Finals done, bikinis and swim trunks donned, and beach towels out. It’s that time of year: summer. In a nutshell it’s a time of bonfires, summer outfits, partying at the beach, tanning by the pool, summer jobs/internships, and catching up on much needed sleep. School? What’s that? A word that randomly disappears from our vocabulary from June to August.
Even though summer is our time to wind down and forget the stresses of classes, exams, professors, and assignments, that doesn’t mean we still can’t turn it into a step towards success. Every job we attain is a resume boost. If you’re interning somewhere during these next few months, make the most of it. Work your little butts off and show your boss that you mean business. Learn how to “rub elbows” with the bigwigs (after all, at the end of the day it’s all about who you know). There’s nothing wrong with a little “brown-nosing.” Just because you aren’t going to be tested at the end of your job/internship doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t put just as much effort as you put into your studies. Think about the totally awesome letters of recommendation you can get from your boss in the future.
What happens if you failed to secure a summer internship and you’re stuck flipping burgers yet another summer, or if you were like me, folding endless amounts of clothes you’d never wear (oh retail)? Never fear. There’s always something to do.While internships are vital to any resume, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have one this summer. Don’t let that leep you from making moves. Community service is key to overall success as an undergrad. In your spare time volunteer at a local soup kitchen, a hospital, or for all you pet lovers out there, an ASPCA. What better way to spend your extra time than helping those in the community who happen to be less fortunate? Very rewarding. Plus when you go to apply for a “real world” job one day with community service all over your resume, potential employers are going to eat it up.
Even though you’re not in class (or maybe you are, and I pity you. Summer classes are never fun) you shouldn’t stop stimulating your brain. No, I don’t mean doing intensive mathematical equations daily or studying textbooks. Maybe every once in a while pick up a book. Personally I love reading a good page turner while I’m sunbathing. You’d be surprised how much stimulation reading a book can give to your brain. I always try and make a point to at least learn ONE new thing during the summer. Learn how to knit, flip on the Discovery Channel, or open a recipe book and become a chef. Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body. After all, we all know how difficult it is to ease back into the academic stresses of the school year come August.
Whatever you do, make this summer count. Everything you do, do it for a purpose. It’s a competitive world out there, it’s important to always stay one step ahead!
