Career Center

The Gap Year: Tips, Considerations, and Experiences

Cindy Broderius, M.Ed., NCCDuke University Career CenterMarch 3, 2015

Pathway For Tonight’s Discussion

• Why a gap year(s)?• What factors should I think about? • What are my options?• Where can I find resources to identify options?• What is involved with the application process?• Is there a timeline for planning? • How can the Career Center help me?• Questions?

Questions From You?

Why a Gap Year (or More)?

• Focus on classes, research during 4 years of college

• Strengthen your application to graduate school• Confirm a career decision• Develop or strengthen particular skills• Try something new• Take a break• Travel and meet new people

Reflection: Imagine the Possibilities

What Factors Should I Think About?

9 Domains for Crafting Your Gap Year(s) Experience

Knowledge Skills

Goals Values

Environment Relationships

Compensation Location

Challenges & Barriers

What Are My Options? For Example:

• Study:– Scholarships and fellowships

• Teaching: – Blue Engine Teaching Fellowship– Citizen Schools– City Year

What Are My Options? For Example:

• Fellowships:– Working – Domestic vs international– Sector most applicable to your goals

• Interning:– Various industries, organizations– Short-term or longer– E.g. CDC’s Office of Minority Health & Health

Equity; RTI International Metabolomics Group

What Are My Options? For Example:

• Government:– ORISE opportunities for recent grads– USAJobs for Recent Grads = Pathways

• Research:– NIH Post-baccalaureate IRTA (1-2 yr)– Research assistant/associate (1-2 yr)– Labs of interest at Duke or other institutions– ORISE, Pathways to Science

What Are My Options? For Example:

• Industry: what are your interests, goals?– Biomedical device– Biotechnology– Pharmaceutical– Start-ups– Life Science

• Online resources• People• Duke/Career Center events

See handout for examples of resources to get you started…

Where Can I Find Resources to Identify Options?

Online Search Strategies

• Resources:– eRecruiting (Experience.com when alum)– LinkedIn for jobs– Job boards– OUSF and ProFellow scholarship & fellowship

databases– Networking– Career Center website

Networking Strategies

• Who:– Board of Directors– Faculty– Upperclassmen– Duke alums– Former supervisors, e.g. summer experiences, labs,

jobs, etc.• Additional resources:– DukeConnect– LinkedIn, Duke University Alumni Network LI Group

Networking Strategies, cont.

• How:– Informational interview– Networking opportunities, e.g. on campus,

departmental, professional meetings, etc.• Important:– The power of keeping in touch– The power of thank you

What Have Other Duke Students Done?

• Darya T’13: summer internship with metabolomics group at RTI International turned into full-time position; now at UCSF in pharmacology PhD program

• Russell T’13: NIH Post-bac IRTA with National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; plans to pursue PhD

Documents For Application

• Resume– Tailored to specific position– Transferable skills– Accomplishment statement = action + impact/result

• Cover letter– Tailored to specific position– Tell story of fit with examples

• Personal Statement/Application Essays– Develop around provided prompts– Research program or position– Reflect: on yourself, past experiences, accomplishments

Letter of Interest

• Aka “prospecting letter” or “inquiry letter”• Sent to employers of interest, e.g.

company/organization, laboratory, etc. who may be hiring but have not listed specific job posting

• Include information on why lab/company interests you, why/how your skills and experience would be an asset to organization

• Be specific—make the connection between you and organization

• Helpful to include resume

Is There a Timeline For Planning?

• YES! Be aware of deadlines, resources to track• Deadlines for some scholarships and

fellowships are summer and early to mid-fall; may require institutional nomination

• On-campus recruiting vs Just-in-Time hiring timelines different

• Reflect, explore options, make supporting networking contacts early

Take For Example…NIH Post-bac IRTA

• Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postbac_irta

• “Applying to the NIH Postbac Program” video presentation focuses on eligibility, application tips, and follow-up to be a successful candidate http://videocast.nih.gov/summary.asp?Live=11483&bhcp=1

• PI research and networking

Take For Example…PREP(Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program)

• Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program Institutions http://www.nigms.nih.gov/training/PREP/pages/PartInstPREP.aspx

• Application submitted to each program• Application deadlines vary among schools

Take For Example…ORISE

• ORISE = Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education

• Internships + post-baccalaureate opportunities• Application strategy: monitor posted positions,

create account, submit application materials

How Can the Career Center Assist Me?

• Explore various options and develop effective search strategies

• Assist with resume/cover letter/personal statement review

• Mock interviews • Networking preparations• Appointments: 30-min counseling (F2F, phone,

Skype) or 15-min drop-in• Alumni support up to 4 years out

Questions For Me?

Contact Us

(919) 660-1050http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career

Facebook.com/DukeCareers

Twitter.com/DukeCareers

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