Not Sure About Graduate School?: 3 Benefits of Taking a Gap Year!
As students approach the end of their undergraduate education, many often look to further their studies in graduate school. While graduate school is an excellent place to advance your knowledge and career readiness, often, students pursue graduate school for the wrong reasons. Many students who have not decided on a career path choose to do graduate school because they aren’t sure what else to do. This ultimately leads to more confusion and significant debt for many.
Taking a gap year is a smart and effective way to explore career options for students who haven’t decided on a professional path. Today, we will discuss 3 of the major benefits that gap years provide for students!
- Finances
Frequently, undergraduate students who are unsure of their career paths choose to pursue graduate studies because they do not feel that there are other options. This often results in students who are unhappy with their degree and substantial financial debt from the program. By taking a gap year, students can work and save money, rather than spending it on a degree they aren’t passionate about. This will allow students to not only avoid unnecessary debt, but give adequate time to finance a desired degree.
- Exploring Career Interests
During a gap year, the possibilities of career exploration are endless. Students can study abroad, travel, intern, volunteer, and so much more. This not only makes them more well rounded individuals, but sets them apart from others on graduate school applications in the future. It is never a bad idea to take some time for yourself, get a break from the books, and find something you love to do!
- Developing New Skills
By having the freedom to do nearly anything during a gap year, students can uncover passions they never before had. Many students choose to travel or go abroad, where they learn new language skills. Additionally, through volunteer or work experience obtained during gap years, students can advance their professional skills in order to be successful in their future endeavors. The opportunities for acquiring new skills and talents is endless when one gives themselves optimal time, and a gap year is the perfect way to do this!
Taking a gap year is nothing to be frowned upon. Students often feel gap years are “quitting” at their education, but this is far from the truth. Gap years provide ample time for students who are unsure of their passions and want to further their skills the chance to do so without the stress of academics. Gap years are a great way for students to establish quality paths for their future and everyone should take them into consideration after completing their undergraduate studies.
