4 answers
Isabella
Student
Bartlett, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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Does taking a gap-year between high school and college affect my career-path or the speed in which I advance through my college career?
Before deciding on a college I took a gap-year, but have some worries that I will always be a year behind those who graduated at the same time as me. I feel like a may never catch up because of the year I took off. Is it true that I may just be a step behind throughout my career, or is there even a correlation between the two?
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4 answers
Bruno Guerra
Financial Crimes Unit Senior Associate
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bruno’s Answer
Hi Isabella!
I don’t think taking a gap year sets you behind those who graduated at the same time as you. I can say this with confidence because I took a year off between school and college, and also took six months off during college.
What matters most is how you communicate this, whether in an interview or in casual conversation. It’s important to reflect on how the gap year contributed to who you are today and why taking that time off was meaningful for you.
In an interview, for example, if the topic comes up, show the interviewer what you did during that time and the impact it had, both quantitatively and qualitatively (when applicable).
The worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others. Have you ever thought that others might look at you and say, "Wow, how brave Isabella was for taking that gap year. I wish I had done the same"?
Looking at myself now and the people who graduated at the same time as I did, I don’t feel behind at all. I needed that time off to figure things out, and I don’t regret it one bit.
In summary: don’t compare yourself to others unless it’s in a way that’s constructive for you. If it helps you feel motivated, great! But always remember who you are, and that every person has their own story.
You got this!
I don’t think taking a gap year sets you behind those who graduated at the same time as you. I can say this with confidence because I took a year off between school and college, and also took six months off during college.
What matters most is how you communicate this, whether in an interview or in casual conversation. It’s important to reflect on how the gap year contributed to who you are today and why taking that time off was meaningful for you.
In an interview, for example, if the topic comes up, show the interviewer what you did during that time and the impact it had, both quantitatively and qualitatively (when applicable).
The worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others. Have you ever thought that others might look at you and say, "Wow, how brave Isabella was for taking that gap year. I wish I had done the same"?
Looking at myself now and the people who graduated at the same time as I did, I don’t feel behind at all. I needed that time off to figure things out, and I don’t regret it one bit.
In summary: don’t compare yourself to others unless it’s in a way that’s constructive for you. If it helps you feel motivated, great! But always remember who you are, and that every person has their own story.
You got this!
Ina Pauna
Benefits Specialist
2
Answers
Nuremberg
Updated
Ina’s Answer
Hi Isabella,
I do not think having a gap-year can have an important influence on how your career will be perceived.
I would say it is more important for the decision in the right direction to be wisely taken and, if this gap-year helped you to do this, it is already a win!
It is a saying: it is better to be at the beginning of the right mountain than at the top of the wrong one. So go ahead with confidence on your professional path and do not let this gap to influence who you are, what you know and your next steps.
Whishing you all the best!
I do not think having a gap-year can have an important influence on how your career will be perceived.
I would say it is more important for the decision in the right direction to be wisely taken and, if this gap-year helped you to do this, it is already a win!
It is a saying: it is better to be at the beginning of the right mountain than at the top of the wrong one. So go ahead with confidence on your professional path and do not let this gap to influence who you are, what you know and your next steps.
Whishing you all the best!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
437
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Isabella, I can understand your concern, but agree with Bruno that you should move forward with confidence. I took a semester off during college for an internship, and my children took gap years after college. For all of us, the time away was rejuvenating and helped us regain (or refine) academic focus. Plus the experiences we had during the gap year gave us personal and professional skills that we continue to use. Even the Harvard Business Review has written positively about gap years - see link below. As Bruno said, determine how you benefitted from the gap year so you could express it, if asked. Frankly, since you took it before college, I doubt you will even be asked by future employers.
Also, people advance at different rates in their career because of many variables so you won't necessarily be behind. For example, some people gain more attention and more stretch assignments than others; they may be promoted faster. Some companies/organizations promote more than others. Economic conditions - general and specific to that industry - could affect promotions; if they are bad, promotions may lag. By the way, if you are still learning and generally enjoy your work, it is fine to stay in the same role.
Good luck!
Also, people advance at different rates in their career because of many variables so you won't necessarily be behind. For example, some people gain more attention and more stretch assignments than others; they may be promoted faster. Some companies/organizations promote more than others. Economic conditions - general and specific to that industry - could affect promotions; if they are bad, promotions may lag. By the way, if you are still learning and generally enjoy your work, it is fine to stay in the same role.
Good luck!
Gyan Cañedo
4
Answers
Updated
Gyan’s Answer
It doesn't affect the speed of your career. I have some of my friends who stopped for a yr and came back. You have a reason why you did that and it's ok and no one would judge anyways, you may say that some people will say something but. Do they know what your going through and why you did it? No, believe in yourself and take one step at a time. Always remember that.