[sjclemmy]

Don't do either. Go and see places you've never seen before. The reasons are two fold; this is probably the last time in your life you will have the opportunity and it will benefit you later on as you'll be able see how other people live and perhaps be able to empathise more easily with other points of view.

[esteer]

Thanks! But, let's just say, the conditions I'm in, I can't afford to spend time on anything else other than shaping my career. What would your advise be?

[phillc73]

Work for a charity for 6 months. And not in a back office role somewhere spending each day at a computer. Go and work directly with the underprivileged, the homeless, the sick or the poor.

This will shape your future career by providing a solid foundation of empathy, leading to stronger relationship building skills and hopefully an ability to better communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a wide range of professional situations. You will be much better placed to succeed than the graduate who has never taken time to explore life and themselves, outside their immediate surroundings and social circles.

[coralreef]

Just curious, did you ever actually do this yourself?

[phillc73]

I was fortunate enough to spend 12 months as a youth exchange student in South Africa in the early 1990s. Part of my obligations in that programme was involvement in the charitable works of my sponsoring organisation.

This 12 month period at a young and impressionable age, in a society on the verge of significant change, certainly altered my life outlook, hopefully for the better. I think it made me a less selfish person, more open to the needs of other people, although I still need reminding from time to time.

[seven]

I would consider travelling as a big opportunity for any career, given that it is hard to avoid to make good contacts and new friends.

Best if you are able to combine working in your field of choice with visiting a new place.

Anecdata: I started to travel a bit about a decade ago and still have (business and personal) relationships with people from that very first trip.