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Students are advised to choose a gap-year activity linked to their future career plans, one employment body has said.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Developemnt (CIPD) revealed that gaining some relevant work experience during a gap year could give students the edge against others when it comes to looking for a job.

Vanessa Robinson, a CIPD research adviser, said in terms of returning to the workplace, those who can demonstrate relevant experience would benefit.

She added that this could mean volunteering somewhere to gain experience or even setting up a business somewhere "remotely".

"Thinking through what you've done in terms of how it might be perceived by a future employer can only be a positive," she concluded.

According to a new survey by Year Out Group, volunteering is the top choice among those on gap years and work placements and despite more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of volunteers being between the age of 18 and 24, some 3,000 individuals over the age of 40 also took gap placements last year.

The CIPD has 127,000 members and claims to be the professional body for those involved in the management and development of people.

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