Which is the best option to fill 1yr gap? Forum

[roranoa]

Bump.

So I've come down to two choices.

Doing the govt. internship gig or looking for a big corporation job.

I understand the benefits of getting real world work experience, I want to hear from those who think govt. internship is a better choice and why they think this is so.

[Easy-E]

I would strongly recommend watching Spartacus despite your final decision. Although no Andy Whitfield when Blood and Sand continues

[FiveSermon]

It doesn't really matter in the end.

[Lady Croft]

Traveling the world is for the wealthy or the immature.

Vehemently disagree.

Regardless, Option 3 is stupid. Go with Option 1.

[ladybug89]

OP, I'm sort of in the same boat as you, and I want experience more than I want money. That seems to be where you are too, which is why I'd say the government internship is better. You might be stuck doing grunt work, but you'll also see some interesting stuff going on, (especially if the department you're working in is related to law.)

Another option is to not waste the second 6 months, but rather do a bunch of unpaid internships, each between 3-6 months long. (This is what I'm doing). I think this is cool because it gives you the chance to try out a lot of different kinds of jobs and industries in a way you pretty much won't be able to do ever again. And it won't be boring. And you'll learn stuff. And you'll get some stuff on your resume, and you'll have stuff to add to your personal statement/update letters should you get deferred/held/waitlisted! That's the way I see it anyway.

[roranoa]

Bump.

Can't decide between option 1 and 2.

What if I say, money is not a problem at the moment?

[FiveSermon]

Bump.

Can't decide between option 1 and 2.

What if I say, money is not a problem at the moment?

Then option 4.

[dr123]

Getting a job is the only credited response.

Bills don't pay themselves

[iiibbystar]

Bump.

So I've come down to two choices.

Doing the govt. internship gig or looking for a big corporation job.

I understand the benefits of getting real world work experience, I want to hear from those who think govt. internship is a better choice and why they think this is so.

Why won't you just do a government internship for 6 months, then spend the remaining 6 months traveling if that's what you want? I don't see why you can't combine option 2 and 3.

[adude]

I have three options to fill that one year gap.

1.Work for a large corporation (fortune 500...however there's no guarantee I'll get an offer)
2.Do a 6 month internship at a government agency and spend the rest of the time chilling out.
3.Go to graduate school with an international studies program. I will have to drop out after one year though...I just think I might get some valuable networking opportunities and might actually learn something. (I want to specialize in international commerce in the future)

I'm not sure why you feel limited to these options. If you had left it open, I would say none of the above.

Instead, get some unique work experience. At interviews, the unique experience always comes up and sticks out in employers minds. It gives you something great to talk about and brings a human element to your application. Do some environmental work for a national park, teach in another country, work with kids, etc. These kinds of things show employers that you are an interesting, fun person with an open mind. That's what counts most at interviews, where they are trying to determine if they would mind working 50+ hrs a week with you. I don't think any of the other things you mentioned will stand out on a resume in the same way.

[roranoa]

Instead, get some unique work experience. At interviews, the unique experience always comes up and sticks out in employers minds.

How would you define unique? Any examples?
(I hate that I'm not creative)

[dkt4]

Create a poll. Traveling the world is for the wealthy or the immature. Option #1 sounds best.

This is one the more ridiculous comment I've read in a while.

Do what you want to do -- if the idea of working is exciting/interesting, do that. If not, why?

[dr123]

uh dude, last time I checked you have to be uber rich to travel around the world and the only people who have that type of money and time are probably on their parents tab so I'd say his asessment is correct

[dkt4]

you obviously didn't check very hard. don't really know what to tell you beyond that.

[JazzOne]

Create a poll. Traveling the world is for the wealthy or the immature. Option #1 sounds best.

This is one the more ridiculous comment I've read in a while.

That's what I'm here for. Don't go to lawl school.

[dr123]

you obviously didn't check very hard. don't really know what to tell you beyond that.

if you can afford to take 6 months and travel around spending money without any source of income, youre probably wealthy.

[dkt4]

i wish there was a :facepalm: smiley.

[dr123]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

[Emma1]

Work for a govt agency for 6 months and then travel for 4-5 months. You are going to need 1 or 2 months to get an apartment before law school.

[fatduck]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

Depends where you travel. If you focused on SEA you'd probably actually save money overall.

[emorystud2010]

.

[dkt4]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

it is crazy to say that travel is for the immature. you can certainly travel on a budget, 3-5 grand would be plenty to travel many places for 3-6 months...if you want to live lavishly you probably need to be wealthy, okay.

OP is not currently employed...so he isn't quitting his job?

[Emma1]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

It is not immature because there are only a few times in your life when you can take that amount of time to travel, for most people the next time being when you retire ( ie your old !). Do it now while you can. It is very educational and enlightening to spend time in other countries and cultures. I studied abroad and it was worth every penny. You can also travel cheaply if you want to.

[sold123]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

You're talking about your individual circumstance. And you don't have to be wealthy. As someone who has traveled somewhat, I've met quite a few people who have picked up jobs to get by as they continue traveling. It takes some courage and you learn quite a bit about yourself and other people in the process. I certainly wouldn't characterize it as immature, but their is a process of growth involved that not many people take the chance to experience and reflect upon.

[minnbills]

Please explain how you don't have to be wealthy and how its not immature. I work full time and have a pretty good job and make enough to live fairly comfortably, finish paying my student loans, and save a little. If i quit my job to travel the world, how would that not be immature. Also even if it onl took up half of my savings it would still be a major finincial hit.

There are all kinds of ways you could travel abroad and not be wealthy. For example: teaching, peace corps, internships, others jobs etc.

Even if you're not in some program, it's feasible to travel around Europe on 5 grand or so.