Taking a Gap Year

One of the most popular methods of finding your own path is taking a gap year: carving out time between wherever you currently are in life and wherever you’re headed next in order to focus on yourself. Many people find that it’s a great way to broaden their horizons and get some much-needed perspective on what they really want — but for the best results, it’s good to have a plan going in.

What Is a Gap Year?

In its simplest form, it’s exactly what it sounds like: 12 months off, either between high school and higher learning, between semesters while in college, or even after graduation. You might spend this time working, volunteering or even traveling. The important thing is that you’re focusing on you.

Why Take a Gap Year?

At its best, a gap year is a pathway to self-discovery, independence and maturity — helping someone get a clearer sense of their goals and values and sometimes offering them exposure to another culture. It’s estimated that 2-3% of U.S. students take a gap year before college. While the reasons to take a gap year may vary, below you will find some of the most common:

See the World

If you’ve ever wanted to experience other countries, cultures and communities, a gap year is a great way to give yourself the time to do that. Some people do it all by themselves, while others go through travel-oriented organizations like educational tour groups and work exchange programs. Wherever you want to travel, and however you choose to get there, the world is your oyster.

Recharge and Reflect

Feel like you need to take a beat and focus on yourself for a while? That’s what gap years are all about! From sitting down to make plans for short- and long-term success to getting out of your day-to-day routines by traveling somewhere new or taking on a personal project, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your unstructured time.

Gain Real-Life Skills

Looking to get certified in a marketable skill? Even if you’re continuing to another form of higher education, adding a few more tools to your toolbox can be a rewarding way to spend a gap year. Many people accomplish this through a mix of courses and part-time work.

Boost Your Resume

Taking a gap year doesn’t have to mean adding a gap to your work experience. Many people choose to take a gap year to focus on their own professional development, either through part-time and volunteer jobs, or by developing a specific resume-worthy skill, like learning a new language. Whatever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong with prioritizing your own future career prospects.

Test-Drive Career Ideas

If your dreams hinge on a specific job title, company or field, or if you’re still working that out, you might consider taking a gap year to do some research and try on a few different hats. Explore internships and volunteer work, or maybe even try starting your own business, if you’ve got the passion for it.

What To Do in a Gap Year

Ideally, you should try to have at least one project, objective or goal to keep you going — like traveling or working abroad, volunteering, learning a new language, or taking on nontraditional educational opportunities like short courses or certifications — and that project should be firmly grounded in financial reality. If your ideal gap year involves sitting around the house for 12 months doing nothing, or going into debt for no good reason, you may want to reconsider.

Hear From Those Who Made the Most of It

Not Sure Where To Start?

If you’re looking to forge your own path, but you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Remember, the future is full of possibilities, and we’re here to help you figure out the best one for you. For starters, try taking our quiz to get a better sense of what you’re into.

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