As the nights draw in and the workload begins to pile up, plans for next summer may be the last thing on your mind, or, the only thing. Either way, should we be thinking how to spend those summer months already?
The options are endless, but as the world of work becomes tougher for graduates, how we spend our precious few months of freedom can be vital. Whether it moulds us into adults, gives us valuable life experience, adds to that dreaded CV or, all three, the summer break is not to be wasted. To give you a helping hand or to spark some of your own ideas, Her Campus Nottingham has compiled the best ways to be proactive this summer.
Charity Expeditions
If you’re not aware of the several expeditions that the university’s charity organisation Karnival supports, you must be walking around campus with your eyes shut. The biggest and most popular choice is undoubtedly climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a great way to meet friends, get fit and see Africa, not forgetting the great parties awaiting you on the island of Zanzibar after the climb. Although raising the money is hard work, it shows great commitment to potential employers and it is an achievement of a lifetime. However, if Kilimanjaro isn’t for you, there are other expeditions to Machu Picchu, Everest Base Camp and walking the Great Wall of China. Several meetings for information on Kilimanjaro have already taken place but it isn’t too late to get involved. Follow the link for more information and to sign up:
http://hopeforchildren.studentadventures.co.uk/adventures/kilimanjaro_su…
Internships
Arriving in final year, you soon realise an internship would have been a brilliant idea. It puts you in front of many of your peers in the race for a graduate job and can give you a clearer idea of what you would like to do when you reach the real world. However, they are not always easy to find. Milkround.com is a great website to see which internships are on offer and how to apply, and many deadlines are very close so now is the time to look. Contacting the company directly is another option but it may take several letters and emails to get a response. Also, don’t forget to use your contacts: speak to your family and friends about people they may know in your chosen industry as you never know who may be able to give you a helping hand. It may not be the most relaxing way to spend a summer, but it’s guaranteed to be challenging and worthwhile.
You can read about a real internship experience in our careers blog:
http://www.hercampus.com/school/nottingham/career-blog-what-i-learnt-my-…
Camp America
If you’re good with children and not afraid of a bit of hard work, this is a great opportunity. So many friends have raved about their experiences working in summer camps across America. The kids are great fun, you make friends for life and you have the opportunity to try new activities. On top of all that you have time to travel around America afterwards. The camps range from mixed camps to girls or boys only, and from faith based camps to camps for under-privileged kids. You can be a specialist counsellor teaching sports like tennis or golf, or a general counsellor making sure the kids are safe and having a good time throughout their stay. There is something for everyone. The camps last for several weeks so it takes a large chunk of your summer break, but it is a great way to combine work and travel. You can apply now or find out at more at:
Travelling
Whilst not being able to add it to your CV, travelling is a great way to gain some life experience, to learn more about other cultures and to make you a bit more interesting than you were before. Thailand, Laos and Cambodia seem to be the most popular amongst university students – we’ve all seen the pictures on Facebook of our friends on elephant treks through the jungle or at a full moon party – but the world has plenty more to offer. Trips through Europe are great on a budget because you don’t have to fork out for the long haul flight. Tickets, hotels and hostels don’t need to be booked this far in advance but if you want to make a trip this summer it’s a good idea to set yourself a budget now and start saving those pennies.
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