Summer has arrived, and for college students it is a time to relax, and enjoy the time off of school. However, summer does not always have to be a pause from school and personal growth. With this extra free time, use this time off as an advantage, and think about the next steps of your career. With a perfect balance between work, and play, this can be achieved, and you will be one step ahead of your career. Here are 10 ways college students can be productive over the summer break.
Snag a summer internship
Undergraduate students who are accepted into an internship are one step closer in landing a job once they graduate. Internships whether paid or unpaid give students opportunities as interns experience the real world which allows their network to expand. Another benefit of internships is it allows for professional development, and will give students a glimpse of what life will be like after college.
Start a passion project
With summer allowing for more free time, why not start or launch a project you are passionate about? Start off by brainstorming your passions and turn that project into life. Passion projects can vary widely. If you are an artist, create more work of arts. Photographers can expand their collection of photography. Writers can create more blogs, and write fan fiction. The list is endless.
Create a LinkedIn Account
Use summer as a time to network and open doors for new opportunities. Linkedin is similar to Facebook, but is more utilized as a professional development site rather than a personal site. Instead of scrolling through social media sites, invest some time for professional development. Connect with professors, peers, and other organizations to broaden your network and get started on a professional career.
Read a book for pleasure
Make sure to read something that is pleasurable. Skip the textbooks, and enjoy something you wanted to read, but did not have the time for during the school year. Go to the library or coffee shop. Read before bed, in the morning or on the weekends. Reading something during this break will allow you to be sharp in comprehension, and grammar once the new school year starts.
Be active outside
The return of summer weather means plenty of outdoor activities. Why be cooped up at home and get some sunlight and be active outside? Go take a jog outside, hike, take a swim or simply walking are great ways to be active. If the weather is stormy go to the gym and lift weights. It is a great time to be active, and a good time to get more fit before the school year starts.
Update your resume
Use this time off as a way to document what you have done, and how you have grown professionally throughout the year by updating your resume. Visit the career center, or simply write down what you have accomplished whether it be new skills, a new job, or any internship employment. You will be ahead of the game by the time school starts off.
See your academic advisor
During the school year, a student may be juggling multiple classes, and jobs so this is the perfect time to visit your academic advisor and see your progress with your college major. Academic advisors can help you register for classes, give you feedback, and give insight on what you need to graduate on time. If you are an out of state student consider visiting the advisor a week before classes start for the upcoming school year.
Apply for scholarships
Visit the colleges scholarship portal, and see what money you can earn to go towards tuition. This time is the perfect time to manage finances, and apply for awards, so don't waste any time and apply to as many scholarships as you can. Any college student would want free money to go towards their education.
Get a summer job
A part-time or full-time summer job will allow students to earn some income while school is not in session. Don't come into the school year broke, but use this time as a way to save some income and splurge on yourself once and then. Many companies employ students over the summer, so why not fill some time up with your schedule with a quick summer job.
Start a new hobby
Want to try and find something else you like? Look no further and see what interests you have. Love to cook? Learn how to cook more, and your parents and yourself will be happy once college starts up again. Try a new sport or try a musical instrument.
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