Bridging the Gap

“So, what are your post graduate plans?”

Is probably the most conventional question we’ve all heard, to which our honest yet unconventional answers are usually not appreciated. Today our options span beyond the usual choices of masters or a job, and figuring out what excites us most takes more of trying & testing. I mean, all great things take time, right?

But this all doesn’t happen overnight, and cannot happen without getting a taste of what you might be getting in to.

While often misconstrued as a year wasted, a gap year is the ideal opportunity to invest in your personal development & not only travel & explore the world, but also navigate yourself through a galaxy of possibilities.

First, I want to emphasize on something - it’s beyond OKAY to be unsure about the next step and it’s even okay to want to experiment. In fact, many people who are sure about what they want to do early on in their lives, may wind up doing something completely different later on.

Despite the ample opportunities & advantages of taking a gap year, many are yet oblivious of what to do during this period.

1. Explore the world & immerse yourself in a different culture - whether it’s a solo trip, or an adventure with friends! Not only does this help you live your ultimate ZNMD travel fantasies, but also helps you learn how to be independent. Most of us who go abroad to pursue higher studies face a harder time settling in than they do coping with educational pressures. Living on your own in a different country is a great way to learn about yourself & work on your personal development.

2. Support a worthwhile cause by volunteering. While this is good for your own soul and helps create a difference, it also adds value to your resume. It indicates a purpose you care about and brings out your passion for causes beyond monetary gains, along with an ability & willingness to help others.

3. Work on getting relevant experience & skills by going out in the field for part-time or full-time work experience. If you are certain about your career path, but yet require a gap year, working in the field of your preference is the right way to go. This boosts your resume and provides you with practical skills which are key while applying to the top universities for MBA. Along with this, you can even take up courses related to the field of your choice. The skills you learn can be applied for your job, as well as can be beneficial for your CV.

4. Experiment in various job profiles by doing internships and discovering where your true passion lies. It’s not always possible to know what career path calls out to your heart without going out there and getting your hands a little dirty. Internships can be for shorter periods of time in smaller companies to get a more hands on understanding of the field.

5. Expand your skill set beyond traditional requirements. Whether that means taking up a new language, giving a competitive exam, or even taking a risk & starting a small business - use the time to work on yourself and enhance your profile. Don’t be afraid to do something risky or unconventional, in fact it may just be the thing that makes you stand out!

6. Write a research paper on a topic closely related to your field and work on getting it published. Gaining a first-hand understanding of how your career functions in real word scenarios gives you an edge over other aspirants, and improves your practical knowledge at the same time.

Countries like India, where the education system is more theoretical than practical give many students only a surface view of a limited array of career choices.

Recently, our mindsets about career choices have changed. New career paths and educational decisions have emerged and are widely gaining popularity, which proves that taking a temporary time-out of sorts oils the machine and helps get our minds running.

Lastly, let yourself be inspired. Listen to yourself and your gut, because what helps you grow & flourish will always be different from someone else. The time and environment needed by you to bring out your best side and to make a choice will always vary from someone else.

If taking a gap year helps you figure that out, then go ahead and take that shot!