Taking a gap year before applying for university or entering the job market can allow people to stand out from the crowd, a volunteering charity has suggested.
Ben Clifton, spokesperson for Lattitude, explained that while simply booking an around the world ticket is unlikely to add much to CVs, a lot can be gained from seeking out work with a reputable charitable organisation before leaving the country.
He explained that schemes offering the development of tangible skills - be it in teaching, leadership and similar areas - can help people to add weight to their CVs.
"It really can make you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or university places," he added.
Lattitude has offered support for those planning a gap-year trip in the coming months, noting that research is vital to ensure the credibility of organisations and how money will be spent.
Travellers were also urged to budget carefully before leaving, looking to factor in all additional costs.
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