As the academic year wraps up, summer beckons with the promise of lazy days, beach outings, and Netflix marathons. Picture yourself lounging by the pool with a novel, embarking on spontaneous road trips, and catching up on sleep. But what if you could mix in a bit of professional growth to make your summer not just fun, but also a stepping stone for your future? Here’s how you can blend relaxation with professional development to create a summer that’s both enjoyable and enriching.
Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Professional Development:
1. Less Academic Stress: With no (or fewer) assignments and exams, your mind is free to explore new interests and skills.
2. Flexible Schedule: Use the relaxed summer pace to fit in professional activities alongside your leisure time.
3. Networking: Summer is ideal for connecting with professionals who may also be in a more laid-back mode, making networking easier and more productive.
Steps to Boost Your Professional Development This Summer:
1. Secure a Job, Internship, or Shadowing Experience
These options all provide valuable real-world experience. The time commitment can vary from a few hours a week to full-time. Some virtual, project-based experiences may even be done from anywhere, including a beachside café.
Consider a micro-internship or an employment simulation that allows you to get a taste of what working in a particular field or for a particular company would be like.
2. Take Online Courses
Enroll in online courses to learn new skills while relaxing at home or in a park. Identify skill gaps, choose relevant courses, and commit a few hours each week to your learning.
UF students can access LinkedIn Learning courses for free. The library of courses available span core human skills to very niche technical topics.
3. Volunteer
Find a cause you care about and volunteer. This helps you build skills, gain experience, and show potential employers your commitment to making a difference.
4. Attend Workshops and Conferences
Take advantage of this less busy time to attend workshops and conferences to gain knowledge and meet industry professionals. Use these events to network and follow up with new contacts to maintain connections.
Check out our Building Connections Guide for examples of what you can say when you’re reaching out to someone.
5. Work on a Personal Project
Start a personal project that excites you, like developing an app or writing a blog. This not only keeps you engaged but also showcases your initiative and creativity to future employers.
6. Utilize Career Connections Center Services and Resources
The C3 offers both career planning appointments and express drop-ins virtually or in-person. You can talk with a career coach about your goals and identify action steps to help you move forward. Alternatively, check out our 8-Semester Career Readiness Guide to pick out two to three things you can work on over the summer.
The Benefits of a Productive Summer
- Enhanced Employability: New skills and experiences make you a more attractive job candidate.
- Networking: Building connections can lead to future job opportunities and mentorship.
- Personal Growth: Tackling new challenges helps you grow and gain clarity on your career goals.
- Career Clarity: Exploring different roles helps refine your interests and career direction. In turn, you’ll be better prepared to articulate your “why” when applying for future roles.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, but it’s also an opportunity to invest in your future. By blending in some professional development, you can enjoy a summer that refreshes and sets you up for career success. So, while you soak up the sun, remember to take small steps towards personal and professional growth.
