You’ve finished the semester, but what now? We all say, “I’ll fix my resume later” or “I’ll learn more about that during the summer.” Here is your guide to prepare for the career you want while having a fun summer! Suggestions include prepping job materials, gaining experience, and volunteering. These are small activities that prepare you for the future while relaxing by the beach.
Job Materials
You can use the break to refocus your application materials and tailor them toward the career you want to pursue! Update your resume with the skills, activities, and jobs that you’ve learned and worked on during the semester. Consider visiting your career counselor for resume writing advice and tips! You can schedule an appointment (in-person or Zoom) through Handshake with your college’s Career Counselor. Career Discovery and Success also offers appointments for career exploration and research, interview prep, and (of course) professional materials review (resume, cover letter, CV, etc). Career counselors are available to help you find a career that works for YOU.
Build Experience
Summer is the perfect time to gain experience and explore what truly interests you. Whether you take on a summer job, internship, or co-op, or try a short-term opportunity like job shadowing, every experience helps you develop new skills, build confidence, and expand your professional network.
Volunteering is another excellent way to give back to your community while gaining hands-on experience that can strengthen your resume.
Want to see what opportunities are available? Check out Handshake to search for summer jobs, internships, co-ops, and other experiences that fit your goals. Even small experiences can make a big difference in your career journey, so start exploring today!
Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience in your field, help improve your community, or explore a new hobby! There are many opportunities to gain additional career experience or contribute to a community initiative you care about.
Opportunities are everywhere when you know where to look for them. Check out your local organizations!
- Community centers
- Summer camps
- Animal shelters
- Nursing homes
- Libraries
- Youth development centers
- Non-profit organizations
- Recreation centers
If you’re in or near Auburn-Opelika, check out:
Micro-Internships on Forage
Not every summer prep activity requires leaving the comfort of home! Forage provides the opportunity to participate in experiential learning opportunities, or micro-internships, where you can apply the skills you learn within the classroom to real-world job scenarios.
You can complete the micro-internship as long as you have internet access. These opportunities are unlimited, allowing you to explore different career fields at your own pace while gaining experience in a simulated environment. Many employers have posted simulations, including Citi, Comcast, Walmart, Wells Fargo, and GE Aerospace.
Skill Check
Take the time to brush up on the things you learned during the semester. Summer is the perfect opportunity to revisit those skills without the added pressure of a grade or deadline. Work on your designing, coding, editing, drafting, acting, or writing. Enjoy photography? You could start a freelance business and grow your portfolio. It does not have to be all work and no play. Learn that skill you have been putting off. It could benefit you more than you realize in the long run.
Have Fun!
You made it through the year, and that’s something to celebrate! Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and update your resume as you go. It’s much easier to capture your accomplishments in real time than to try to remember everything later.
And don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Spend time with friends and family, relax, and catch up on your favorite shows. Even if you’re working this summer, make sure to rest and take time for yourself. This summer is yours to enjoy!
