Hey Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Can you feel it? That sweet, sweet whisper of summer break is here! For many of us, it conjures images of sleeping in, binge-watching that show you’ve been putting off, and maybe even a road trip or two. And while all of that is fantastic and well-deserved, as your friendly neighborhood Career Services Director, I’m here to tell you that summer break is also an incredible, often overlooked, superpower for your career advancement.
Think of it this way: your academic year is like a marathon, and summer is your pit stop. You wouldn’t pull into the pit, chug a soda, and then just drive off, would you? (Unless you’re going for a very specific kind of record, in which case, good luck!) You’d refuel, check your tires, and maybe even get a quick wash. Your summer break should be the same kind of strategic pause.
Why Summer Matters More Than You Think (Beyond the Tan Lines)
Let’s get real for a moment. In today’s competitive job market, simply having a degree isn’t always enough. Employers are looking for experience, skills, and a demonstrated initiative. And guess what? Summer is prime time to cultivate all three!
- The Experience Gap: A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that over 70% of employers prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience. Summer internships, part-time jobs, and even volunteer roles can be game-changers in bridging that gap. Imagine being able to confidently say in an interview, “Yes, I led a project team during my summer internship at X company,” rather than just, “I learned about project management in a class.” See the difference?
- Skill Up, Buttercup: While your classes are building your foundational knowledge, summer offers the chance to pick up those highly sought-after “soft skills” (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) and “hard skills” (coding, graphic design, data analysis) that make you truly marketable. Ever heard the joke, “What do you call a student who graduates with a 4.0 but no practical experience? Unemployed”? Okay, maybe I made that up, but the sentiment is real!
- Networking Nirvana: Summer often means more relaxed schedules, which can translate into more opportunities for informational interviews, coffee chats, and connecting with professionals in your desired field. Remember, it’s not always what you know, but who you know, and more importantly, who knows you.
How to Turn Your Summer from “Meh” to “Magnificent” for Your Career:
So, how do you make the most of this precious time? Here are some actionable tips:
- Internships: Your Golden Ticket. This is hands down one of the most effective ways to gain real-world experience. Even if it’s unpaid (though we always encourage seeking paid opportunities!), the connections and learning you gain are invaluable. Start looking NOW if you haven’t already! Check out Handshake, connect with faculty for leads, and don’t be afraid to cold-email organizations you admire.
- Part-Time Jobs with a Purpose. Not every summer job has to be directly related to your major to be beneficial. Working in retail, food service, or any customer-facing role builds crucial transferable skills like customer service, problem-solving under pressure, and teamwork. Plus, a little extra cash never hurt anyone!
- Volunteer Your Way to Success. Want to make a difference and boost your resume simultaneously? Volunteering is an excellent option. Whether it’s at a local non-profit, a church organization, or a community event, you’ll gain valuable experience, meet new people, and show potential employers your commitment to serving others. And as students of a Christian university, we know the power of service!
- Learn a New Skill (or Sharpen an Old One). Always wanted to learn Photoshop? Curious about coding? Summer is the perfect time! There are tons of free and low-cost online courses (Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning) that can help you acquire new skills or deepen existing ones. This looks fantastic on your resume and shows initiative.
- Network, Network, Network! Reach out to alumni, family friends, and even professionals you admire on LinkedIn for informational interviews. Ask about their career path, what they enjoy about their work, and any advice they might have. Remember, most people love talking about themselves and are happy to help a budding professional.
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile. Even if you’re not actively applying for jobs, keeping these documents polished and up-to-date is crucial. Use the summer to reflect on your accomplishments and add any new skills or experiences you’ve gained.
A Little Humor (Because We All Need a Break):
I once heard a student say, “My summer job is professional napping.” While I appreciate the dedication to rest, let’s aim for a slightly more productive summer resume booster, shall we? Unless you’re pioneering a new field in sleep science, I’d suggest diversifying your summer activities!
The Bottom Line:
Your summer break isn’t just a pause; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to learn, and to position yourself for success after graduation. Don’t let these precious months slip by without a plan.
Come visit us in Career Services! We’re here to help you brainstorm ideas, polish your resume, and connect you with opportunities. Let’s make this summer your most productive one yet!
