I'm thinking about taking a gap year and working as an assistant of some kind. Does anyone know what kinds of assistant positions are open to gap year students? How can I find roles that offer valuable experiences?
Assistant positions can be great means of gaining valuable work experience throughout a gap year. These roles can vary widely across many fields, so you might consider leveraging your academic interests or projected career path to find the perfect fit.
If you enjoyed science classes and are considering a health-related career, you might explore roles as a Lab Research Assistant where you can gain hands-on experience with experiments and research. Alternatively, if business or economics is your strength, positions as an Administrative Assistant can expose you to corporate policies, procedures, and day-to-day operation.
If you're interested in non-profits, social work, or community service, many organizations look for Assistant Program Coordinators to help execute their initiatives and events.
Considering your current skills and what skills you'd like to build will help you narrow down the list. For example, if you're interested in improving your writing skills, an Editorial Assistant position at a publishing company could be a great fit.
As for finding these roles, you can start with job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor to filter for assistant roles entry-level suitable for recent high school grads. Utilizing your personal network can be convenient too—don't be shy about reaching out to past teachers, family friends, or anyone else who might know of potential job openings.
Once you identify potential roles, take the time to research each company and understand their mission and values. During your gap year, it's important to look for roles that not only provide practical experience but also align with your personal interests and potential career path.
Remember, a gap year is a great time to explore your interests, build your skills, and gain real-world experience. Best of luck in your search!
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