Gap Year
Internships
Perfect for a Semester
or Year - Before or During College
A Gap Year (also referred
to as an Interim or Deferred Year) is a period of time when students
take “time out” from formal education to travel, volunteer, study,
intern, or work. A gap year internship can last for several months,
a semester, or up to a year. Typically a Gap Year is taken between
high school graduation and starting college, during college, or
between college and starting graduate school or a career. Sometimes
a high school student is asked by their college to start their
freshman year in January. Other times, college students take a
semester or year off because they are transferring.
Studies have been conducted by leading universities like Harvard
that conclusively show that students who take a year out before
college are more focused and motivated when they arrive on campus
than those who don't take this detour. Harvard's admissions
department is so convinced of the benefits of a gap year that they
offer the option to every admitted freshman in their acceptance
letter. – Planet Gap Year
Program Fees
Boston: $2,500 per placement, one placement per semester
New York City: $3,000 per placement, one placement
per semester
Understanding that students take time off for many reasons, our role
is one of advocate and academic advisor. The program is
individualized for each student according to career interests and
desired work schedule. We meet with the student one time, followed
by email and phone contact. We
have developed a comprehensive
and proven
process to maximize the value of
an internship:
Initial Meeting
Our meeting with the student consists of supportive, informal
conversation. Sometimes it is possible to arrange a phone meeting if
the student cannot meet in person. We learn about the student’s life
situation and interests and discuss internship possibilities. Some
students know exactly what type of internship they are looking for
while others do not. By reviewing past courses and activities, we
look for a “thread of interest” that can be developed through an
internship. We enjoy helping students identify something that might
spark their interest in an academic area or develop a talent that
the student would like to explore.
Developing the Resume
Next, we work with each student to develop a resume or refine one
that they may already have. Then, we forward the student’s resume to
targeted companies and organizations and speak to potential
workplace mentors. We look for placements where the student is not
competing against others to snag a position, but rather a workplace
environment that may be more nurturing. When the mentor is
interested, we put the student in contact with the mentor to set up
an interview.
Preparing for the Workplace Interview
Over the phone, using role play, we prepare the student for their
workplace interview. We ask students to research the worksite and we
pose questions to them that are commonly asked in interviews.
The Internship
The student and mentor establish a work schedule that is suitable
for both parties.
During the course of the internship, we maintain contact with the
student and mentor and provide advice to both concerning the Letter
of Recommendation.
|
Students
That We Are Currently Working With |
|
Drew deferred his acceptance to Trinity, attended a 2
month film school in Maine and turned to us for an
internship relating to film. We placed him at a production
company in Boston where he learned all facets of film making
in the studio and on sets. He became a production assistant
on location for shows being produced for Animal Planet and
the Discovery and History Channels. Drew said the best part
was working long days with the crew. The head producer was
so impressed with Drew’s efforts that he actually offered
him a job.
Aaron deferred his acceptance to Oberlin and planned several
experiences throughout the year in the US and abroad. His
interests related to include sustainability and clean water.
We established a Boston internship with a legislator who is
the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Health. Aaron
told us that he enjoyed his responsibilities that included
attending hearings and committee meetings, writing to
constituents and learning how legislation is passed. Sam
is taking a semester off from Santa Clara University before
transferring. We matched his interests in sports and community work
to a well-known social justice organization in Boston. Ji was accepted to Smith
College but decided to take a semester off and apply to other
schools. After reviewing her resume, we placed her at a prestigious
writing organization in Boston.
Let us make this an exciting
and productive time by creating an experience designed specifically for
you!
|
|
|
|
