rotakala Sadiki, a careers counselor at Wits University, one significant reason young people in South Africa take gap years is financial constraints. She explains, “Often, students take gap years because they lack the funds for tuition or registration. Many simply cannot afford to attend university or college to further their studies.”

What are the Benefits of Taking a Gap Year?
While some argue that a gap year can lead to wasted time and a loss of academic momentum, parents frequently wonder if these years off are genuinely beneficial. Do students become less motivated or disengaged from academics during this break?

Sadiki believes that a gap year can offer various advantages, from personal growth to valuable experiences. “First, you’ll learn independence. Many high school students rely on others for guidance. A gap year allows you to take full responsibility for your actions and decisions,” she says.

She also emphasizes that this time can help students explore skills or hobbies. For instance, starting a small business to generate income can be enlightening and may even guide them toward business-related studies.

Additionally, a gap year can provide opportunities for internships and learnerships. “This keeps students productive by allowing them to gain practical experience during their time off,” Sadiki states, affirming that a well-planned gap year can significantly benefit students, as long as they approach it with clear intentions to pursue their academic journey afterward.

Here are Four Tips from Rotakala Sadiki for a Productive Gap Year:
Seek Career Guidance:
If you’re uncertain about which career path to take, consider seeking professional career advice. Look for universities or organizations that offer guidance to high school or newly graduated students. This can help you better evaluate your interests and options.

Explore Opportunities:
Finding an internship or learnership that excites you can be incredibly beneficial during your gap year. Many NGOs and organizations create learnerships for newly matriculated students, offering skill development training and valuable experience. For example, if you aspire to be a teacher, consider roles like camp counselor, tutor, or nanny. This not only enhances your CV but also helps clarify your career choices.

Prepare for the Next Academic Year:
If you’re taking a gap year due to being rejected from your desired institution, use this time to prepare for the following academic year. Apply to various universities or TVET colleges as backup options, and visit institutions to learn about what they offer that aligns with your goals. Additionally, if finances are a concern, use this year to seek funding, bursaries, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

Focus on Personal Development:
A gap year can become hectic, so it’s essential to take regular breaks for self-reflection. Embrace travel, try new activities, or even learn a new language. This time can also be an opportunity to pursue a passion project and network with new people who may become valuable connections for your future career.

Rotakala Sadiki is a registered career counselor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s counseling and careers development center. With over six years of experience, she provides emotional support, psycho-education, and career development assistance to students.