Summer break is a time that all students look forward to. It's a time where you don't have any readings, papers to write, or exams to study for. It's a time where we can work and make money and go to the beach and have fun. It's important to remember that summer can also be a time to build up your resume and work on getting to where you want to be in the next 5 or 10 years. As you become a junior and senior especially, it's important to find that balance between fun and work.

1. Travel

Now is your chance to really explore the world and see what you want to see before responsibilities and life get in the way.

2. Shadow Someone in Your Career Field

It's never a bad idea to get a behind the scenes and look at what you're going to be doing the rest of your life, and summer break is the perfect time to do it.

3. Read a Book

Sure, reading isn't for everyone and the last thing you want to do is pick up a book over summer break. Though this may be true, summer is the time where you can read what you want, when you want.

4. Volunteer

Looking to give your resume a boost? Summer is just the time to do that. Do some research and find some volunteer projects near you, It'll make you stand out as well as be fun at the same time.

5. Get an Internship

If you're heading into your senior year or even if you've graduated, summer is the perfect time for an internship. No, you probably won't be getting paid, but you'll gain a ton of experience which will look great on graduate school applications as well as to future employers.

6. Go to the Beach

You've worked so hard all year long and you deserve some time to yourself. Go to the beach, put your toes in the sand, soak up the rays of the sun, and just relax.

7. Go to a Concert

Summer is perfect for concerts. Go see your favorite band or singer and make a whole day of it.

8. Work On Your Resume

Yes, this definitely sounds lame and boring, but it will give you a head start when the job fair rolls around in the fall at school or when you begin looking for employment.

9. Go to a Sports Game

You may not be so into sports, but the atmosphere around you and the livelihood of the crowd may be just what you need to bring some excitement to your summer.

10. Take a Trip Into the City

No matter where home is for you, take a trip into the heart of the city. Go shopping, try a new restaurant, be a tourist for the day.

11. Try Something New

Now is the prime time in your life to go out there and try something new. Find something that you've been dying to do and go for it.

Take this time and enjoy every minute of it. Be carefree, laugh all day, and enjoy the sunny days that lie ahead. Before you know it, you'll have a full time job and summer won't really be the same anymore. You'll still be able to go to the beach, take trips, and have some fun times, but it won't be the same as when you were in school.