Hello there,
I took a gap year during university for personal reasons and also to work on a small side project/startup idea that didn’t really take off. Now I’m worried that it’ll be seen as a red flag when applying for internships. What’s the best way to position that experience? Has anyone had success being honest about an unconventional year?
Thanks!
Hi,
don’t worry, a gap year doesn’t have to be a red flag if you present it well. Be honest and explain that you took the year for personal reasons and worked on developing new skills, even if the side project didn’t succeed. Focus on the experiences you gained, such as project management or entrepreneurial insights. Highlight any self-improvement or learning you did during the year. Most importantly, be confident and positive, framing the gap year as a valuable experience.
Good luck – you’ve got this! 😊
Great question and you're definitely not alone in this! Many candidates have non-linear paths, and how you frame your gap year can actually turn it into a strength!
A gap year can actually work in your favor if you own the story. Rather than apologizing for it, show that you made a conscious choice, took a risk, and learned from it, even if things didn’t go as planned.
IB teams value maturity, self-awareness, and grit. Framing your year as a time of exploration that clarified your goals shows that you’re intentional about your path now. That can be more compelling than a “perfect” résumé.
