The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has suggested that choosing a gap year itinerary with a future career in mind can only be a positive thing.
Vanessa Robinson, a research adviser with the group, said that being able to demonstrate on a CV how a gap year was spent can show a person's commitment to their area of occupational interest.
"Thinking through what you've done in terms of how it might be perceived by a future employer can only be a positive," Ms Robinson suggested.
Taking part in a volunteer project or assisting in a remote business venture were both identified as some of the activities that can provide a boost to people's CVs.
According to recent research by the Year Out Group, volunteering is now the most popular option for those planning a gap year holiday.
It also showed that while 76 per cent of those organising trips with the company were between 18 and 24, 3,000 people aged 40 or over also took part in gap year placements.
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