Gap Year During College

Has anyone here ever done a gap year during college (as in not before and not after)? If so, what did you do and do you feel you really benefited from it?

I've been thinking about taking a gap year between my junior and senior years to dedicate time to gaining more work experience, focusing on some research, and writing my book as well as planning a potential sequel. I'll be talking to an adviser about it once college starts up again (yeah, we go back really late!), but for now I'm just curious if anyone here has done something like this.

 

A bunch of my friends did a work abroad scheme; some going to an American summer camp and the others working in Aussie for 6 months. Those that went to America got amazing character references for future use, gained loads of people and practical skills, got new hobbies and made tonnes of friends over their summer months. The ones that went to Aussie all got offered jobs in their respective chosen area, 2 of which stayed and worked/lived there for a year and got to experience a different culture, learn new skills and basically live the dream for a year and get work experience before starting Uni or heading in to work.

Gap years are extremely beneficial no matter what you dabble in during that time - whether it's something along the lines of volunteering abroad or working somewhere new or just expanding your interests and own knowledge so I say do it if you're in a position to.



p.s. Sorry I didnt submit anything for the book - just not had the time nor patience to write anything worthwhile lately

 

Hey Roary,

Thanks for the insight! It sounds like your friends did these gap years either before entering college or after graduating college yes? These seem like the usual times to do it. I've heard almost entirely good responses about gap years during these times. I wish I had known a gap year was possible before going to college! In America, not that many people do it, although it is becoming more common.

I'm really wondering what it is like to do a gap year in the middle of college though. I'm not sure if it is considered a good thing by employers or not. I will be talking to an adviser when I get a chance, but it would be nice to hear stories from people who have done something like this.

About the book submission, no worries! I bet you'd still be able to participate even though you're busy. Writing a book takes a really long time, and there is sooooo much involved. As such, these interviews can be conducted over a long period of time if necessary. I promise the time commitment will be minimal at most for those who choose to be interviewed. And your writing doesn't have to be very "worthwhile", just your experiences . It will be my job to make sure that those experiences come out as best as possible in the book, so no need to worry too much about the quality of what you submit to me.

 

I took a gap semester off in between my sophomore and junior year, and it was highly beneficial. I worked two different internships and helped bolster my experience greatly. I made such an impression on them that they wanted me to drop out of school in order to work with them full time. Knowing that my dad would die of high blood pressure as a result, I told them I'd feel more comfortable coming back to them with my degree (Chemical Engineering). Now, I do not regret this choice, I still built a network up and they have been inquiring about me since then. So if you show up to these work opportunities + experience opportunities eager to learn and show them that you are valuable and indispensable...you will have made your time far more well spent than it would be in the classroom.

Everybody at your school already has the same opportunities as you in terms of the classroom chances, it's up to you to go forge your own opportunities in terms of work experience. I would highly recommend that if you have things lined up, to go ahead and take that semester or two off. It is not a very intensive process to do so, and maybe you could even take an online course while you're gone to be at least doing something towards your degree (that's what I did, I don't know if that's possible at your University).

I'm actually taking my second semester off, I am currently teaching at a different University than the one I attend (in mainly a TA and on call type instructor)...so I've basically taken a gap year off. This is a different type work experience, teaching experience, but it's also valuable.

Best decision(s) of my life...I feel confident that post-graduation I will immediately have a job waiting for me, based on the network that I built. You could easily do the same. If you're in a position to, go for it bud.

 

Between college (not highschool) and University, yeah. All of it is life experience. Grades are the entrance to the further education and employment but life experience is what sets you apart from everyone else.

 

Interesting, I think we refer to schooling differently than where you are from (assuming you are not from USA?) College and University are the same thing here, the two words are synonymous. We start with intro stuff and grade school (preschool, kindergarten, 1st through 6th grade) move on to junior high/middle school (7th and 8th grade) then go to college/university (9th through 12th grade). After that, people can continue studying in graduate school.

Thanks for the insight! I agree, work experience is so important. That’s one of the main reasons I am considering this. I made the switch from science stuff to more finance/econ stuff mid sophomore year. As a result, I haven’t had a lot of time to build up relevant work experience. I know this puts me at a bit of a disadvantage once it comes time for recruiting early senior year since I’m looking at some of the really competitive jobs. Not to mention, I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do! Having a year to just gain that experience and really figure out what exactly I want to do would be so beneficial. (I’m really stuck trying to decide between consulting, finance, and actuarial stuff right now.)

If you don’t mind me asking, was financing the gap year difficult? Some of the resources I have read online said it can be very expensive. I am assuming that applies more to gap years where people travel and don’t work. If one is doing a paid internship, I’m assuming the net costs aren't too bad.

I’m glad to hear your gap year has been so beneficial. Having confidence that a great job is lined up for you upon graduation is such a relief.

 

To avoid large block quoting I'll just respond to your question directed at me . Financing was not too difficult, however, I was lucky enough that both internships were indeed paid internships. I made over 10 thousand total working at both companies for the span of 1 semester. So I was able to quite easily pay rent (I also had plenty of money saved up).

I would not let the money aspect deter you. Think of it as an investment of sorts, you're investing into your future (same with college tuition), in the end it's going to be so beneficial for you. Are any of the internships you're going after paid? I know it's pretty rare, but you should be able to find something.

Even if not, don't let that deter you. Don't be afraid to get a small time gig doing retail or something to help pay for things. Minimum wage may seem like it's really bad, but it's really not all that bad, it can help a college student quite a lot, you'd be surprised.

Hard to comment further without knowing your economic standing + your current work plans (if it's paid/unpaid). Don't let that weigh you down, though.

Also, from what I've seen, you're a highly intelligent fellow. I've seen your posts around Sythe and I think you'll do a great job in Economics. It is a VERY marketable field and the field I would have chosen if I had not had such a passion for engineering.

 

I'm all for making investments for the longrun. Just always gotta make sure they payoff positive first.

I'm not sure whether the internships will be paid or not since if I take the gap year it will be starting after this year (I'm an incoming junior now). As such, internships aren't being offered yet.

I'm blessed to have some amazing financial aid for my university, so I wouldn't mind taking on a little debt to finance a gap year if it is beneficial enough. I'm assuming there may be grants, fellowships, etc. available that could help too.

Your posts have been very helpful, thank you so much. And thanks for the kind words.

 

Taking a gap year is a growing trend and, if done right, can be an excellent decision. If you choose to do so, it is imperative you spend the year in a structured program that may include work, travel, community service, etc. There are many credible organizations that coordinate gap year adventures that can be easily found through your high-school counselor. For many, the experience can be life-changing, and they return more than just re-charged to resume their academic careers: They also have more maturity and a better sense of direction.

However, if that doesn’t appeal to you, many good colleges accept students on rolling admissions, so getting into a good college is still possible. If you’d rather continue on the academic treadmill, you can find a good college to start, and leave your options open for transferring.

 

I have had a friend that did one, ended up being beneficial for him, but if it was me I think I would have gotten too lazy and not have gone back to school

 

I'm considering doing one between my junior and senior years of college, not between high school and college. I'm already in college (rising junior)!

 

dont take it, ur education and grades drop for when u get back

 

No they don't. There is no penalty to your grade for something like this.

 

Gap years are much more valuable than people seem to give them credit for. The only reason I can speak Japanese so well (and subsequently pass exams with distinction without even studying) is because I went to Japan for a year before attending university... Strangely I actually ended up meeting HeavenLord / Eugene there (if anyone remembers him).

 

I kind of regret taking one. Fell a year and a half behind everyone I know and really just wanted my B.Sc. over. But I just worked during. It can be good for you, you've just gotta make the most of it.