Spring Break
Students take advantage of 'gap year' programs
WHITNEY SKEETERS For The Red & Black
Issue date: 3/20/09 Section: News
"The average American thinks adulthood doesn't begin until age 26. Your twenties are your best shot to live free, poor, and happy ... Be bold ... Go, go, go…"
This is an excerpt from a blog post by Paul Duncan, who was one of five panelists at a Career Center program Thursday discussing gap year programs to about 60 students.
The program, which was hosted by the University's Career Center, discussed opportunities for students to go abroad or stay in the U.S. for internships, join in community service or try something different before pursuing graduate work.
Holly Getchell, director of employer relations at the Career Center, thinks there is a good possibility more students will participate in gap year programs this year as job pickings are slim.
"I think people will be more open-minded to alternative opportunities and look at a Plan B," Getchell said. "Their plan B might be graduate school and they might do a gap year in between."
Duncan, who discussed the Peace Corps, was joined by representatives from Cross Cultural Solutions, the Washington Semester Program, the Student Conservation Program and the United States Air Force.
The panel fielded questions from students about costs, length of programs and application processes. Each also spoke about how the trips impacted their lives, which resonated with some students who are unsure about the next step after they walk under the Arch.
Mara-Hiley Chery, a senior political science major from Dacula, said she is thinking about graduate school but wants to see what else is out there.
"I have more adventure left for me," Chery said. "I want to spend time doing service work to get more insight of what I want to do in the future."
Students can find information about gap year programs on Dawglink or www.idealist.org, but are advised to set up an interview with their respective career consultant.
This is an excerpt from a blog post by Paul Duncan, who was one of five panelists at a Career Center program Thursday discussing gap year programs to about 60 students.
The program, which was hosted by the University's Career Center, discussed opportunities for students to go abroad or stay in the U.S. for internships, join in community service or try something different before pursuing graduate work.
Holly Getchell, director of employer relations at the Career Center, thinks there is a good possibility more students will participate in gap year programs this year as job pickings are slim.
"I think people will be more open-minded to alternative opportunities and look at a Plan B," Getchell said. "Their plan B might be graduate school and they might do a gap year in between."
Duncan, who discussed the Peace Corps, was joined by representatives from Cross Cultural Solutions, the Washington Semester Program, the Student Conservation Program and the United States Air Force.
The panel fielded questions from students about costs, length of programs and application processes. Each also spoke about how the trips impacted their lives, which resonated with some students who are unsure about the next step after they walk under the Arch.
Mara-Hiley Chery, a senior political science major from Dacula, said she is thinking about graduate school but wants to see what else is out there.
"I have more adventure left for me," Chery said. "I want to spend time doing service work to get more insight of what I want to do in the future."
Students can find information about gap year programs on Dawglink or www.idealist.org, but are advised to set up an interview with their respective career consultant.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Paul Duncan
posted 3/20/09 @ 10:40 AM EST
Amigos,
Please note UGA has an on-campus Peace Corps representative. Her name is Emily Levitan, a graduate student in Landscape Design, who served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Central America and recruits new UGA Peace Corps Volunteers as part of her assistantship. (Continued…)
jabb
posted 3/23/09 @ 1:46 PM EST
A gap year was a luxury afforded by the upper middle income families or higher. It seems now every graduate will be having a gap year!
Just kidding of course. (Continued…)
TJ Hanson
posted 3/23/09 @ 9:28 PM EST
At The Digital Student Blog we recently endorsed the gap year concept, particularly in light of the economic downturn and the pending proposals of President Obama to give greater financial support for college students down the road. (Continued…)
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