Passing matric is a massive milestone on its own, and for many matriculants, the logical next step is study.
However, almost every year, thousands of students find themselves facing a gap year instead.
The reasons for taking a break after school are diverse. For some, it is a voluntary choice aimed at preventing academic burnout, or a decision made in order to rediscover interest and passions. For others, it is purely due to circumstances.
Regardless of the reasons, it doesn’t have to be a lost year. With the right mindset, it can become the foundation for your future success.
Ensuring that your gap year is productive
The secret to a successful gap year is structure. Without a plan or structure, days can easily turn into months of inactivity. With these few tips, you can stay engaged while building your future.
Upskill through short courses
You do not need a degree to start learning. Use reputable digital platforms or TVET colleges to take short courses.
These certifications look excellent on a CV and show prospective employers that you are a self-starter.
Gain work experience and earn an income
Finding a part-time job or an internship is one of the best ways to spend your time. Even if the work is not in your intended field, the expeience can teach you essential soft skills like communication, punctuality, and financial management. This can also contribute towards easing the financial burden for your future studies.
Rewrite and improve academic results
If you have missed the entry requirements for your dream course, use the gap year as a way to upgrade your marks.
Dedicated focus on one or two subjects often leads to significantly better results than when you were balancing seven subjects in Grade 12.
Explore career shadowing opportunities
If you are unsure about what to study, use this time to ask professionals if you can shadow them. Seeing the daily reality of a lawyer, engineer, or nurse can help you make a more informed decision and prevent you from dropping out of a course later on.
The important thing is to stay productive, as this will help you maintain mental momentum.
Also see: Matric class of 2025: Watch out for bogus universities
Feature Image: Gettys
