Making the Most of Your Summer Break

By Elizabeth Davis on February 21, 2012

On the phone with a friend from high school a few days ago, I remarked that summer was fast approaching and that I was looking forward to having some downtime.  She laughed and said she had already applied for two internships and that her summer was likely to be even more demanding than her school year.  I, on the other hand, had imagined a three-month repose much like the summers I’d savored in high school – days of relaxation, late nights with friends, road trips and weekend getaways.  With her words, that dream was shattered and I was forced into the knowledge that I’m a college student now and am obligated to be productive.  Even with a stellar academic record, students face an uphill battle when it comes to finding a job after graduation.  My friend was right – summers have to be used to gain valuable experiences, explore options, and maximize chances for future opportunities. With Winter quarter almost over and break just a few months away, I decided it was time to look into my options.

Photo from Flickr.com, Uploaded by Moyan_Brenn

Internships – Pursuing an internship is one of the best things a student can do to gain knowledge and experience in an area of career interest.  Oftentimes, your university’s Career Center is the best resource for finding the right internship for you.  Additionally, check out your college’s networking opportunities.  Job fairs and alumni networking services can be incredibly helpful when it comes to getting connected.  You could also try to find an internship on campus with a professor in your area of study.  If you loved your last poetics seminar or chemistry class, why not try giving the professor a hand over the summer?

Academic Activities – Who says the summer months should give your brain a break?  You can get ahead in schoolwork and keep your intellect sharp by taking summer classes, at your university, in your hometown, or even abroad.  Taking classes during the summer can save you time and money.  If you’re an upperclassmen, you can even look into fellowships by speaking with advisors or professors in your department.  Even better, talk to an advisor about abroad programs and transferable credits.  This way, you can enjoy your summer by exploring a new city and culture and still be furthering your knowledge.

 Volunteering – Interested in becoming a doctor?  Why not volunteer at your local hospital?  Have your mind on starting a nonprofit?  See if you can donate your time this summer.  Volunteering is both personally rewarding and a great way to show potential employers that you can make a difference within an organization.  Volunteer experiences can contribute to your development as a leader and show your dedication to community service, and will also connect you with others in your potential field.

After researching the possibilities, I have found a few opportunities I never would have considered before.  Now, instead of sitting at the pool or working at the same job all summer long, I might study abroad in Spain, volunteer at a local nonprofit organization, or get an internship at a literary magazine.  Whichever experience I choose, I will be showing initiative, gaining valuable experience, and doing something meaningful for my three months off from school.

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