The Gap Year Path
Ensuring growth through your gap year.....
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A Gap Year IS:
- A Time For Personal Growth and Development
- A Chance To Enhance Skills and Experiences
- A Way To Get Clarity and Focus for Future Goals
A Gap Year is NOT:
- An Extended Vacation
- A Waste of Time
- Only for the Wealthy
GAP YEAR DEFINED
" An intentional period of time devoted to personal growth and exploration through experiential learning opportunities." - Gap Year Association
GAP YEAR STARTING POINT
1. Figure out WHY you want a Gap Year and explore the paths that interest you.
It's okay to pursue more than one!
2. Think about what you like, what matters to you, what you're good at, and what you want to achieve.
3. Set clear goals that make sense for what you want: career growth, personal development, helping others, or making money.
4. Check out ways to get financial help like scholarships or aid to fund your goals.
Path A: Career Skill Building
1. Take classes, get training and/or earn short-term certifications that match what you're into.
Detroit At Work - Job Training (Detroit Residents)
Coursera - Online coures & training
2. Look into apprenticeships and internships in industries of interest to gain hands-on experience.
Going-Pro Skilled Trades Career & Apprenticeships
Pure Michigan Talent Connect - Apprenticeships
4. Make a great resume and LinkedIn profile with your new skills
Path B: Making Money & Gaining Independence
1. Get paid work, or freelance gigs to make and manage money.
2. Learn about personal finance and managing money well.
Path C: Volunteer & Serve Others
1. Explore and join volunteer programs to help causes you care about. It'll help you develop leadership and work skills.
Path D: Personal Growth, Travel or Entrepreneurship
2. Think about starting a small business or learning about business to solve problems and get creative.