There’s a misconception that gap-year-type programs are just for 18-year-olds. My experience with Masa Israel Journey’s Destination Israel Fast Track Pro is proof that working in Israel, in community and with a strong safety net, is an amazing opportunity even if you’ve already launched your career.
I first visited Israel while in the ninth grade. Looking back, I only saw the country as a tourist.
When I returned on a Birthright trip, after graduating from college and working for two years in Chicago, I began to imagine what it would be like to live in Israel.
The thought of being surrounded by Jewish community was appealing, particularly given the political upheaval taking place in the U.S. at the time. Toward the end of our ten days, a Masa representative spoke to our group and gave each of us a fake plane ticket with information on how to learn more about returning to Israel. I knew then that this organization would be my return ticket.
Masa, an organization founded by the Jewish Agency and government of Israel, offers a range of programs. In Chicago, I met with a rep from the organization and learned that having worked for a few years, I was eligible for a paid position through Fast Track Pro. My resume was circulated and in no time at all I was communicating with a startup called Impacx, which connects brands with their customers through smart packaging.
Israelis get right to the point.
“Yeah, we want you. How soon can you get here?”
“My program starts in October,” I replied, already comfortable with the warmth of the CEO.
“Great,” my soon-to-be boss responded. “You’ll start with us in September and then make your way to Israel!”
I now had a safe place to land plus the chance to further my career while exploring Israeli culture.
I’m a growth consultant in my company’s sales department, prospecting companies in the U.S. and Europe to help them understand our technology and how we can add value. I’ve become the company’s unofficial U.S. expert, answering questions about the U.S. market and how things are done in the states.
In Chicago, I worked for a huge company in the insurance industry, not exactly known for growth and change. At a startup, the pace is much quicker and more fun. I am encouraged to wear many hats and to learn, every day, from a boss eager to share his knowledge.
I won’t lie, though; finding oneself in a new city and country in the midst of a global pandemic wasn’t ideal. Initially, it was difficult to meet people and, as an extrovert, I’m unaccustomed to being alone.
But I took the opportunity to grow in new ways, venturing out on solo adventures to the beach and to explore nearby neighborhoods, reading a book outside the local coffee shop, and feeling the pulse of Tel Aviv without having to adhere to anyone else’s schedule.
Now that restaurants and bars have reopened in the past couple of months, I’m having a blast. I’ve reconnected with a childhood friend who is also in Israel on a Masa program called Top Israel Interns, and we go out every Thursday evening.
We play a game called Eyfoh HaMesibah, which means “where’s the party?” We find people who seem to be having a good time and ask them Eyfoh MaMesibah? It works every time! We end up meeting fascinating new people, including one who sold Dead Sea products in our hometown mall! When you’re young and Jewish in Tel Aviv, the world is small and feels very safe.
I’ve told my boss that I’d like to stay in Israel for at least two years, and he’s assured me that I have a job once my program is over.
I am so grateful for all that Israel has provided to me – a chance to learn about myself and Israeli culture, to sample the foods and get to know the locals, to both pivot and make a major leap in my career, while feeling safe, supported and part of a community with shared purpose.
Natalie Cabell is from Overland Park, Kansas.
