Career Advice - Start Date Gap

Currently stuck in a pickle with my full-time offer. Word from the class the year before me is that they've been pushed off over a year and a half at this point. I was told that my date could be anywhere from 4 -12 months after graduation but I'm inclined to think they're pushing me later than earlier. Wondering if anyone has practical advice for what I should do. it's too late to really re-recruit for consulting unless I want to guarantee I'm waiting at least another year to start work, and I like this company and position. I have plans for the summer to travel and don't want to return from that to wait another 6 months to begin my working life.

Should I be looking at other fields? I feel like not being available during the summer is gonna set me up poorly to try and find an intermediate job. It also feels weird applying for a job not knowing if my full-time is gonna start in 2 months or a year. I don't want to sit around waiting for my life to start...