A gap year is an exciting time when students put their academic development on hold and use it to gain valuable experiences outside of college or university. This is when young adults travel, volunteer, or gain real-world work experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore interests that might otherwise be lost in the momentum of learning and jumping straight into adulthood, with all the responsibilities this entails.
Many students choose to spend this time working and for good reasons. The job provides valuable experience, helps pay for travel and other expenses, and is a real asset in a resume or on a college application. Read on to find out how to make the most of this unique experience.
Where to work during a gap year
The first decision to make when embarking on this adventure is where you want it to take place. Here are the two options to consider, each with its pros and cons:
- Domestic job opportunities are great for students who choose to stay closer to home and save money. Your local area will provide many job vacancies in retail, food services, or other industries specific to your location. The main advantage gained here is that you are living at home and avoid the costs that come with a new place, like rent and utilities. The drawback in this instance is that you don’t benefit from the adventure of new and exciting cultures and the great relationships and memories that come with it.
- Working abroad comes with exciting and enriching experiences. You can learn a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain valuable work experience. Jobs abroad are perfect for people with a more adventurous spirit that don’t mind paying for their living expenses. This, in effect, is a great tool that you will benefit from your entire life – you will learn how to be economically responsible.
This is always a personal choice and it all boils down to putting in balance two things: comfort vs adventure. They both offer personal growth and valuable experiences. It’s up to you to be the director of this year-long episode of your life. Consider your financial situation, your personal preferences, and your career goals before making this decision.
Can you even work during a gap year?
Yes, you can! Not only that but working during a gap year comes with so many benefits beyond your paycheck. It provides valuable work experience, helps you build important skills, and offers a chance to explore different career paths. Also, a gap year job on your resume is a huge asset. It shows your future employers and admissions committees that you have initiative, are responsible, and independent. Take it from us, these are awesome green flags that will boost your resume.
The visa situation for jobs abroad. The fact is that regardless of where you choose to work, you will need a work visa. These regulations can vary and they depend on the country and the desired length of your stay. If you’re doing the work search on your own, pay attention to the visa requirements and make sure all your papers are in order to avoid complications. If you’re working with a recruitment agency like ours, rest assured we’ll help you get your situation sorted in a jiffy.
Best gap year jobs
We at Jujur believe that every job you have is a milestone in your career development. This being said, it’s important that your gap year job should be appropriate to your current experience level, and also a tiny bit challenging and exciting. Here are some of the jobs that our clients benefited from in their year off.
Admin – administrative jobs in office management and customer service are great for improving your organizational skills. Be on the lookout for receptionists, office assistants, or customer service vacancies.
Back office – these jobs give great experiences for people drawn to data entry, clerical work, and record-keeping. If numbers are a soft sport for you, apply for these jobs like data entry clerk, administrative assistant, or office manager.
Learn the importance of Back Office reps here.
Customer support – great opportunities to improve your communication, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution. Keep an eye out for customer service representative vacancies in your chosen destination.
Here’s a great guide to help you navigate the customer service skills on your CV.
Hospitality – if customer service, event planning, or food service are your cups of tea, then hospitality will fit you like a fuzzy glove. We suggest applying for job vacancies with these keywords in mind: hotel receptionist, restaurant server, or tour guide.
IT – many companies offer entry-level jobs in programming, software development, and technical support. If IT is a field you’re drawn to be sure to send in your resume for these job positions: QA, technical support, or web developer.
Marketing – branding, advertising, and social media management, these are fields that are happy to welcome entry-level candidates with new and fresh ideas. Apply to content creators and moderators jobs and get ready to dive into the adventurous world of marketing.
These are just a few of the options to consider when choosing a job fit for your gap year experience. Let’s get in touch and we’ll help you find the best job for you!
Fun gap year jobs
All jobs are great, but let’s be real: some are more fun than others. Here are a few unique job opportunities that will make your gap year as adventurous as it gets!
Water or winter sports instructor. Out on the slopes or catching the waves every day, what can be more awesome than that? At first glance, this might look like a seasonal job, but you’ll be surprised to know that your snowboarding skills can easily translate into kitesurfing. And this is just an example of how you can make this a year-round job. Another aspect to be on the lookout for is that some companies relocate their instructors to different countries throughout the year at the best locations around the world.
Tour guides share their love of travel and exploration with others. A super important skill that you will gain should you choose this path is public speaking. Another one is planning. Add these to the chance to meet new people every day, work outdoors and practice your leadership skills and you’ve got yourself a dream job for your gap year.
Volunteers for nonprofit organizations will provide the best infrastructure for you to give back to the causes you care about. While volunteering per se is not remunerated, you will always be provided with housing, food, and any other resources you might need. As a volunteer, you will gain valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.
Anxious at the thought of a job interview? Learn how to be prepared for all job interviews you’ll ever have!
The benefits of working abroad during a gap year
Cultural immersion
You will broaden your perspective by experiencing a new culture firsthand and learning about different cultures and traditions.
Improved language skills
Learning a new language or improving a second language are inevitable gains that you will benefit from when you choose to work abroad.
International experience
Many companies value diverse teams and see them as a strength within their organization. Your international work experience will not only look good on your resume, but it will also give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Some of the best countries in Europe to work abroad during your gap year
Germany has a strong economy and is a popular destination for gap year workers. It offers a wide range of job opportunities in fields such as IT, engineering, and hospitality.
France, known for its rich culture and history, will be a great place for you to spend your gap year working in tourism, hospitality, or education.
Spain is the go-to destination for candidates looking for sunny weather and vibrant culture. You will find many job vacancies that will enrich your Mediterranean experience in this great country.
Ireland, another country with a very strong economy, has a very high demand for workers in IT, finance, or healthcare.
Check out our list of the best small cities to live and work abroad!
Want or need to take a year off work? Here’s how to later explain that employment gap on your resume.
To sum things up
Taking a gap year will be awesome! You’ll gain new experiences, learn new skills, travel, explore, and earn some money while doing it.
Make sure you research visa regulations, so you can take full advantage of this great time in your life! If that seems a bit overwhelming, turn it over to us. We’ve been doing this for many years and we’re happy to help you make the most out of your gap year.
