Gap Years after Uni

MrsNutkin · 11-10-2009, 11:35 PM

Hi

Sorry for over posting threads along the same lines. I am considering taking gap year (or two or three) in order to save up in order to do post graduate when I have finished University.

I'm not sure I could work part - time and study part - time. I have tried working whilst studying with my current undergraduate degree and to be honest find it all too much.

I'm passionate about studying and really enjoy my subject (Counselling for those who are intrigued!)

I'm wanting to do Psychoanalytical play therapy, or similar at post grad but have read that the average cost of post grad per year, including living costs is around £10,000.

Is three years too long to take for a gap (few) years? Would I still be considered for post - grad. Would possibly do voluntary work alongside if I could.

So yeah has anyone taken gap years after doing their first degree?

Stellata · 12-10-2009, 07:37 AM

For those kind of courses, the older you start them, the better. Group work and personal development elements of them are intense and challenging and tough. So, yes, gap year/s would be good.
Voluntary work is also a very good thing to do.

I didn't have a gap year after my [primary teaching] degree. It was never introduced as an option - but I wish I had, my future would probably have been radically different had I done so.

Minty · 12-10-2009, 08:03 AM

You would definately be considered and praised for taking time to get experience behind your belt so don't worry about that, there are people on my post grad that are 45 and have had years doing bits and bobs. If you havent got a job in the field on your years out try and get some work experience on a voluntary basis so they can see you have used your time wisely towards this choice of course. For example volunteering at mind.

etreindre_moi · 13-10-2009, 09:03 PM

I think it's a brilliant idea to take a gap year and the general life experience you gain in those 3 years will really help too. Also, it shows you're really dedicated to your chosen career if you're willing to work that hard towards it. You could also consider taking maybe a couple of years out and earning money and then getting a loan to cover the rest of the finances but it's really up to you. And it'll feel much better if you're not getting yourself into too much debt :) Good luck with your course! It'll be really worthwhile. I want to do a Postgrad in Creative Writing once I graduate which isn't quite as as selfless as yours lol but I am also thinking of working for a couple of years before I start. If I'm putting my own money towards it I know I'll appreciate it much more than if it was just a loan paying for it.xxx

MrsNutkin · 13-10-2009, 10:30 PM

That's a good way to think etreindre... about the debt and saving so it feels better.

The Dancing Chicken · 18-10-2009, 06:28 PM

Personally, I think that taking some time is a good idea. I graduated undergrad in 2004 with a degree in psychology, but was not sure what to do with it. I took time, weighed my options, etc. I started graduate school last year and am studying social work. I am very happy with my decision. If I had gone straight to school after graduation, I am almost 100% sure it would not have been in social work. But I love it. So take the time, if you think it would be best for you. Gain life experience. Admissions folk eat up life experience.