What kind of gap year job can I get?

There are lots of options available to you if you are looking for paid work during your gap year. You need to decide whether you are looking for work in your home country or paid work overseas.

One of the advantages of taking a paid gap year job abroad is that you will meet a lot of people really easily and will get a better idea of real life in that area. You may also learn employment or language skills that will improve your CV. However, you need to remember that working full time in an exotic location is still full time work – you’re just more likely to have better weather and more exciting activities during your time off. Make sure you book in some holiday time for yourself when you have finished your job so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings before you come home.

A disadvantage of working abroad is that as a foreigner in short term employment, you may not get very good wages, or may be paid partly with accommodation and food.

There are a wide variety of international paid work opportunities. Here are some popular options for paid gap year jobs abroad:

Seasonal work with holiday companies is mostly found in Europe and North America. In summer, you can do club rep work, camping courier jobs in Europe, USA summer camp counsellors, or you could get work on a ski resort as chalet staff or a ski guide in the Alps between December and April.
Work in summer, adventure or kids camps - a popular activity for gappers wanting to visit the USA, but this type of job can be found in many countries.
Fruit picking, harvest and agricultural jobs are very seasonal and weather dependent. You could end up shearing sheep on an Australian ranch or picking fruit on the slopes of a French vineyard. Wages vary but are usually quite low and competition for work can be tough.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) - Although it is possible to teach English with no formal qualifications, if you invest some time & effort into a short TEFL training course, you will be able to secure a better job and money.
Hospitality jobs such as bar work, chefs, waitressing, hotel jobs and kitchen work are popular for travellers and are usually found in city & town centres, and other popular tourist areas.
Fixed term office work is generally quite well paid, making it a popular option. Contact recruitment agencies to find out what’s available, but popular areas include Telesales, Telemarketers, Admin, IT, web & graphic designers, secretarial & PA jobs, bankers, accountants etc.
Labouring & construction work can also be weather dependent, but suits the traveller seeking temporary work. Unexperienced workers may find themselves doing the more gruelling manual jobs.
Fundraising on the street will suit confident, chatty travellers happy to work al fresco.
Nanny & Au pair work can be great for those experienced with children.
Working on a sailboat, cruise ship or luxury yacht will give you the opportunity of seeing lots of countries without having to pay for your travel or accommodation. Make sure you have reasonable sea legs though, and give some consideration to being cooped up with your fellow workers in a limited space for long periods at a time.

Tips for backpackers looking for jobs

Make sure you take a mobile phone with you so you can be contacted easily
Take a copy of your CV with you - electronically and a few paper copies
If you will be looking for a skilled job that requires a qualification, make sure you take proof of your qualification with you
Register and search for jobs online - recruitment companies will be a great source of help & advice
Check the local papers and notice boards in hostels for job adverts

Undergraduate placements – internship and work experience

If you are interested in undertaking a gap year job to build up relevant work experience to improve your CV, search for an industrial placement, internship, summer or vacation placement with countries in the UK. You should be able to find a company in your chosen field offering this type of work, and this can be a brilliant means of making your CV stand out from the competition after you graduate. Some university courses even include a period of industrial placement as a requirement of the course (termed sandwich courses). This may suit those of you who want to get work experience without taking a break from your studies.

Organised work schemes abroad

There is a lot to organise when it comes to finding employment abroad. Finding the right job, ensuring you get your visa sorted out, flights and accommodation. You could choose to let a company do the organisation for you. Organisations such as BUNAC (the British Universities North America Club) can locate work for you and arrange everything else, as well as providing a support service – but they will charge you a fee for doing this.

If you do choose to use an organisation to arrange your paid gap year job abroad, make sure you do a bit of research into them before you hand over any money. You shouldn’t need to pay anything until you accept a job in writing.