After an academically rigorous year, you may be tempted to spend your summer vacation relaxing. But if you plan on applying for an internship or job in the near future, these few months off are the perfect opportunity to give your resume a boost. Choose to do one of these activities over the summer instead of lying on the beach and it will be time well-spent:
1. Apply for an internship
A cornerstone of any good resume, an internship is most often completed during the summer months. It’s a great way to get true on-the-job experience, and will help you apply the skills you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world situation.
2. Enroll in summer classes
If you have the time and inclination, taking summer classes can help you tackle required college courses and potentially graduate more quickly. Summer classes are generally more concentrated and fast-paced, so you may want to just take one at a time.
3. Try something new
Instead of lounging by the pool, spend your summer developing a new skill that could be helpful as you embark on your career journey. Try learning a new language or getting to know a new software program. It will keep your brain active so you’re ready to go when classes begin again in the fall.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to build your resume while serving the community. Even if it’s just for a few days a week, offering your skills at a local animal shelter or health clinic can provide you with the opportunity to give back while developing real-world experience that you can use in your future career.
5. Job shadow
If you have to work during your summer vacation, try to spend some time job shadowing a professional in your field of study. It will help you to better understand what the day-to-day responsibilities are like for someone in your industry and may also prove to be a valuable networking opportunity.
