What jobs can I get after a gap year?

I'm thinking about taking a gap year but want to ensure that it won't affect my future job prospects. How do employers view gap years, and are there certain jobs that might be more attainable afterward?

A gap year can be viewed very positively by employers if you use it productively. The key is to engage in pursuits that enable you to grow personally, professionally and make you stand out amongst your peers. This might involve getting work experience, developing a new skill, humanitarian work, or exploring your passions.

Many employers actually appreciate the maturity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills that come from taking a well-planned gap year. What matters is the story you can tell about why you took the gap year and what you learned from it. The following are some job sectors which might look favorably in this direction:

1. Travel/tourism industry: If your gap year involved travel, you’ve likely developed a deep understanding of the sector. This exposure, language skills, and international experience can be valuable to travel agencies, airlines, or even companies offering destination experiences.

2. Humanitarian Work: If you volunteered during your gap year, jobs in social work, community development, or NGOs might find your practical experience genuinely beneficial.

3. Language Teaching: If you spent a significant amount of time in a foreign country and learned a new language, you might find job opportunities as a language tutor or even in translation services.

4. Start-ups/Entrepreneurial ventures: Startups often like employees who can think out of the box, are self-driven, can take risks and have a range of skills - all qualities a gap year can develop.

Remember that the most important factor is how you frame this experience in your resume and in job interviews. Demonstrating your learned skills, your drive, and your commitment will be key. It could be helpful to connect your gap year activities directly to the skills and experiences required in the job you're applying for and articulate them clearly. The experiences and lessons learned during your gap year could be a valuable selling point that sets you apart from other job applicants.