5 Things to Look for in Gap Year Internships

It seems like almost every employer these days has a list of requirements that goes beyond education. That is because, while education is important, in a competitive professional environment people are looking for things that will make potential hires stand out — in particular, they are looking for real-world experience that will often be more applicable to the position for which they are hiring.

Internships are a great way to have these kinds of experiences and gain new skills in the process. In particular, gap year internships after high school and before college can provide you with that kind of experience without interrupting your education — and allowing you to enter the workforce right after you graduate college with a head start on other recent graduates.

But what do you look for in gap year internships? And how do you find a good one? Here are some of the main things to look for in gap year internships.

5 Things to Look for in Gap Year Internships

1. It is something you are passionate about.

This will take up a lot of your time in between high school and college, and if it is something that you have no passion for it will feel like a drag. The year between high school and college is a unique time, so you want the way you spend it to be both beneficial and enjoyable.

2. You will learn new skills.

There are plenty of internships out there that may look great on a resume, but which don’t actually provide you with any new skills. Sure, you could spend a year going on coffee runs and carrying out busy work, but with the right internship you can actually walk away with skills that you will have for life. For example, if you choose an international gap year program with Global Citizen Year you will have the opportunity to learn a new language.

3. There are networking opportunities.

Another important skill, both as you go into college and as you move into the workplace, is networking. Being able to interact and maintain connections with different kinds of people is one of the most important kinds of skills in any walk of life. Some internships may require you to be isolated, but try to find something that allows you to connect with others at least a few times a week.

4. It is beneficial to your future.

It is not like you have to have your entire future figured out before you graduate high school — or even college — but if you have a little bit of an idea of what you want to do, trying to find a gap year internship that feeds into that is a good idea. On the other hand, you don’t want to limit yourself too much, so something that is beneficial to a number of careers — like our gap year travel programs — is a great option.

5. It pushes your limits.

Another great thing about taking a gap year is that it can provide you with an opportunity to do things that you may never have envisioned yourself doing; no more so than through a gap year with Global Citizen Year. Not only can you push yourself to try new things, you can learn a new language, network with other fellows, and immerse yourself in a new culture — all as you travel to an international destination that you may have thought you would never see.

Common Questions About Gap Year Internships

How do I start a gap year internship program?

With Global Citizen Year, the process is easy:

Online application
Interview
Admissions decision
Final Review
Become a fellow!

You can read more details about each step of this process here.

How much are gap years?

Tuition for a gap year apprenticeship with Global Citizen Year is $32,500, with financial aid and scholarships available.

Can you take a gap year after college?

Gap years are by definition taken in that unique “gap” between high school and college. As such, our fellows are all required to take theirs after high school and before starting college. For more questions about college, you can visit this page.

If you are interested in taking a gap year with Global Citizen Year, you can request more information, or apply now.