Resource Guide for Gap Year Opportunities

Are you feeling uncertain about diving straight into a career or grad school after college? Graduating from college is a significant milestone, but it doesn’t mean you have to jump straight into a career or grad school. Taking a gap year might be the perfect opportunity to pause and reset, time for personal growth, gaining practical experience, developing soft and transferable skills, networking, and preparing for future academic or professional endeavors.

This guide provides you with resources to facilitate your Gap Year search adventure.

Make sure to explore the valuable resources on Pitt’s Career Central and visit the Career Office to meet with your career consultant or a member of the experiential learning team. Here are some additional Gap Year resources and tips:

General Gap Year Resources

Gap Year Association: Offers resources, accredited programs, scholarships, and planning tools.
American Gap Association: Provides advice and a list of accredited gap year programs.
USA Gap Year Fairs: Hosts events for students to meet representatives from various gap year programs.
Idealist: Lists global volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs in non-profits.
GoAbroad: Resources for international gap year programs, internships, volunteering, and teaching abroad.
Go Overseas: Lists gap year programs, reviews, and articles on planning.
INTERSTRIDE (Also access via MyPitt): International job opportunities, visa information, and cultural guides – local and abroad.
GoinGlobal Pitt Access: Career resources, job and internship opportunities, and country-specific career guides.

Specific Programs and Opportunities

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps: National service program offering opportunities to work on community projects.
Public Allies Pittsburgh – AmeriCorps – Everyone Leads: 10-month apprenticeship program in non-profits for leadership development and practical experience.
PULSE | Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience: Year-long service and leadership program with local non-profits.
AmeriCorps KEYS Allegheny County: National service movement that provides thousands of American adults of all ages and backgrounds with an education award and real-world experience in exchange for a defined term of service.
Maryland Conservation Corps: Environmental service programs in Maryland state parks.
Princeton in Africa: Fellowships in African countries, ideal for gap year experiences.
Student Conservation Association: Conservation internships and service positions in national parks and public lands.
Baltimore Corps: Fellowships for young adults to work in Baltimore’s social sector.
DC Central Kitchen: Internships and volunteer opportunities focused on community service and culinary arts.
Teach for America: Two-year teaching commitments in under-resourced schools, providing leadership training and teaching experience.
Princeton Project 55 Fellowship: Fellowships in public interest organizations across the U.S.
NYC Service | Civic Corps: 10-month service program focused on volunteer management and community service in New York City.
Baltimore City Teaching Residency: Program to become certified teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools.
HealthCorps: Wellness and health education program in schools and communities.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Gap Year

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve during your gap year. This could range from specific professional skills to personal development milestones (GoAbroad.com).
Budget and Funding: Plan your finances carefully. Consider working holidays, part-time jobs, or volunteering programs that cover living expenses (travelaimes) (JobMonkey).
Mix and Match Activities: Combine different types of activities to make the most out of your gap year. For instance, you could start with volunteering, then move to an internship, and conclude with some travel (JobMonkey).
Research and Plan Ahead: Thorough planning is crucial. Look into various gap year programs that can offer structured experiences and support (JobMonkey).
Additional possible areas to explore opportunities:
- Reach out to University Research Labs: Many labs provide gap year opportunities
- Public Libraries: Often have information on local volunteer opportunities, internships, and gap year planning resources.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Local non-profits often welcome gap year students for volunteer work or internships. Look for organizations focused on areas of interest like education, environment, or social services.
- Professional Associations: Joining a professional association related to your field can provide networking opportunities and resources for gap year planning.

Articles

Taking a gap year after college can be a transformative experience, offering you the chance to explore new opportunities, gain valuable skills, and make informed decisions about your future. It’s a unique opportunity to step back, reflect, and prepare yourself for the next chapter of your life with renewed energy and perspective.