Taking a Year Off After Graduating...

[calmB4storm]

Anyone done this, or know anyone who has done this? I'm on pace to graduate a year early, in Spring of 2009, and I really don't like any of my other options. I could start working right away (ew!), or I could stick around for another year of school (but it feels like I'd just be throwing another $30K down the drain). But if I take a year off, I'm afraid it might [censored] up my chances of getting a decent job if and when I do actually start looking for one.

So I guess ideally I'm looking for some sort of year-long community service program or something, which would give me plenty of free time to play poker (i.e. I need the Internet, which rules out anything in undeveloped, 3rd world countries) or just chill, while also looking legit enough that it's marketable to potential future employers. Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated...

Edit: If it matters, I have a 3.9 GPA, and I'm working toward a B.S. in Econ/Math and a minor in Comp Sci.

[eviljeff]

I took a year off to travel, but already had my acceptance to law school. best year of my life. also discovered 2p2 whilst traveling.

[ScoobyDooo]

go for it....year off sounds great. i dont even know why youre looking for a community service program unless it takes up hardly any of your time at all. I just wouldnt be interested in it....and i dont see why future employers would make a big deal about it. Tell them you went to school for 132487 years and needed a freaking break geez

[catalyst]

One of my buddies is doing this: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp

He leaves for Sacramento this week for a mont, then he travles to different regions of the US building communities or whatever (building houses in New Orleans, for example). This is a full-time program not sure if this is something you would be interested in, but a thought.

[catalyst]

[ QUOTE ]
go for it....year off sounds great. i dont even know why youre looking for a community service program unless it takes up hardly any of your time at all. I just wouldnt be interested in it....and i dont see why future employers would make a big deal about it. Tell them you went to school for 132487 years and needed a freaking break geez

[/ QUOTE ]

I would imagine most employers would be pretty damn curious why a recent grad took a full year off and didn't do anything.

[steggy]

Don't just do nothing but play poker. Travel or do something interesting. A year is a long time to just chill.

[rivermetimbers]

im graduating this spring and kinda in a similar situation. my buddy is looking to get a job working in vegas for 1 of the casinos, if this happens i told him i'd ship off out there with him for at least a few months, maybe a year... btw if you graduate with your gpa at what it is now there is nothing that can f*** up your chances of getting a job a year after you graduate

[NickNick]

Apply for graduate positions this time next year, once you get accepted ask to defer for a year.

Not all companies offer this (esp Banks as hiring depends on the market), but others do (Eg Barclays Capital). If you really impress them they'll want you no matter what! - Don't necessarily ask them about it at interview, but by all means search their website/ask at presentations, etc.

[schaef]

I echo those saying do it. It sounds like you're a smart, motivated kid, which means you aren't just looking for an excuse to sit on your ass. If you're making yourself a better person, that will only be a positive when you finally settle down to find a "real" job.