Working down under

Question

I have just finished my NVQ Level 2 at Tamworth College. I have a few ideas on what to do next year but I am finding it hard to choose between them. My main idea is to leave Britain and work in Australia for six months to a year. Would you advise I go for it, or is it too soon to even consider? I am getting very mixed reactions from people I talk to: some say it's brilliant and I should go for it, others say it's a stupid dream and I should be more realistic.

Cheryl Louise

What the expert says

Steve Nunes, managing director catering, Blue Arrow

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Congratulations on getting to this stage of your education. It's a good time to pause and take stock of what you have achieved and where you want to go next. You havenÁ¢Â€Â™t mentioned in what area you have completed your NVQ. Regardless of this, my advice would be to consider: - What have you enjoyed and disliked about the area of study so far? - What opportunities have you had to put the learning into practice? - What are your long-term plans? - What other areas of study or qualifications do you want to achieve? - What are the timeframes you are working to? - What budget have you got? By answering these questions you will be able to see if Australia fits in with your longer-term plans and if now really is the best time to take a break and try something new. The other important thing you might want to consider is that, regardless of the job or career you go on to choose, your practical experience (as well as your qualifications) is important to prospective employers. If you are combining travel with work, as youÁ¢Â€Â™ve suggested, you can gain some valuable work experience and put theory into practice at the same time. The good thing about the hospitality and catering industry is that it offers such a wide range of opportunities and the busier a town or city is, the more workers are needed. Of course, if you are travelling to more exotic locations that enjoy an active tourist trade, you may be able to combine work with pleasure. Any work you undertake will provide you with opportunities to show that you are willing to work hard, learn from the experience and do your best. Admirable qualities for any job you might want to do in the future Á¢Â€Â" so be sure to ask for a reference. If you do want to return to education, there is nothing to stop you making plans for when you return. Regardless of your decision, and it is very much a personal one, take the time to think through the pros and cons and plan it properly. That way you will be able to look forward to a great adventure without compromising your future.