Make the most of gap year

MATRIC RESULTS: TIPS FOR PUPILS WHO MAY NOT BE GOING TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS Starting a hustle, volunteering at an NGO are activities to pursue.

Whether getting a job, doing an internship or learnership, volunteering, or expanding your skill set, there is much you can do to make the most of the year after your matric.

Your time is precious, why waste it? While sitting around and doing nothing might sound like a brilliant idea after 12 years of learning – it is not.

With the release of matric results on the horizon, matriculants are exploring various avenues, trying to decide what to do.

Although going to university or college may seem like the default route for most pupils, others might not have the luxury to do so. Whether by choice or circumstance, some matriculants might end up taking a gap year.

However, it’s not the end of the world. If you’re planning to take a gap year, here’s how you can make the most of it.

If the saying “time is money” is anything to go by, then a gap year should be your chance to convert those free hours into cash.

If entrepreneurship is something you’re passionate about, then it might be worth exploring. Who knows, your enterprise could be the next top employer.

Starting a hustle is great way to stay busy while generating income to sustain yourself.

The best starting point would be to identify a need in your community and then provide a service accordingly.

Getting a job can be an excellent way to gain work experience and add some references to your curriculum vitae (CV).

While searching for employment straight out of high school can be daunting, it could prove to be rewarding – especially when you land your first job.

Not only will you get to enjoy the independence of paying your own bills, but you’ll also hone your discipline, while boosting your employability in the long run.

There are plenty of internships and learnership opportunities available to the youth. Browsing through the internet, you might find programmes that are well-suited for you.

If you have an idea which career path you’d like to pursue following your gap year – it might be useful to explore learnership opportunities in that field.

That way, you’ll get some practical experience and training even before going to tertiary.

Truth is, you’ll never lose anything from embarking on a learnership.

The knowledge gained could come in handy in the future.

You can also put your precious time to good use by volunteering at a local organisation. Most NGOs are usually in need of an extra pair of hands.

Apart from gaining work experience, you might also find it rewarding to help someone in need. –