Making the most of your gap semester job
Working in customer service and retail can teach you about yourself– how to conduct yourself professionally, how to troubleshoot, how to work with other people, and what value looks like in a workplace. If you’re working during the gap semester, here are some ways to learn from that experience.
Build a bucket list based on your strengths
During the gap semester, we encourage you to think deeply about personal goals and interests. Find your strengths. Then tackle challenges, strengthen abilities, try something new, and cross a few things off your bucket list!
#My100Days: Doing a little of everything
Natalie Seara (CGS’20, COM’22) packed a lot into her gap semester! She worked as a sales associate, took classes, traveled, visited friends, and spent more time with her family and dance troupe.
Setting goals for the gap semester
As you think about what you’ll do during your gap semester, it is important to set some goals that are attainable and can be accomplished during the 100 days before you start your first semester at Boston University. When you set goals, you are investing time in yourself and in your future success.
Taking a class for college credit during the gap semester
Taking a class for college credit is one option for your gap semester. If you’re thinking about taking a class, here are four steps to help you get started, decide what to take, and transfer a course.
6 Ongoing To-Dos for the Gap Semester
Even though you’ll be starting at Boston University in January, BU College of General Studies is in touch as soon as you accept admission. Here are six things you can do regularly during the gap semester to stay in touch with us and to make sure you’re on target for a smooth start to the semester in January.
Learn for personal enrichment in the gap semester
Your gap semester is highly individual—there isn’t one way to spend your 100 days. If you want to pursue some learning opportunities during the gap semester, you can learn for college credit or for your own personal enrichment and growth.
#My100Days: Self-Reflection
Phoebe Bobola (CGS’18, CAS’20) used her gap semester for self-reflection and growth: “The semester that I had off really helped me lay down the foundation of myself and become more comfortable with who I was as an adult before I made the transition into college.”
#My100Days: Spending quality time with family and friends
With school and classes set aside for the gap semester, students have more time to visit family members and spend quality time with the people they love– whether it’s at home or across the globe.
#My100Days: Focusing On Your Passions
A gap semester can give you the space to try something new, reflect on your identity, pursue a hobby or a passion project, or just spend more time doing things that you love and enjoy. Here’s how some students used their gap semester to focus on personal enrichment.