Careers

Comment from honey
Time: May 15, 2007, 2:38 pm

Is it better to have a gap year befor you start uni?
Helen.
Choosing to do a Gap Year really depends on what you want to do, when you intend to go to University and more inportantly is the year planned,organised and will it help with your application. There are really useful books in the orange section of the careers library with loads of information to start you off. In addition Gap Year and make sure you register - that way you get to use Exodus - a great website for those wishing to work, travel or study anywhere in the world!
Mick

Comment from Tony
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:14 am

i would really like to travel before uni would u recomend this??? xoxo

Tony.
If it is planned and supports your personal, academic and career plans then you should look into this and start researching it now.

Comment from Dougie Laidlaw
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:22 am

Is there a higher or lower chance of getting into university if I take a gap year and travel round the world with Ryan?

Dougie.
Good to hear from you again!
I would guess that getting into University is in your own hands but I am more than happy to help with this and can even help with some Gap Year stuff as well.

Mick

Comment from Rebecca
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:25 am

is doing a gap year before goin to uni the best thing to do?? or will it set me back for goin into uni??
xx

Rebecca.
As you are moving into 5th year try and look at both options, study and Gap Year but leave the decision until S6. You have a variety of options here, which includes deferred entry etc. So start by researching which subject and where to study and we can develop this when you return after the summer.

Mick

Comment from James Smith
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:18 am

I would really love to travel the world-pref south east asia-but im not really sure when to take my gap year,b4 or after uni.

james.

James.
There is no clear cut answer here - it really is down to individual choice and there is no reason why you shouldn’t research both options as you move through S5 and then make decision when you start S6. I can provide you with information and advice on your options if you come and see me in school.

Mick

Comment from Nick
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:23 am

I’d love to travel and see the world so Mick can you give me lots of money?

Nick.
No!:cry:
Mick

Comment from Kerry
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:25 am

id really lik to go to America but i dont know if it would be a problem to aplly for uni’s a year late? or maybe courses in America? is it really expensive and a bit of a long shot??
Thanks

Comment from Carla
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:32 am

It depends on what you want to do with your gap year or not.
Some people take a gap year to work and raise funds for studying. Some people take a gap year to try and help them decide what they want to study. Some people take a gap year as they feel they are too young to go to uni.
Unis now accept that young people do want to take some time out before they apply to uni, but if you are applying for deferred entry to uni then it may be wise to mention in your personal statement what you plan to do during your year out as it shows that you are forward thinking and have good organisational skills.
If you have a particular uni in mind then it may be wise to check with the course leaders that they are happy for you to take a year out.
As to the question on of whether to travel before or after uni…..only you can decide. Some people take a gap year and work and then get used to having money and end up not going to uni. You need to decide for yourself. Maybe you feel that you need a break before going to uni to recharge your batteries.
Hope this answers some of your questions.

Comment from Stuart
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:28 am

I’d love to take a gap year in New Zealand, but would my Scottish qualifications get me a job over there?

 Stuart.

Couple of things here:

We need to  discuss the type of work you want to do over there - drop me a reply here or call into the school library to discuss.

Mick

Comment from Matt
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:33 am

Hi mick, I am considering a gap year when I finish 6th year and I’m wandering about the best way of doing it e.g whether to apply for uni first and then go or to take a year out then start all the uni stuff. Or maybe I should go to uni first. Advice?????????????
Matt.
Have a look at the comments on this page and you will see that it all depends on your situation so we need to meet up and discuss this.  Remeber the study/Gap Year are related and you need to research both and then make a decision so first up, let’s look at what/where you intend to study. 
Try http://www.ukcoursefinder.co.uk/ to get you started.
Mick

Comment from Dee
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:41 am

hi, is it possible to take a gap year in the middle of your uni course?! and i heard that you can take two years if your uni allows it, is this true?
tar x

Dee.

Have you identified your degree course yet? I think you to ask why you are planning this during your course  (some courses have a year out as part of the degree) and you will need to discuss this in advance with the university you intend to apply to.

Comment from Sarah Grieve
Time: June 1, 2007, 3:03 pm

I would love to go and work in Anaheim for my gap year, it may sound weird, but it’s one of my dreams to go and work with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks seeing as I love that team so much and went to see them twice. Would it help me get an idea of how the game works, i know how it does, but i’m wantin 2 study film and media and would love to do some films or documents on ice hockey and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. cause it’s not very popular in the UK, it’s only field hockey that’s popular. Would it help me in my journey to studying film and media if i worked with them?
If you could help me understand I will be so greatful.
Sarah

Sarah.

You are correct - what we need to look at is how you will develop your career ideas and this would start with your post school options. You need to identify what area in media interests you (design, film, production etc.) and then link these to courses or employment. 

I had a look at the Duck’s site so we can talk about their progress later!  Meanwhile arrange to see me in school and look at Section G (Media) in the careers library.

Mick

Comment from all of us
Time: May 30, 2008, 8:43 am

thanks for the great class mick from class 5l.
5L
You’re welcome!!!
Mick

Comment from Luke
Time: October 1, 2008, 1:46 pm

How do I find things to do in my gap year?
Luke
If you attend North Berwick or Ross High school arrange to see me and the following are some sites to get you started. Basically, decide what you want to do (travel, work, gain work experience etc.) and then discuss it with your Carees Adviser!
Careers Scotland access a careers database called Exodus
Gap Year
Year Out
Summer Jobs
The above are only a few sites, I have lots more and reference books to help you!
Mick