Mary
If I am unsure of which job field I'm going into, how do I know whether I should go to college? Should I take a gap year?
I am very much considering taking a gap year, however some people around me seem to discourage it. I know I do not want to go into college if I go into a field where it is unnecessary, such as filming, which I am considering. Any suggestions? #college #career #career-choice #careers #gap-year #undecided
3 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
Only you know how you would handle a gap year. If you think that you will be able to go back to school after time off, then I would say yes. If you are not sure, I would recommend going to college undecided in your major. Why? College is harder than high school, so getting into that routine sooner rather than later would be good. Plus, there is no need to go into college full time. Take one class just to get started. Half of the credits that you need for your degree in school are general subjects, not your major. So getting started on your credits a few at a time is a great way to get started on your degree. Also going to college part time means that you can start working. And working is where I really figured out where I wanted to do for a living. I had no idea the job that I do now even existed until I started working. Your early jobs are probably going to be just the job that you can get. My first job was data entry for a city job. Then I moved to data entry at a bank where I learned about corporate training, which is like teaching but for a business rather than a school.
I would say that getting into the workforce is a great way to figure out what you want to do. Another way to learn about other jobs is to volunteer. I would say volunteer for an organization you are passionate about. You are bound to be exposed to jobs and skills that you had not known about before.
Gloria
Keith Martin
Keith’s Answer
If you are considering a gap year, you should be certain to have a concrete plan of what you want to accomplish during that time. Otherwise, you risk loosing momentum and not going forward with your education. For example, if you start working, it will be difficult to return to school, even though it will help in the long term. And without a plan, you won't learn more about what you like and don't like.
Cristel de Rouvray
Cristel’s Answer
Hi
Taking the time to find your interests and narrow down your field of study should be your focus. The gap year could help do this, provided you step outside your comfort Zone during that gap year. This could include travel or internships in a couple jobs you are curious about, or studying a new language far from home, or auditing some free college classes (at community college or online).
I'd also ask people around you why they are recommending against a gap year, ask why 5 times and you will get to the root cause of their reservations
Good
Luck
Thank you for the answer. Most of the people I've talked to have said they think I'll end up not going back to college if I take a year off, however if that is true after using that year wisely it might be because it's proven to be more effective than college and thus college may not be the best for me. Thank you for the advice and I'll definitely consider it if I take a year off.
Mary
Good call!
Sara Cooper