Taking a Gap Year? Do This

The idea of taking a gap year after college graduation is a growing trend in the US. Gapping has been common in Europe and Asia for decades. There are several forms of the practice, but the most common one is for grads to spend several months volunteering or traveling before they begin a long-term career. There are numerous organizations that offer full-scale volunteering positions for gappers who want to focus on charitable causes like poverty, hunger, crime, mental health, and other major issues.

The most significant challenge is deciding what to do. But even before that, it's imperative to prepare for a gap year by researching the pros and cons of the practice, getting a credit card, making sure the time won't be wasted, developing a detailed plan of action, getting advice from a reliable expert, and more. Review the following suggestions about how to prepare for a year off between college and that all-important first job.

Know the Pros & Cons

Gap years are usually beneficial, but they do have a few potential downsides. While most people use a gap session to gain life skills, help a worthy cause, or see the world before beginning a full-blown career, it's possible to go off track. It's tempting to extend the time to longer than a year or get involved with organizations that demand more of your time than you bargained for. 

Always do plenty of research on organizations before signing on for an extended assignment, even if the activity is a charitable one. Likewise, avoid unplanned time. If you want to backpack across Europe for three months, make a detailed itinerary and budget, being sure to set specific start and end dates. Planning is the real secret to having a worthwhile experience.

Get a Credit Card

Obtaining a credit card is one of the most powerful ways to minimize financial instability during a gap year. The most advantageous time to apply is while still in school or shortly before or after graduation day. Fortunately, prospective gappers can review an informative guide about how to select the right card with features that match their needs. 

Choosing a first card is a crucial decision to make in a young person's life. For those who want to learn how to handle money and manage their monthly budgets with ease, a card is an indispensable component of adult life. There are numerous moving parts to a typical card, like interest rates, spending limits, annual charges, late payment penalties, rewards points, and others.

Make the Time Count

With so many opportunities, it's easy to lose track of the original purpose of taking a few months off before entering the workforce. Keep in mind that for most adults, gaps are the last chance to explore life without worrying about the responsibilities of a career. Older adults look back on their experiences with a deep sense of accomplishment and nostalgia. 

That's why it's vital to make the time count. Avoid letting a charitable or faith-based mission turn into a long vacation. Likewise, if the goal is to have fun and travel the world, plan so that money won't be a problem. Be sure to collect names and contact information. Some professionals begin their networking effort in earnest while taking time off after graduation.

Have a Detailed Plan

A detailed plan can greatly enhance the overall experience. This principle applies whether you do volunteer work for an overseas charity, hike the Japanese islands, or bicycle across South America. It's tempting to wander about with no specific itinerary. 

Unfortunately, that approach usually leads to disappointment. Instead, start now by making an in-depth list of all you want to do and see during the session. Hop online and do research on the destination. Become familiar with the cost of living, weather, local customs, laws, and potential challenges that long-term visitors face.

Speak with a School Counselor

Many colleges and universities have on-staff counselors who specialize in assisting gappers who want to take time in between academic years or immediately after graduating. As with any other major life decision, it's wise to get information from people who know a given subject inside and out. The beauty of working with a school employee is that there's usually no cost. 

Depending on which counselor you select, it's possible to leverage the power of their long experience helping gappers. If no one is available at your educational institution, check local directories for independent career counselors. Most understand gaps and all the related pros and cons.

Consider Volunteering

While backpacking, hiking, and bicycling can be great fun, large numbers of gappers discover that volunteering is the most rewarding way to spend an off year after graduation. There are dozens of domestic and international organizations that are always searching for reliable people to help with a particular cause. Check online volunteer platforms and discussion forums to make initial contact.