Gap Year & Post-Graduation Resources
Still figuring out what to do after graduation or before pursuing professional/graduate school? Wanting to explore, solidify, or even find new interests? There are many opportunities such as fellowships, research, volunteering, internships, and jobs that can help you do just that.
This list is simply meant to help you think more broadly about the range of opportunities available. These opportunities are not endorsed by the University Career Center and are not comprehensive. For personalized help reflecting on what a gap year could mean for you, schedule an appointment with a career coach today.
How to Start Planning
- Determine your timeline: Are you looking for 4-6 months, 1 year, or more? Be mindful of the commitment length required for different programs.
- Identify your goals: Do you want to sharpen specific skills, travel, contribute to a social cause, or gain clinical experience?
- Research and network: Explore costs, reach out to alumni of programs you are considering, and keep track of application deadlines.
Fellowships
Fellowships are structured 1-2 year postgraduate experiences that may fund study, research, or teaching in the U.S. or abroad.
To get started, we recommend meeting with the Office Of National Scholarships and Fellowships (ONSF). ONSF prepares U-M students and recent alums for major national competitions in fields including STEM, humanities, and public service. You can read about ONSF-supported programs on their website or meet with an advisor.
You may also want to connect with the International Institute to learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which offers opportunities to conduct research or teach English in over 140 countries.
Service Programs
Service programs allow you to lend your talents to address social, educational, or environmental issues within specific communities.
Here are a few examples popular with U-M students:
- Teach for America: Transforming education and expanding opportunity for all children.
- Peace Corps: International service working side-by-side with local communities in over 60 countries.
- City Year: Serving full-time as tutors and mentors in schools to support student success.
- AmeriCorps: The federal agency for national service and volunteerism with diverse passion-aligned roles.
- Michigan College Advising Corps: Fostering a college-going culture in high schools throughout Michigan.
Many service-based organizations post opportunities on Handshake. Check out our Nonprofit Career Track page for more tips.
Global Opportunities
Working abroad is a rewarding way to spend a gap year, though it involves navigating complex logistics. The International Center provides expertise to help you through this process. Start with their "Work Abroad" guide.
Job & Internship Search Tools
- Interstride: Explore international job postings and country-specific insights on immigration, cost of living, and culture. (Log in with your UMich ID).
- GoinGlobal: Provides city-specific career guides and job boards for those seeking to work internationally.
- GoAbroad: A directory for international internships, volunteer programs, and study abroad.
- GoOverseas: Features peer-reviewed global programs to help you find high-quality opportunities.
Study Abroad & Engagement
- Global Engagement and Education Abroad (GEEA): Advising on external (non-UM) study, work, and travel abroad opportunities.
- M-Compass: The campus-wide portal for education abroad opportunities. Search by location or program type.
- Global Michigan: A comprehensive list of U-M offices that support global courses, fellowships, and internships.
- Study Abroad 101: Read student reviews of various global experiences to help inform your choice.