In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Julia Rogers, an expert in experiential education and founder of En Route Consulting, about the concept of gap years. They discuss what a gap year is and what it isn't, the benefits of taking a gap year, and how it can impact career development. Julia shares her own gap year experiences and success stories of students who have taken gap years. She also provides resources for finding low-cost or no-cost gap year opportunities. Key Takeaways -A gap year is an intentional period of personal growth supported by experiential learning activities. -Gap years can be customized to individual interests, goals, and budgets. -Gap years can provide opportunities for career exploration, skill building, and personal development. -Taking a gap year can increase confidence, develop soft skills, and make individuals more employable. -There are low-cost and no-cost gap year opportunities available, such as AmeriCorps and destination work opportunities. -Gap years can help individuals gain clarity about their career paths and make more intentional choices about their education and future. -Embrace the squiggly line of your career journey and focus on who you want to be rather than knowing exactly what you want to do. Guest Info: Julia Rogers is an internationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and expert in experiential education with over 15 years of experience as a professional gap year counselor. She is the founder of EnRoute Consulting, a socially responsible enterprise aimed at fueling the gap year movement and cultivating a generation of compassionate, driven, and resourceful global citizens. Julia partners with educators, service-learning organizations, non-profits, government entities and families around the world to develop creative educational pathways that result in young adults being better prepared to succeed in life and work. Julia is a TEDx speaker, a podcast host and President Emeritus of the Gap Year Association, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to the intentional growth of the gap year option through research, standards-setting and advocacy efforts. Website: https://enroutegapyear.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadrogers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enroutegapyear/