Gap Year Options: Fellowships and Residencies in Accounting, Business, & Management

Fellowships and Residencies provide structured opportunities to develop specific skills, whether in research, the arts, public service, or other fields. These programs often offer mentorship and hands-on experience, helping students gain clarity on their future career paths.

Alfred D. Chandler Jr. Travel Fellowships: Supports research in business/economic history. Grants of $1,000–$3,000 for graduate students and faculty, particularly those traveling to archives, including Harvard’s Baker Library.

Australia to USA Fellowship Program: Up to $40,000 for Australian citizens/permanent residents pursuing graduate/postdoc study or research in business, tech, engineering, or sustainability in the U.S. Requires confirmed placement.

Boren Fellowships: Up to $30,000 for U.S. grad students to study languages and regions vital to U.S. interests. Fellows must commit to a year of federal government service.

Forté Fellows Program: Awards for women pursuing MBAs at participating business schools. Must apply through eligible schools.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Allows international grad students and professionals to study/conduct research in the U.S. Varies by country.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program for Study/Research: For U.S. citizens designing research/study projects abroad. Open to recent grads and grad students in fields including business and law.

National Parks Business Plan Internship: 11-week summer program placing grad students in national parks to work on business strategies. Includes stipend, housing, and travel.

IRTS Foundation Summer Fellowship: All-expense-paid internship in NYC media companies for juniors/seniors/grad students interested in communications/business.

Laconia Internship Program: Venture capital internship for undergrad/grad students interested in B2B tech startups. Paid, 3–5 months.