Should You Take a Gap Year Before University

University grads who took a break after high school earned 8% over their peers who went directly to university. The wage premiums for delayers who completed multiple degrees are higher still – 10 %  more for non-university grads,and 13%  more for those who graduated from university.

However, in order to earn more than -- or even as much as -- traditional university graduates, delayers had to be employed. University graduates who took a break and not work earned 20% less than those who went straight from high school to university.

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So if you’re in high school and considering a gap year, don’t go travelling in Europe but get a job or go directly to university.

Is a Degree your Ticket to Success?

According to the following article in the Calgary Herald, a university degree alone is not the ticket to career success. Other factors for getting hired include skills such as leadership, communication, enthusiasm, work ethic, respectfulness and experience. Therefore, look for degree programs that offer internships and co-op work terms to gain tangible and practical application of your degree.

Another advantage of these programs is that you will begin to build a powerful network of employers and contacts in your field that may eventually lead to a full-time job after graduation.

Note, however, that generally co-op and internship programs require a higher Grade 12 average or first year marks to be admitted. Yes, it always comes back to your marks!!

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