Why Students Should Consider A Gap Year
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Would you give a 17 year old $100,000 and have them invest it wherever they wanted? Most people would say something like, “No, they’re inexperienced. They need to live more life and learn more before making a decision like that.” Yet every year millions of young people decide to embark on the multi-thousand dollar journey that is college.
College is a great option for most people. Even if the student doesn’t know exactly what they want to do in life, college can be a great place to start learning and finding the path. However many students rush into it without properly considering their goals, the impact on their finances, and other options that can enable them to make better decisions.
I happily completed my degree from Penn State Behrend in May of 2023. I double majored in International Business and Finance. One of the things I learned when I took a gap year (18 months) was that most people don't actually use their degree in their career. Well, maybe for their first few internships or jobs, but eventually it’s very likely that they move into a different field completely.
So, what’s the point of a degree?
For most people (excluding doctors, lawyers, coders, etc) it’s really to set a base accomplishment that shows potential employers that you can learn and work. The knowledge you gain is an added bonus that can be extremely valuable as well. Not to mention the potential network you can build in college.
So going back to the initial question, would you give a 17 year old $100,000 and let them pick a school and major? After my gap year experience, I would argue that unless the student has a clear goal that requires college (doctor, lawyer, finance, engineering, etc), they should take some time to live in the real world, and try different things before fully committing to college.
My Story
At the end of 2018 and throughout 2019 I lived and worked in São Paulo, Brazil. I was 19 at the time and what I lacked in experience was supplemented with a fierce drive to learn and grow as quickly as possible. I worked at an alternative investment firm for 12 months and then a consulting startup for 6 months. Both experiences taught me so much about work ethic, soft skills, personal organization, management, and much more.
I would ask many of the people I met what they studied in college, and often their answer was something like, “not what I do today.” This made me question college, and then my old boss gave me some advice. He said it doesn’t matter how you learn, as long as you learn what you need to know. And of course, being a continual learner is key to success in the long term.
So after returning home, I still felt like college was right for me because I knew I wanted to be in business, and I wanted to have a base of knowledge in finance to help me in any of my endeavors.
Pros of a gap year
Firstly, I want to acknowledge that this blog post is written from my perspective and with a business student in mind. However, I think any person can benefit from a well-structured gap year. Here are some pros of taking time off before or after the first year of college.
You learn what you like and don’t like
How can you know if you really like something until you try it for yourself? Taking a gap year to taste the different flavors of work can help one narrow down their interests, resulting in a better degree of focus in their academics.
You de-mystify the “real world”
Coming right out of highschool, one of the biggest questions I had about the real world was “How will jobs train me? How will I know what to do when I get a job?” This question remains relevant until the first few job experiences. After that, the fundamentals of self-management and onboarding a new position are cultivated, and the person will be much more capable of entering a new position with ease.
You build a network of peers and friends that can help you find jobs later
Your network is probably your most valuable asset, especially when looking for a job. Most companies hire people that are recommended to them, and it’s significantly harder to land a job from a cold application.
As a young and inexperienced person you’re not expected to be a high performer
It’s always advantageous to be underestimated and then over deliver. As a young person in an internship, simply working hard will make you stand out from the crowd, as most first or second year students aren’t even pursuing gap year internships or jobs.
You learn real-world skills
The real world skills you pick up in your first jobs last a lifetime. Having those skills before graduating can do wonders for your GPA. Learning how to manage your time, working with other professionals, and learning on the fly will likely make college work feel easier than before.
You intentionally craft an interesting story for yourself
The story you tell is what can really separate you from other candidates when applying for jobs or starting a company. While the story can’t be false, it can be intentionally crafted. Generally this is done by shooting for opportunities that are unusual for your age or experience, and working diligently to make them count.
Cons of a gap year
While a gap year can offer numerous benefits, it's essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks and challenges associated with taking time off before or after the first year of college.
Lack of Structure and Productivity
One of the significant risks of a gap year is the potential for a lack of structure. Without the routine and academic demands of college, some individuals may struggle to stay productive. It's important to have a well-thought-out plan for the year to avoid falling into a pattern of procrastination and idleness.
Financial Considerations
Not everyone has the financial means to support themselves during a gap year. If individuals are not working or participating in structured programs, they may face financial challenges. This can lead to increased stress and limit the overall positive impact of the gap year experience.
Delayed Academic Momentum
Taking a year off from college can disrupt the academic momentum that students build in high school. Returning to college after a gap year may require additional effort to reacclimate to a structured learning environment.
Potential for Unrelated Experiences
There's a risk that the experiences gained during a gap year may not align with the individual's ultimate career or academic goals. Without careful planning and consideration, the gap year may not contribute significantly to personal or professional development.
Difficulty in Transitioning Back to Academia
Adjusting to the academic rigor of college after a year away can be challenging. Students might find it hard to readjust to the demands of studying, attending classes, and managing deadlines after experiencing greater flexibility during their gap year.
While a well-structured gap year can offer invaluable experiences and insights, students considering this option should carefully weigh the potential drawbacks and plan accordingly to maximize the benefits of their time away from formal college.
Tips for taking a gap year
Embarking on a gap year is a decision that can open many new doors for career and personal growth. However, to make the most of this unique time away from the traditional path, it's important to approach it with careful consideration and planning.
Here are some tips from my experience to help a student navigate a gap year successfully. These suggestions aim to enhance the overall impact of a gap year, ensuring it becomes a period of exploration, learning, and meaningful self-discovery.
Strategize Your Approach
Before diving into a gap year, develop a well-thought-out game plan. Define your goals, identify potential experiences, and outline the steps needed to achieve them. Having a structured approach will help maximize the benefits of your time away.
Prearrange Your Activities
Take the time to set up your gap year in advance. Research and secure opportunities that align with your interests and objectives. Proactively arranging your experiences ensures a smoother transition into your gap year and minimizes uncertainties.
Establish a Return Date
While the freedom of a gap year is liberating, having a planned return date adds a sense of structure to your journey. Knowing when you'll re-enter college can aid in planning and prevent a feeling of aimlessness.
Pursue Unique Experiences
Seek out the most distinctive and uncommon opportunities available during your gap year. Whether it's exploring a new culture, engaging in unconventional work, or embarking on an adventure, prioritizing uniqueness will enhance the richness of your experiences.
Document Your Journey
Keep a detailed journal of your experiences, job duties, reflections, and personal growth throughout the gap year. Also, take plenty of photographs for your LinkedIn and other social media. These records will not only serve as cherished memories but also provide valuable insights when you reflect on your transformative journey.