Now that the semester is finally over, summer is a chance let loose and have some fun, definitely not something that’s possible during classes. While it is important to relax and give yourself a well-deserved and relaxing break, summer break is also a chance to take advantage of opportunities that couldn’t be taken advantage of in while classes were in session.
A few potential ways that you can make the most of the summer in a more productive fashion:
- Polish and Add to Your Resume and/or LinkedIn
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If you had an internship or new job during the school year, it’s important to add that to your resume and along with the useful skills that you picked up during the job or internship. The same goes for any extra-curricular activities you did and clubs that you recently joined. Make the most of what you’ve done to inform employers that you’re a well-rounded person by showcasing your skills and experience!
- Get a Job or an Internship
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Obviously, getting an internship is a great way to gain real-world experience and take what you’ve been taught in class and apply that knowledge to the real world. It’s also a great way to expose yourself to the industry you’re trying to get into and decide if it’s right for you. It’s also a great way to build connections and network. Even if you’re not planning on landing an internship, use the summer break to expand your network and reach out to people who could potentially be important contacts, such as alumni of your school!
If you’re not thinking of interning over the summer, then getting any other job is still a fantastic way to keep yourself busy and make a little bit of money. You can still gain valuable skills to help you with collaboration, organization, time management, communication, and even more that you may not realize you’re gaining at first! Basic skills like these are all transferable to jobs in almost any industry.
- Volunteer
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When you’re extremely busy with school, it’s easy to forget how fortunate you are and how grateful you are for what you have. Getting into some volunteer work for a cause you’re passionate about can also be a great way to spend the summer. Not only are you making a difference in the lives of others, but it’s satisfying to know that you’re helping to make a difference in their lives. Lastly, it can even be a way to gain useful skills, meet new contacts, and network a little!
- Read
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Reading might not sound so appealing when it’s literally one of the only things you’ve been doing the entire school year, but I’ve personally found summer to be an opportunity to read some good books that I’m genuinely interested in. The thing is that what you read over the summer is completely up to you and no one is telling you what to read. It’s enjoyable because you’re not reading something that you don’t really have a say in, such as for a class. It might be worth a trip to Barnes & Noble and pick out some books that you wouldn’t otherwise have time to read during the semester.
- Try Something New
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There’s probably something you’ve always wanted to do, but just never had the time. Summer is the perfect time to pursue a new interest or hobby, or maybe even something you were putting off because of school but are still interested in! Maybe it’s a hobby, an activity, or a craft of some sort. Recognizing that you now have time to accomplish those goals or pursue those interests will keep you busy over the summer and make it more productive!