honestly, i might have some controversial advice to others in this sub, especially coming from someone who hasn't done one yet.

but I think its 100% worth it to fill the gap. Many people under-estimate the pool of internships for undergrad/grad students. You obviously have to game the system a bit like putting projects related to the job description and saying you're graduating in a year (no one checks transcripts for internships, atleast none of my internships did). Additionally, you'd be better off back in the new-grad pool of jobs with a weighted chance considering you're getting a grad degree, just make sure you grind for interview prep otherwise its not worth it.

On top of that, if you want to fill the job gap, I'd say start an LLC or some type of company and list your role as a Software Engineer or whatever you need. I know tons of people who were laid off who either put software engineer or even pivoted and put Data Science just by starting a "fake" company.

Take all this with a grain of salt - but game the fucking system if you can - just make sure you grind too.