Gap Year

Taking an intentional year after graduation to gain skills, try new things, experience travel and serve others is a great way to learn about industries, prepare for further education or experience new places and spaces. Some students choose to do this through established service programs, while others create their own. No matter your path or calling, Career Development and Vocation are here to walk you through the decision process and planning next steps.  Schedule an appointment today with handshake.

Gap Year Frequently Asked Questions

A gap year is often taken the year before or after college. This year can serve as a way for students to save extra money, travel, take additional classes, or participate in a service opportunity.

“What can I do during a gap year?”
Anything. There are so many options out there, it just depends on what experience you are looking to gain.

“I think I want to go to graduate school eventually…”
Great! This gap year could be the time that allows you to think about and reflect on what you want from graduate school. You could also take this time to catch up on additional resources.

“What if I want to do something with service or volunteering?”
A gap year is a great time to be involved in a service program, and there are many to choose from. From PeaceCorps to Americorp and beyond, a career coach can help you decide what is the best option for you.

“I’m actually looking to get out and travel during this time”
How exciting! There are many programs that allow you to travel alone or with a cohort. These programs typically have a learning or service component with traveling and exploring being the main focus.

What Exactly is a Gap Year?

Each year, when asked about post graduation plans, more and more students are saying, “I’m doing a gap year.”  But does anyone really know what a gap year is?

A gap year is a period of time, usually taken after college …

By Laura Kestner-Ricketts
Laura Kestner-Ricketts Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
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Build Your First Career Wardrobe

So you are starting out in the “real world.” You’ve got your own place and the countdown to your first day has begun.

There are a lot of things to think about when making the transition from college grad to …

By Laura Kestner-Ricketts
Laura Kestner-Ricketts Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
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The STAR Method: The Secret to Acing Your Next Job Interview

Original Post here

Are you good at telling stories? Do you get right to the point and include all the relevant details? Or do you maybe tend to forget to mention some key context or

have a tendency to ramble? …

By Lisa Slater
Lisa Slater Marketing & Events Coordinator
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Why You Need a Budget

Graduating from college and transitioning into the world-of-work can be filled with both excitement and fear.  Among the “adulting” skills needed to survive life after college is, first and foremost, a budget.

A budget can be helpful…
During Salary Negotiation:

By Laura Kestner-Ricketts
Laura Kestner-Ricketts Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
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Life of a Current Law Student

Tammy Zapata, Class of 2018.
“During my time at Augustana College, I majored in Political Science (Comparative Politics) and International Business and minored in French. I also studied abroad during my junior year in Australia! Currently, I am a second-year …
By Jessica Estes
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309-794-7339
Address

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Rock Island, IL 61201

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Day of the week
Office is Open Drop-Ins
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Tuesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
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Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
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Drop-in topics include:

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