About the Author:

Tyler Durbin is the lead author and editor here at GenYJourney.com.  Tyler shares his daily experiences as a recent college grad and young professional and loves to talk with readers and followers about theirs. Say something below in the comments or stop by Twitter and connect with @TylerDurbin.

We’ve all been there (especially lately)…graduation is approaching or has come and gone and we still have decided what to do with Life After College. There are few options:

• Continue your Job Hunt
• Apply to Graduate School
• Find Internships

…or take a “Gap Year.”  The gap year has gained popularity over the past few years as the job hunt has proved unsuccessful for many and the expense of graduate school is just too much to handle.  The purpose is typically to further develop your resume and grow as a person – most times meaning to be involved in a short term job or some type of volunteer or training opportunity.

There are risks associated with this strategy so beware:

This is NOT Vacay

You should really be doing something meaningful and productive during this time. No employer is going to believe that you “learned who you really are and can better relate to my co-workers now” if you’ve been just been chilling on the beach and working on your tan for an entire year.

Do meaningful work. There are several ways to volunteer or take significant short-term jobs (see the list below).

Did you take a "Gap Year" (or currently considering to) after college?

• Yes
• No

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Manage The Repercussions

There is no doubt risk involved in taking a gap year – remember, employers will initially view it as a vacation even if it wasn’t.  And guess what, even with the most enriching experience of your life and the perfect response to every question, some employers just are not going to but it. That’s fine, but be prepared for the challenges.

The Best Gap Year

When considering a gap year and what your life after college will look like, you should consider and write out exactly what it is you what to gain from this experience.  Tell yourself that this is – under no circumstances – a permanent situation. The most important thing you can do with the gap year is really understand how it plays into your long-term plans and work hard to make sure it satisfies both your personal and professional needs.

Check out these resources if you are considering taking a gap year:

• Adventure Jobs
• Escape Artist
• GapGuru.com
• GapWork.com
• GapYear.com
• GapYearJobs.com
• Gap-Year.com
• Idealist.org
• International Volunteer Programs Association
• Nationalservice.org
• Real Gap Year Experience
• Servenet.org
• Teach Abroad- from GoAbroad.com
• Transitions Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad- from GoAbroad.com