How to Make the Most of Your Upcoming Summer

Summer is a time to relax and do things that bring you joy. But don’t let the warm weather fool you into putting aside your individual career goals. The 2024-2025 academic year is a few months away and since summer is – for many – a slower time academically, it can be the perfect time to invest in your professional development and getting started on your career journey if you haven’t already. And while having an internship or job might be the “typical” experience, below are some other things for you to pursue to make the most of the summer.

Enroll in online courses, certification programs, and projects relevant to your career goals.

Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Forage offer a wide range of courses on various subjects and Google offers several certifications, like Project Management or Data Analytics. And don’t forget the Career Center offers a free eight-week summer program that you can complete on your own called Praxis. Praxis is designed around the top competencies that employers are seeking in entry-level candidates like professionalism, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and service to others.

Search Handshake and Eagle Exchange to find and attend networking events, workshops, conferences, or seminars within your industry.

Both platforms offer the ability to message professionals, other students, and alumni, and building these relationships can lead to mentoring opportunities and potential internship/job openings this summer or next. Consider attending conferences or industry events to stay updated on the latest employment trends, technologies, and best practices in your field.

Use your transferable skills and time to volunteer for projects, initiatives, and/or at organizations that are aligned with your career interests.

Websites like Volunteer.gov and VolunteerMatch are great to check out or you can stop by the BC Volunteer & Service Learning Center for ideas. You can also seek out employers and nonprofits who need extra sets of hands such as food banks, community centers, health clinics, as well as homeless and animal shelters. This not only allows you to give back to the community but also helps you develop new skills, expand your network, ultimately putting it on your resume. And don’t forget graduate schools love these experiences too!

Invest in new professional wear

Stop by the BC Career Closet for access to new and gently used attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events, and the workplace. You can then use the clothes and get a new professional photo using our Photo Booth. For access to both resources, you will need to schedule an appointment via Handshake.

Remember that Career Center coaches work all summer long and are here to help you! Hopefully these tips and suggestions will help with your professional development but don’t forget to set aside at least a little bit of the summer to relax and do things that bring you joy. 

By Jonathan Rosenthal, Assistant Director, Career Education (Healthcare, Nursing, & Counseling)