You've finally finished your exams. You're finally in your car, finally going home, and that's when it hits you. You've worried so much about getting through spring semester so you could finally take a break, that you don't actually know what you're going to do with yourself over said break. It's a problem all too familiar to some of us, and if you want to avoid it, it's time to start thinking about your summer now–not when you're headed home and straight into it.

I know it's still winter, but hear me out. Now more than ever, it is crucial to spend your summers in the right way. They're just as essential as the semesters you've spent in college. Summer is a time to build your resume in ways that you simply can't do when all of your time is spent in the classroom setting. It's a season for getting out into the world, getting experience in different fields, and working towards your future in ways that don't involve staying up past midnight writing papers and studying for exams, and if you want to do just that, you need to start planning early.

Summer internships are wonderful opportunities to gain real life experience in fields that you may want to enter into after you graduate. Some are paid, and some aren't, but either way, they're great ways to build your resume, build your skill sets, and make sure that you're choosing the right career path. If you want to get an internship, you need to look into them early on in the school year, and I'm talking very early. A lot of applications for internships begin to close in January, February, March, and surrounding months. Pick things you're interested in, and make your application personal, make it a reflection of you.

Summer jobs are just as good to go for as internships, sometimes even better. Start applying for summer jobs, or even normal jobs that could extend through the summer and into something more during the school year. If you want to work at home, try and find something just for the summer months, and if you want to work at school, try and find something more long-term.

Volunteering over the summer can also be a great way to gain experience in new settings too, and it's just as important to have on resumes. It can come in a variety of forms, so try and fit something that sounds most appealing to you, and learn how to enjoy yourself through helping others.

Summer isn't all about work. It's also a time to spend with family and friends, and a time to finally take some time for yourself. Go on family vacations, or just sit at home some days and relax. Plan fun and exciting trips with your best friends, whether that involves going to the beach or going to concerts. Remember to have fun over the summer, and remember that everything you do doesn't have to be a resume builder. If you don't have some fun, you're not going to want to work in the first place, and I mean, it is summer after all.