Because undertaking an internship during your gap year is a great opportunity to gain work experience while developing both professional and personal skills, and exploring career paths while having a positive, lasting impact.
Internships are a key part of starting your career, regardless of what field you are looking to work in. It is not uncommon for students to take part in one or more internships throughout their studies - whether they are during the summer break, during a semester dedicated to doing so, or in some cases a part-time internship during the academic year.
A gap year internship doesn’t stop you from doing this - whether you choose to do your gap year before, after or in between your studies. On the contrary, it complements any other internships you might want to undertake. Since you will already have acquired experience, your following internships are more likely to be in more fulfilling roles where you are given more trust, as well as increasing the possibility of them taking place at larger firms and them being paid.
This works to your benefit regardless of what point in your studies you take your gap year. If you choose to participate in a gap year internship after your studies, then all the advantages of already having some experience apply to this internship instead.
Professional experience is also a factor that can come into play for working adults, not just students. If you are looking for a career transition, to explore a new industry, build a portfolio, or gain specialized skills, then a gap year with an internship incorporated in it might be the perfect opportunity for this.
As someone who already has a significant amount of work experience, you have more reason to be trusted with real responsibilities which will help you learn and build expertise in the field of your choice.
An internship during your gap year is likely to give you a competitive advantage over students with no experience, and this is the case for several reasons.
Firstly, having experience in a professional environment is always more attractive to recruiters, as you are more likely to be up on your feet and more independent earlier on, requiring less time and attention from whomever is supervising you.
Secondly, a gap-year internship is a serious sign of motivation and initiative, as you took the time to plan a break from your studies in order to undertake something equally as important for your future.
On top of these, an internship is a great opportunity to connect with people that may have a lasting impact on your career. You may meet professionals who can become mentors, offer you future opportunities, or write recommendation letters in order to help you land your next job or internship.
A gap-year internship allows you to explore a field before making any long-term commitments. For example, say you were considering a career in marketing, and after undertaking a marketing internship, you understand that it isn’t suited for you. Having done that internship helps you confirm or deny whether this field is right for you.
An internship during a gap year allows you to see the realities behind job titles - both the positives and the negatives. By ruling out options early, you may save yourself time and money that you could have spent on a degree that ultimately would not have been the best for you.
Personal Experience
An internship during your gap year doesn’t only give you professional experience, but it also helps you grow as a person. When high school finishes, you are still young and have a lot to learn. Interning (especially abroad), will help you gain perspective and maturity as you step out into the 'real world’.
An internship is also an experience that will help you develop some important characteristics. Through the facing of challenges and meeting new people, you will build patience and resilience.
Your independence and responsibility will also strengthen, partially due to the internship itself and the tasks, deadlines, and problem solving you will have to partake in. A productive gap year also leaves the possibility of moving out on the table, especially when undertaking your internship abroad, therefore you will have to learn how to live away from home, improving your adaptability.
More often than not, volunteering is seen as the way to have a positive impact on the world around us, whereas interning is seen as a means to move forward in your career. It tends to be forgotten that these are not mutually exclusive.
Just like volunteering can have a positive influence on your future career, internships can also have a positive impact on the world around us.
Interning in NGOs, education, public service, or the health sector are all ways you can gain all the benefits of an internship while making a difference.
When interning for an organization that is impact driven, there are many ways that your presence and experience can be meaningful to them:
RealStep offers several internship programs in NGOs, in which you can participate during your gap year. Whether you are looking to stay close to home, or move to the other side of the planet to intern, the possibility is there. To get yourself started, take a look at these different programs offered by RealStep, along with testimonials of past interns.
With this internship in the ecotourism sector, there is the possibility to find yourself in one of these many positions: guesthouses, national parks, nature guides, hiking operators, and even cruises. Discover how it went for a previous intern Emma, in her testimonial.
Find out more about the program here.
This marine protection internship gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the marine ecosystem in the canary islands while gaining university credits. You will have the possibility to participate in the protection of whales and dolphins as you are accompanied by experts and specialists. Check out what Chloé has to say about her experience in her testimonial!
Find out more about the program here.
This nursing internship in Moshi, in the north of Tanzania, is a great opportunity for you to validate your year as you gain hands-on experience while contributing to the United Nations’ goal of healthcare access for all. Tasks are flexible depending on your area of choice and your experience, as well as the hospitals’ most pressing needs at the time of the internship. Find out what Lou, a former intern, has to share in her testimonial.
Find out more about the program here.
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