How to Identify Your Gap Year Goals

This probably isn’t the first time someone has asked you to identify your goals for your gap year (and probably won’t be your last either). Grown-ups keep telling you, “You need to know your goals!” And you’re like, “Cool, I get it Dad… but easier said than done!”

Until now.

It’s reflection-time!

Not to sound too much like that great tune from Mulan, but you need to buckle down and do some serious reflection before your gap year. Ask yourself these questions and write out your answers. Yes, physically write them out. On paper. With a pen (don’t worry, we won’t judge your excuse-for-cursive).

1. What school subjects do I like the most?
2. Do these school subjects come naturally to me? Does it matter?
3. What school subjects do I dislike the most?
4. Do these school subjects come naturally to me? Does it matter?
5. What type of work can I see myself doing for the majority of my waking hours?
6. Besides money, what reasons do I want to go into this field?
7. Does this type of work translate directly into a field of study or major?
8. Where can I find out more information about this major? Do I know enough about this major?
9. Is this the right – and only – major for my career path?
10. If money were no object, what would I do for free, forever?
    

This may be a handy exercise if/when you go to college, too. But for now, use these answers to guide your decisions for activities and locations to explore on your gap year. Decide if you want to focus on an area of study you are already attracted to, if you want to use the time to explore something entirely new and different and weird, or if you want to find some happy-medium of either.

Categorize Your Goals Into 5 Buckets

Your gap year goals should fall in a few different buckets.

Your first bucket will be passion related – perfect for activities you are psyched about or want to get to know better.

Your second bucket will be for developing soft skills – the perfect framework for improving your communication skills, conflict resolution, empathy, etc.

Your third bucket should be for adventures – your “must-do” activities for your gap year.

Your fourth bucket should be for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Decide to consciously incorporate situations that will challenge you.

Your fifth and final bucket will be career oriented. While souvenirs are cool, it’s much more fun to come home with some serious skills that contribute to your employability, like a new language.

Resolve to Find a Good Program Fit

It’s important to remember that behind every successful gap year student is a successful organization that has held him/her accountable or helped he/she stay on track. Choosing your gap year program will be crucial to your overall ability to accomplish the goals you set out for yourself.

Do Your Research

You have a LOT of options when it comes to your gap year (and we’re not just talking about the 190+ countries to choose between). There are a number of different activities, focuses, and programs for you to pursue. But the information isn’t going to just jump out at you. You’ll have to put in a little effort and start exercising those research muscles of yours.

Start by looking at different established programs to get a feel for what types of options are out there. You can look at their individual websites, social media channels, reviews. All of this information can be slightly overwhelming at first, so make a commitment to review your findings a couple different times in a few different settings.

Take notes (your future self will thank you). Pay close attention to the different “vibes” you get as you read. Which ones light your travel fire?

Choose a Program

Remember: if you want to improve your Spanish skills, don’t decide to do a program that doesn’t involve Spanish classes. If you want to step away from your marijuana habits, choose a program that adamantly prohibits the use of drugs. If you’re keen to become more independent, find a program that balances group support with independent components.

Communicate Your Goals & Make an Action Plan

A tried and true strategy for accomplishing goals is to get more people invited to the party. Tell your program leaders what your ambitions are for your gap year. Brainstorm ways (together) that they can help support you on your mission.

Rather than keeping your goals flowery and lofty, such as “get better at receiving critical feedback,” cite specific details that can help you inch towards your goal (for example: “Seek critical feedback every other week from my program leaders and track my emotional and outward responses in my journal”).

Goals don’t have to be scary or far-fetched. They can provide meaning and depth to your gap year, as well as a framework for you to get the most out of it. Be intentional with your time traveling with the help of the goals you’ve identified. Go get ‘em!

Photo Credit: Startup Stock Photos

Article contributed by: Megan Lee