How to Best Spend a Gap Year Before Grad School

When you are deciding on how to spend your gap year before starting graduate school, it's important to consider activities that will benefit your future career while also providing a well-deserved break from formal academic pursuits. Here are some recommended ways to make the most of your time off:

1. Engage in Non-Academic Employment

Consider taking on a non-academic job that can enhance your career prospects. Not only will this look great on your resume, but it will also provide a valuable break from the academic grind, reenergizing your mind and preparing you for the demands of grad school. Beyond the obvious resume boost, you might develop new skills, network with industry professionals, and gain a fresh perspective on your career goals. These experiences can reignite your enthusiasm for your field and provide motivation as you prepare for your return to academia.

2. Travel the World

Explore different cultures through travel. Engaging with locals from various nations can provide a wealth of knowledge about how people live, their traditions, and their art. By immersing yourself in different cultures, you increase your cultural competency, which is highly valued in many professions. Websites like YouTube can offer inspiration through travel channels such as Drew Barrymore’s, where you can learn about different parts of the world. Traveling can also help you unwind and find new interests, encouraging you to make new friends and perhaps find someone to share your passions with.

3. Volunteer for a Cause

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community. Given the unique opportunity to take a year off, you can choose to help people who are less fortunate. Volunteering not only helps others but also offers you new experiences and personal growth. You might find that it refocuses your priorities and strengthens your sense of purpose, which can be incredibly beneficial as you embark on your graduate studies.

4. Create a Project-Based Experience

Consider undertaking a project that involves travel, giving you the chance to build both professional skills and personal connections. This dual approach will prepare you for networking, which can be challenging. By planning ahead, you can make networking feel less daunting and more natural. My experience with this project not only raised my credibility but also provided a platform to build my professional network. Importantly, take time to prepare for the upcoming career path to make the process less stressful.

5. Gain Relevant Work Experience

If you aspire to pursue a specific master's degree, try to secure a job that is closely related to the field you are entering. This can help you gain practical experience and boost your application. For example, if you're planning to study environmental science, getting a job that involves environmental work can be very beneficial. This direct experience will make your graduate school application more compelling and give you a deeper understanding of the field before you begin your studies.

6. Apply Before Your Gap Year

While you may defer your application for a year, apply to your preferred universities before embarking on your gap year. Most institutions allow deferral, and taking this approach can be advantageous. You can apply for fellowships and grants during your gap year, which can provide financial assistance and enhance your preparedness for graduate school. If you're not quite ready to apply, consider focusing on a gap year activity that is entirely unrelated to your Ph.D. work. Avoid lab work or anything that feels redundant.

7. Balancing Scholarly and Practical Skills

It can be challenging to balance obtaining practical job-related experience and bolstering your academic skills. Consider taking courses that align with the skills you need to excel in your research. These courses can be targeted to the specific skills you wish to acquire while working on a project. If you have substantial research experience, prioritize improving your skills in areas such as math and computer science, fitting these into your research schedule. If your research experience is limited, ensure that acquiring research experience is prioritized. Always remember to document and detail in your personal statement why you took these courses and what you aim to achieve through them.