STA Interview: From Backpack To Briefcase – 60 Second Interviews

A gap year is an amazing experience and I am sure many of us have done things we have never dreamed of before. The reality is that it gives us the opportunity to try, experience and live at times out of our comfort zone and just go for it. In addition it opens our eyes and gives us crucial time away from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of exams and career planning. 

However at some stage we return to the UK and need to take one of the biggest steps in our lives as we start our career.

We interviewed Jamie Macdonald, a first year student at Oxford Brookes University to find out how his gap year experiences worked for him and how he managed the inevitable return to reality. 

Hi Jamie, How did you start your gap year?

I took off straight from school to spend a year working in Asia, Australia and Europe with the plan of coming back to start on my university studies in Business and Management the following year. 

How were your finances over the course of the year?

Like many people I had an awesome time. I had managed to earn money leading up to my year off to pay for the flight and have enough to get me going. In addition I was very lucky as I worked for most of my gap year and although it did get down to a loaf of bread for three days and a bit of park bench sleeping I avoided building up debts.  

Did you have any lucky breaks?

When in Singapore I worked at an aerial adventure park. I started by helping in the park and our team was in charge of customer experience which was a real eye opener as we had to learn our people skills fast.  By chance I got to know one of the managers and was then moved to help with a reinvestment proposal which was very new to me and quite a challenge. I absolutely loved it, gaining experience and funds.

What was your hairiest moment?

I saw an ad for an Australian company in Adelaide that makes ropes and as I’d got the required experience in a previous job I was accepted. Then it all went wrong as I got my thumb caught in some machinery and was carted off to hospital to have an operation so that ended that experience!

Finally I went to Thailand, and moved on to work as a cook and host at a French restaurant before returning to the UK.

Do you think your gap year taught you anything for your future career?

I didn’t know it at the time but I was actually learning quite a lot but just in a different environment. Having worked with people, lead a small team, seen how an office worked and lived in different cultures, it meant I had something to offer employers but above all I leant to ride my luck and just give it a go. 

Did you prepare for your return?

No, not at all! I was enjoying every day and did not want it to end. When I got back I landed with quite a thud. My parents were very pleased to see me but it was made very clear that it was time to work!  I was away for a really long time. I had become quite disconnected from everything. I was used to floating around, so it was all a bit of a shock to the system. Reconnecting with friends was a bit weird, but everyone was keen to hear what I’d been up to.

What did you do?

I felt that I did not know enough about business and how it worked, so it was unlikely I would be a first choice at an interview. It also felt daunting to go into a proper job and I wanted to understand more so they I could fit in quicker. 

The first thing I did was to make a mental shift from my gap year. The things that were cool while traveling I put aside and told myself that my first job was to get a job. I then heard and enrolled on the STA / Flying Start XP course that gets you up to speed with business quickly. It’s aim was to give you the confidence to add value to a company and most importantly show you how to use the skills you have and how to make them attractive to potential employers. I found the course hugely useful. It’s given me a framework for loads of the tasks I have to do as part of my degree: public speaking, group work, project management. I’d really recommend this course to anyone considering it as an option. Following the course I’ve been confident at both interviews and starting in new jobs and University and have not looked back. 

What’s your best piece of advice for those heading off for a gap year?

If you can work in the holidays before your final year you will gain experience, earn a bit of cash and will be able to increase the chance of you working as you travel. Think about the jobs you do, even if it is washing dishes. It is all experience and getting promoted shows competence on your CV too when you return, and you get more cash! Oh yes, and break as many rules as you can because you cant when you get home!

What were the highlights for you?

It’s really hard to choose but working in Asia and meeting the different cultures was so different and exciting. Also traveling alone and having to find ways to get around on my budget was really rewarding. I am definitely more able to think on my feet now.

What are the main benefits of doing a gap year?

It didn’t really help me find a career but it sowed a desire to set up my own business. I will need to work for someone else first but I am pretty sure that is where I will end up. I also think that it has opened my eyes to the wider world and the potential to work and live in other countries.

I’d definitely recommend that everyone do a gap year; in fact I think it should be compulsory!’ 

We would like to follow students as they carry out their gap year and tell their story. If you would like to be part of it please contact us……

Coming home from your gap year can be really tough. We are specialists in helping young people refocus, and we can help you keep hold of the ambition and momentum you build up whilst reflecting and planning during your travels. Find out about our courses and make sure you transfer all the benefits of your gap year into career planning when you return.