Uncertain about your dream job? Choose a career exploration gap program for your roadmap.
High school graduation is a time of celebration — but for some, it’s also a period of uncertainty. Choosing a college major and, ultimately, a career path feels like a monumental decision. Enter the career exploration gap year program, which bridges the gap between high school and college and offers you the chance to see what possibilities are out in the “real world.”
Benefits of participating in a career exploration gap program
Dive deep into different fields. Forget picking a major based on limited information (or experience). These programs let you explore different professions firsthand, from the world of medicine and healthcare to communication and marketing — and much more. Do an internship, join a volunteer project, and take workshops tailored to specific industries and roles.
Gain practical skills and industry knowledge.
Go beyond theory and textbooks. Hands-on learning experiences give you practical skills and knowledge employers seek. These experiences also give you a taste of what to expect once you’ve earned your undergraduate degree and take your first professional job.
Test the waters before taking the plunge.
Imagine yourself as a doctor in a rural clinic in Africa, a journalist documenting social change in Ecuador, or a marketing intern at a startup in China. These programs allow you to experience the day-to-day of different professions before you commit to a specific academic path.
Discover hidden passions.
Maybe you’re drawn to medicine but find the clinical setting too sterile. A gap program might introduce you to public health and community development, showing you an alternative to life as a hospital surgeon. These programs help you uncover other interests and talents that could influence your career choice.
Develop a global mindset.
Travel isn’t just a perk — it’s an integral part of the gap year experience. Living and working abroad broadens your perspective and equips you with valuable intercultural communication skills — assets in today’s globalized job market.
Build a strong network.
Connect with professionals in your chosen field, fellow program participants, and local community members and leaders. The network you build during your gap program becomes a valuable resource for future job and mentoring opportunities.
A career exploration gap program is more than a chance to travel and explore. It’s an investment in your future. You’ll start your first year of college with a clearer vision of your career path, a head start on developing relevant skills, and a network of connections that can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Still fuzzy about your dream job? Take the leap and embark on a career exploration gap program.
Explore other options in our latest Gap Year Guide. Check out our other publications, too: Your Future in STEM, Your Future in the Arts, Your Future in Healthcare, and Guide to Career Exploration.
