A year or so ago, I talked about how high school students could make the most of their summer break. One option for summer is summer school. We’ll address that for both high school and college students next month. But, how else can college students use their summer break?
Summer Break Can Be More Than One Thing
Summer break is seen as a time to relax and unwind, and it is. But at the same time, college students can engage in several activities to support their personal and professional development during the summer. The goal is to return to their studies refreshed, and with new skills and experiences to support their career goals. So, beyond their summer job, here are some valuable ways college students can make the most of their summers.
Get Experience
We’ve all heard the frustration of folks who want jobs but need experience first, yet can’t get the experience without a job. It’s a classic Catch-22. Two ways to avoid this conundrum are internships and externships. Securing an internship or externship related to their field of study provides students with excellent real-world experience. Whether it’s at a corporation, non-profit organization, or research institution, internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, build professional networks, and explore potential career paths.
And contrary to popular opinion, students shouldn’t shy away from larger companies that they admire. Instead, encourage them to align their interests and career goals and look for the best match regardless of size.
Something else to consider: some of these wonderful opportunities may be more available to your students at or near their colleges rather than at home. So, consider encouraging your students to remain at school for summer break rather than coming home if that’s where the best opportunities are.
Research Opportunities
I’ve worked at several colleges where upper-level students had the chance to participate in research activities during summer break. Faculty members often need research assistants for their work, and both undergraduate and graduate students are the perfect folks to provide that.
Engaging in research not only enhances their academic skills, but also demonstrates their commitment to their field of study. This research can also lead to published work, presentations at conferences, and letters of recommendation from faculty mentors, all of which are valuable assets for future endeavors. Participating in research activities during summer break is the perfect opportunity to build their professional network, and make themselves more competitive in either the job market, or for graduate study.
Skill Building Beyond Regular Coursework
Student may also use their summer break to build skills they feel they need. For example, students may take A+ courses during summer, or take a community course in using Microsoft Excel. They may also choose to earn certifications as EMTs, or participate in a weekly Spanish language conversation group. While these skills aren’t directly applicable to their course work, they may help them expand their professional and intellectual horizons.
Volunteer Work
Never underestimate the value of making a difference in the community. Whether it’s tutoring children, assisting at a local food bank, or volunteering for environmental conservation projects, serving others makes a positive impact and also cultivates empathy, leadership, and teamwork skills. Students who engage in volunteer work during summer break may also discover a new passion to pursue once they graduate.
Try Something New
College students can also go outside the box during summer break. The break offers them the ability to pursue personal passions and projects that may have been neglected during the academic year. Some closeted novelists can finally get back to their NaNoWriMo project. Others may learn how to play a musical instrument or launch a small business. And if they struggle with public speaking or writing essays? Have them take a class or join a group to help cultivate transferable skills that might need work through practice, exercises and helpful feedback. These summer activities not only nourish their souls, but may sharpen their problem-solving skills and foster self-expression.
Summer break can still give your student rest and refocus they crave, but needn’t be a three month cycle of solely their summer job and hanging with friends. Adding another element as explained above may make their summer even better.