Gap year

Brentmeister

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice on taking a gap year.

In 2006 I graduated with a degree in engineering. Within a week I had taken a job as a manufacturing engineer and have been working in this job for a year now.

I'm thinking of taking a year out to backpack around the world and do OZ etc. What I'm unsure of however is if its, career wise, a good idea.

How do employers view it? And is one year enough experience out of college?

As a side point also I'm wondering are engineering roles available on the working holiday visa in Australia?

Any advice would be much appreciated...

cold_filter

leeroybrown wrote:

If you're able to sell yourself properly in interview it shouldn't be an issue. To leave after 12 months might be a bit shorter than ideal but if you say that you wanted to get a year of travel out of the way before settling down into a long-term career I don't think anyone can fault you.

I'd just suggest working it out well in advance so that you leave your current employer on good terms. I know people who have done similar things and walked straight back into a good job with their old employer.

Also if you get experience in the area of engineering you wan while your away that will help.

Spud83

A lot of employers are impressed when they see that a person has travelled on a CV. They believe that the person can be more settled when they have returned, better than having someone in the office who doesn't want to be in the country never mind the job. I don’t think it could hurt your career at all, especially if you pick up experience when you are away, and I'm talking from experience.

nesf

I don't agree with the "travelling looks good on a CV" thing, relevant experience and good layout look good on a CV, travel just gives you something to bull**** about in your interview. I don't think travelling looks bad on most CVs (exceptions do exist but are rare) so there's no real reason not to do it but it won't clinch you a job over a similar person with more work experience really.

However, if you really want to go travelling, do it early when it's still a viable option (I'd even recommend doing it before college if you're a travelling type).

Spud83

nesf wrote:

I don't agree with the "travelling looks good on a CV" thing

I haven't met one HR person or job agency that has suggested anything but travelling making a difference to a CV. It shows that you must have good communication skills, are mature, and independent. Obviously previous relevant job experience looks good but how many other people have that experience. Your CV has to set you apart somehow and I know travelling can do that.

nesf

alanmurphy83 wrote:

It shows that you must have good communication skills, are mature, and independent.

Eh, no it doesn't. There are plenty of people who travel who lack all of the above. Plenty of people who do have those skills travel, but many don't. It's like saying having a degree means your hardworking and good academically, when really we all know that it doesn't mean that in many cases. You are no more defined by your travelling experience as you are by your degree.

pow wow

Would your company let you take an unpaid leave of absence? I worked for a multinational a couple of years ago who regularly let their graduate auditors take off on 12 months unpaid leave to go travelling.

If it's something you want to do research it and do it. I can't imagine it will negatively impact on your CV in any way, especially when you've been working before you did it.

Brentmeister

ellscurr wrote:

Would your company let you take an unpaid leave of absence? I worked for a multinational a couple of years ago who regularly let their graduate auditors take off on 12 months unpaid leave to go travelling.
.

I haven't approached management with the idea yet, but my understanding is that they would not welcome the idea. In which case how much is enough notice so that I don't burn any bridges.

cold_filter wrote:

Also if you get experience in the area of engineering you wan while your away that will help.

I've been searching online for this but with little results, the Australian visa allows for only three months with one employer, i'm unsure will any companies take on an engineer for such a short period?

Eoin

I don't see how travelling could be a particularly good or bad thing on a CV - aside from the fact it explains a year's absence from the jobs market.

I'd go for it. You'll regret not doing it, and if you're not bogged down with a mortgage, car loan and all that crap, then it's a great opportunity. Check your contract for the notice period - if none is specified, then a month should be more than enough. If you are not tied down to a departure date, then say you are happy to extend the notice period to help train in a replacement etc.

Spud83

Brentmeister wrote:

I've been searching online for this but with little results, the Australian visa allows for only three months with one employer, i'm unsure will any companies take on an engineer for such a short period?

The Australian visa was changed last year to allow people to work for six months with any one company.

Brentmeister

alanmurphy83 wrote:

The Australian visa was changed last year to allow people to work for six months with any one company.

Great! It would be great to have a job organised in advance, time for some research, if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

Spud83

Its the same deal as in Ireland the best bet is to hit the agencies. Find some agencies in the city you are planning on staying in the longest. Email them your cv with a cover letter explaining your situation, ask them what the job market is look, their opinons on your chances of finding work, and try to stay in touch with one person form each agency in the lead up to going over.

Remember though a gap year is year were you are supposed to enjoy yourself after going through school and college. Dont kill your self with work while you are away, you will regret it later. You have the rest of your life to build a career!!!!

Brentmeister

thanks guys, i reckon i'll just go and do it and hope for the best...as i've heard so many times..if i dont do it now i'll never do it...