What to do with my 1-year deferral?

[Jane Galt]

I recently graduated with my BS in chemical engineering. Last fall I applied to PhD programs because I was in the swing of things, was in contact with people who could write me good letters, and because I knew I wanted to go. I also applied to some full-time positions because I would really like some work experience. I ended up getting an on-site interview a few days before the deadline to accept grad school. After some discussions with professors/parents/friends/myself, I decided to accept a 1-year deferral to a good school. I am potentially interested in academia but would also like some industrial experience (invaluable to the students!), but according to a well-informed professor it is extremely difficult/impossible to get into academia after industry because of special grants only available to recent Ph.D's. I took the deferral to hopefully be available for the job I interviewed for, and also because, frankly, committing to another 4-5 years of school is a little intimidating after I just did all that. Unfortunately I didn't get the job even though I was "pretty much the top candidate", probably because they found out that I was interested in attending graduate school within a few years (note: these questions are not appropriate. Don't answer them!).

So, long story short, I now have a year with nothing to do. I have been applying to more full-time jobs, but the interview process takes so long I'm worried about the impression I will make when I quit after less than a year. An internship/co-op would be perfect, but almost all companies restrict those to people who are currently enrolled in a degree program for the next semester. I'm not financially secure enough to travel for a year, although I suppose I could just fly somewhere and hope I can find something...

Anyone in the same situation or have any advice?

[HassE]

I recently graduated with my BS in chemical engineering. Last fall I applied to PhD programs because I was in the swing of things, was in contact with people who could write me good letters, and because I knew I wanted to go. I also applied to some full-time positions because I would really like some work experience. I ended up getting an on-site interview a few days before the deadline to accept grad school. After some discussions with professors/parents/friends/myself, I decided to accept a 1-year deferral to a good school. I am potentially interested in academia but would also like some industrial experience (invaluable to the students!), but according to a well-informed professor it is extremely difficult/impossible to get into academia after industry because of special grants only available to recent Ph.D's. I took the deferral to hopefully be available for the job I interviewed for, and also because, frankly, committing to another 4-5 years of school is a little intimidating after I just did all that. Unfortunately I didn't get the job even though I was "pretty much the top candidate", probably because they found out that I was interested in attending graduate school within a few years (note: these questions are not appropriate. Don't answer them!).

So, long story short, I now have a year with nothing to do. I have been applying to more full-time jobs, but the interview process takes so long I'm worried about the impression I will make when I quit after less than a year. An internship/co-op would be perfect, but almost all companies restrict those to people who are currently enrolled in a degree program for the next semester. I'm not financially secure enough to travel for a year, although I suppose I could just fly somewhere and hope I can find something...

Anyone in the same situation or have any advice?

this is a tough one...anyway you can be a "special student" and start taking some courses at the school your at? My best advice is to possibly get on with a research program and start gaining experience with a research gig, although that won't be particularly easy either though.