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Taking a year out and unemployment

Taking a Year Out 

Many graduates decide to take time out after university. If you plan your time effectively, decide on your objectives and spend your time out productively it can be a good way of improving your employability for when you do decide to enter the job market.

Your gap year could involve:

If these options appeal to you, it’s important to consider the costs, e.g. you may have to pay for training, flights, accommodation, etc.

If you are looking for some information and advice about your year out options make an appointment with one of our advisers or come to see us in Student Central to have a browse through the information we have on different opportunities.

Prospects also has a good section of information which includes weighing up the pros and cons, help with planning and finding gap year opportunities. 

Unemployment

With the current job market being so competitive, it is useful to have an understanding of what to do if you find yourself unemployed.

You should not feel ashamed about claiming benefits, as long as you are actively trying to find employment or training opportunities. JobCentre Plus offers lots of advice on how to claim benefits as well as help on finding a job.

It is important that you know how to budget properly as money may be tight until you secure employment.

It might be worth considering ways to make yourself more employable such as:

Practical help from Careers

If you are struggling to find work, we can help. Here are a few links that may be useful to you: 

and feel free to come and speak to a member of the careers team - remember, you can use our services for up to five years after you graduate.

See our availability and book an appointment on Handshake Career Centre.