The Professional View

Opportunity lies all about us; it’s the most perishable of resources.

"UCAS believes that students who take a well-planned structured year out are more likely to be satisfied with, and complete, their chosen course... they are more often mature, responsible and disciplined. The benefits of a well-structured year out are now widely recognised by universities and colleges and cannot fail to stand you in good stead in later life. Planning is the key."

Chief Executive, UCAS.

“Most people make more of their time at university after a well-spent Gap Year.  Working for your living, learning a language properly, and living abroad are all important parts of anyone’s education.  You should plan to have at least two, and perhaps three, of these experiences during your Gap.”

Sir Eric Anderson. Provost of Eton College. Formerly Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford University.

“It is my opinion that a Gap Year is important for school leavers entering medical training.  The opportunity to spend a year, probably out of the country, learning different skills before entering an arduous medical education is potentially beneficial to future young doctors, and I believe it is an extremely worthwhile thing to do.”

Professor Sean Hughes. Director of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Imperial College School of Medicine, London University.

“For most jobs advertised there are very many candidates.  To stand out from the crowd you could do no better than to take a well-planned and worthwhile gap year, particularly one in which you display initiative, teamwork and a willingness to accept new challenges.  Employers prize graduates whom can demonstrate some business awareness, communications skills, leadership, and speak a foreign language.”

Mr Kim Heyworth.  Managing Director of WHEB Ventures. Formerly Management Consultancy Partner, KPMG.

"A gap year will often add something that you can't learn at university - the ability to manage and solve problems and a strong sense of direction. If the gap year has been used creatively, it can tip the balance at interview between two close candidates." 

Mr. Peter Mann, Head of Graduate Recruitment at Reuters UK.