Can you build your resume during a gap year?

I'm thinking about taking a gap year after high school and want to use that time wisely. Are there effective ways to build my resume during a gap year? Any specific activities or jobs that could help?

Absolutely, there are numerous ways to build your resume during a gap year. The choice of the activities largely depends on your interests and career goals, but here some general recommendations:

1. Internships: These can be in any field of interest to you. For example, if you wish to pursue a career in journalism, you might look for an internship at a local news company. Internships offer hands-on experience and provide industry contacts that may be valuable for your career progression.

2. Volunteering: This is another excellent way to gain valuable experiences, and it can speak volumes about your character to future employers or colleges. There are countless opportunities domestically and abroad for volunteering, from working in animal shelters to teaching English overseas.

3. Work: A part-time or full-time job can provide you with valuable skills. It doesn't have to be related to your future career– for example, customer service jobs can build great people skills which are highly valued in any profession.

4. Online Courses and Certifications: There is a wide range of online courses available that could provide you with valuable skills or qualifications in your chosen field. For instance, if you're interested in graphic design, taking classes in Adobe Illustrator could enhance your resume.

5. Language Learning: If you're interested in working internationally or in an area with a large population of non-English speakers, language proficiency is a great skill to add to your resume.

Remember to document these experiences well in order to demonstrate to future employers or colleges the abilities you gained.