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Pin: I think the internet's a very valid thing to mention. You could come in from a computer skills angle (probably bad), or a cultural one, if you've talked about what your other interests are, etc, especially for a culturally analytical one, say (I don't know) something like "I also contribute and help moderate (if you do, I think you might) an internet discussion forum for a variety of cultural ideas, from the arts and sciences to more philosophical ideas" or something like that. You're showing: you're interested outside your subject, you get involved and help run stuff, you're aware of the potential of new technology. You see?
Just be careful. Most people applying these days won't be putting up with an interview, but if you are, make sure you can answer any question you raise. Don't lie: but you can bend the truth, and explain it if necessary. IE: you have a variety of extracurricular interests on Barbelith - you say you're interested outside your subject, they think you mean (from what you've said) science, philosophy, political theory etc, and you meant comics and Morrison fanboyism and modern alternative music (that's an example of other stuff on Barbelith, I'm not suggesting what you're into). If you're not being interviewed, they'll never know. But be careful.
N48: like I said, tell the truth - but don't be afraid to sell yourself. And find a decent reason for a gap year. What I'd think would be very acceptable is to say something like "I originally took a gap year through indecision and a desire to take a break from work, but it actually turned out that I really got into this that or the other which I wouldn't have had the chance to do otherwise." Show that you've developed in it - that YOU as a PERSON have progressed. If that's because you helped poor kids in Africa, fine; if it's because you did tons of reading and learnt stuff you wouldn't have time for at Uni, that's fine too. Show you developed, you got SOMETHING out of it, no matter what, and no matter how unlike-the-cliche-of-3rd-world-tourism, etc.
I found mine a few weeks ago. It's terrifying - a bit haughtey, and I've changed quite a bit since then... but something in it's still me. So I can't have done too badly. |
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