More and more young adults are considering a gap year. And rightfully so. It is tough to graduate in the current economic state, and maybe you want to experience the world and life before you begin your career! If you are wondering what to do during a gap year after college, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to give you some great options that won’t only be unique experiences, but they will look great on a resume. Think of a gap year after college as a resume builder, not a career wrecker!
What to Do During a Gap Year After College
1. Volunteer Abroad with a Career-Related Organization
If you want to travel and experience other cultures while also building your resume, consider spending a gap year after college volunteering for an organization and a cause for which you are passionate. Are you interested in agriculture? Some programs allow you to volunteer in age-related roles in foreign countries. How about a healthcare-related major? There are programs for you too! Go Abroad has a great list that you can use to begin exploring your options!
2. Become an Au Pair or Teach English in a Foreign Country
If expenses are a concern, but you have a strong desire to travel after college graduation, consider becoming an au pair or teaching English abroad! Being immersed in another culture can be intimidating; however, having a family or school to guide you through it makes it a lot less intimidating! Of course, you must have a strong love for children and a desire to be flexible and helpful.
If you are looking to enter any child-related career or customer-oriented field, au pair or teaching experience will allow you to acquire a highly sought-after skill set!
3. Internships for Recent Graduates
Contrary to popular belief, internships are not just for college students. Recent graduates can also apply to many prestigious internships! If you like the idea of a gap year and a paycheck, consider an internship!
Many graduates are excited about having earned their degree but just aren’t sure how to use it. One of the best ways to use a gap year is to get the first-hand experience in a career area of interest so you can make an informed decision about the future with a short-term internship commitment.
4. Leadership Development Programs
Does the idea of starting your career right after graduation seem unappealing because you aren’t sure what you want to do? Or, does the idea of choosing a job and then sitting behind a desk sound awful, BUT the idea of getting a steady paycheck is great? If so, consider resuming the job search but looking at Leadership Development programs specifically.
If you’re wondering what to do during a gap year after college for experiences and broadening your horizons, a leadership development program may do that for you! Leadership Development Programs and Rotational Programs allow graduates to rotate between departments, teams, and even locations over a predetermined period. This approach enables graduates to obtain a better holistic view of the organization and determine a department or role in which they would thrive.
Even if you are very tied to a more traditional gap year, I hope you’ll consider a leadership development program after your gap year. These programs give students the first-hand, trial-and-error perspective that it takes to make confident and informed decisions about the future.
5. Start a business, nonprofit organization, or a blog
If the idea of owning your own business has been in the back of your mind, why not use a gap year to pursue that dream? As an entrepreneur myself, I wish I had acquired some business experience sooner in life. Even if it is an Etsy shop or a local service-based business with low overhead, give yourself a year to start a business, learn, grow, and see how it goes!
A business can take many forms. Perhaps you have a unique passion and would like to start a nonprofit organization to service your community! A year of raising capital and forming your plan is just what you may need to make it a reality!
Finally, consider starting a blog, especially if your gap year experience involves any of the above four ideas. Think of all of the future generations you can impact by sharing your gap year journey and learning experiences! Or, if you are passionate about another topic and love to express yourself in writing, consider starting a blog to monetize it through sponsorships, advertisements, and becoming an affiliate!
I know planning for the future can be really intimidating. I also know how enriching new and different experiences are. I had the wonderful privilege of living abroad for three years, and it changed my life in all of the best ways. I consider that period of my life to have brought me the most meaningful experiences and growth to date and I love helping young people figure out how to have the same!
Let’s chat about your plans for the future!
I get it. Not only do you need a solid plan for your gap year, but you probably have friends, family, and loved ones wondering what your plan is after that. Let me help you sort through your options and devise a gap year plan that gives you career momentum! Together, we can plan your bright and promising future!
