Exploring Gap Year Work Programs: Your Experiences?

I'm considering taking a gap year after high school to gain some work experience before starting college. Does anyone have tips or recommendations for gap year work programs, either in the U.S. or abroad?

I'd argue one of the most effective ways to get work experience during a gap year is through internships. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in a particular field. Start by identifying the industries or fields you're interested in. Make a list of companies within those industries and check their career pages for intern opportunities. Many companies prefer hiring interns who have some sort of academic background in the field, but a well-crafted cover letter expressing your passion and willingness to learn could land you an opportunity.

Don't rule out volunteer work either. While you may not get paid, the experience and skills you gain can be valuable, and it shows commitment and initiative to future employers or colleges. Look for nonprofit organizations that align with your interests.

Consider structured gap year programs, which specifically cater to students like you. Some good ones are City Year, which offers opportunities for working with students in high-need schools, and Americorps NCCC, which involves team-based service projects in different regions of the U.S.

When considering going abroad, consider programs like Workaway, which lets you exchange work for food and lodging in a host country, or BUNAC, which offers work abroad programs in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Just remember, working abroad may require a special work visa, so start planning well in advance.

A couple of tips regardless of which route you choose: network as much as possible and make the most of every opportunity that presents itself. Networking can open doors that you might never have known existed. Secondly, make sure to consider the financial implications of your decision. Some internships or volunteer positions are unpaid. If you're considering a program abroad, consider the cost of flights, health insurance, and living expenses. Be sure to research thoroughly and make a plan that best suits your needs and career goals.