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Summer Break what to do?

I'm not quite sure how to spend my summer break and want to get ahead. So what should I do? Read? Study? Online-courses? #summer #preparing #summer-internship #volunteering #summer-programs

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Subject: Career question for you

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Katherine’s Answer

You're on the right track there...

Katherine recommends the following next steps:

Volunteering is a perfect way to contribute to your community. Depending on what you're into, contact that organization and ask around. Also, take this time to build your relationships. Your network is a big asset in your life. Maintain old connections that are worth keeping, and also start branching out.
Reflect, meditate, call it what you want... you can use this free time to quiet your mind and practice patience and inner peace. You are your biggest investment so take the time to listen to yourself. And be honest about what you want and don't want from life.
Cultivate new hobbies and polish up old ones-- playing an instrument, painting, biking, hiking, writing, etc.
Read-- be it books, magazines, journals, articles, textbooks. You can expand your literary horizons by diving into genres that you may not have considered before. For example, Russian literature may seem intimidating but if you break it down into bite-sized chunks, the stories and characters are relatable. Or, try scientific papers and learn about the world around you.
Taking an online class-- whether you're still in college or out and already working, taking an online class is a great way to learn a new skill or to brush up on old ones. Think about subjects that are either useful to your current academic or professional situation, or simply fun/interesting/entertaining.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Kiara:

This a very good question and thank you for asking it. You're already off to a good start . . .

Here are a few things that you might want to consider:

* Seek out a summer job. Take this opportunity to work over the summer if you are unable to do so throughout the year while attending classes. You could use this time to make some extra money

* Find ways to volunteer; especially in areas that interest you. Volunteering could be paid or unpaid. Do not overlook unpaid volunteer opportunities

* Explore internships. Most companies are always seeking interns. Internships gives you new skills and experiences that looks good on your resume

* Have fun. Whatever that may be to you such as travel, learning something new, helping others or just relaxing and preparing for the next semester

Whatever you decide to do this summer - Go for it! Best of luck to you.

~ Sheila
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Karen’s Answer

Do things you have never done before -- random acts of kindness are best.  Each day find someone whose day you can brighten simply by asking them how they are doing and what they enjoy doing. Then listen to what they say and reinforce them as humans.  Doing something small each day for someone else will make you feel like your summer was well spent.  And don't forget to take time to do the things you enjoy -- we never know IF there will be  tomorrow.


With every good wish!

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Ashley’s Answer

Hi. Great question. Below are a couple articles I have written about making the most out of your summer. I will post the major tasks in the to-do list section.

-https://temple.uloop.com/news/view.php/264196/ways-to-keep-your-mind-active-this-summer

-https://temple.uloop.com/news/view.php/263984/how-to-be-productive-this-summer

Ashley recommends the following next steps:

Travel- This will help you have new experiences and see new places, both of which are super beneficial.
Do something out of your comfort zone- Whether it is going to a place alone or trying a new food, getting out of your comfort zone helps you get ahead.
Take a summer class- Whether it is on campus, online, or through a website such as Lynda, Edx, or countless others, this will keep your skills sharp and help you learn new things.
Work or intern- If you work, you can make some extra money to be prepared for the new semester. Interning will help you get hands-on experience in your field, practice your skills, and add to your resume.
Attend a networking event or conference in your field- This will help you further your career by allowing you to meet new people in your field and ask them advice.
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Victoria’s Answer

My number one recommendation is to enjoy your summer, pretty soon you wont be bale to have extended amounts of time to do so. That being said I do recommend having a part time job or internship and taking at least one summer course so it isn't jarring going back to classes. Summer courses have less time then a typical semester so I recommend taking a course your are confident in at that time.
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Simeon’s Answer

If you can get an internship, that would be ideal. I wouldn't worry about volunteering more (unless you want to, of course) as far as beefing up your resume. Reading books related to your field wouldn't be a bad start. You could check out the bibliography of any textbooks you have for the college courses and reading some of those. Many textbooks spend their time summarizing what other books have said, but you can gain a lot by going to those books directly.

That all being said, if no plan for the summer is solidifying, I would recommend checking out summer camp work. You can make a lot of new friends, get some certifications, spend your summer in a new and interesting place, and save up some spending money for college.
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Melisa’s Answer

Hi Kiara,

You have some great advice here already so I’m also adding some information on ways to find volunteer opportunities. Your question is also helpful to other students who may be looking for ways to fill their summer break with meaningful activities.
Our world will always have people in need and we’ll always have many ways we can help others through non-profits that are doing amazing things. Volunteering can also help you grow your network of individuals who can help you in your career and educational goals.

And helping others doesn’t have to end with the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are still a lot of great virtual volunteer opportunities you can sign-up for and still gain experience and volunteer from where you are. Answering others’ questions here on CareerVillage for example. You can also write notes of gratitude and support for our Military and Veterans through Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com/ or help write cards of hope for cancer patients through organizations like www.philsfriends.org and more!

Take time to look at causes and organizations that interest you and check them out. Invite a friend to volunteer with you and make a difference together.

Best wishes to you in your future goals.

summer preparing summer-internship volunteering summer-programs

Melisa recommends the following next steps:

Learn more about non-profits and volunteer opportunities near you at http://greatnonprofits.org
Take a look at this helpful list of virtual volunteer opportunities https://www.pointsoflight.org/virtual-volunteering-opportunities/
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