Hey future leaders! With summer officially here, it’s the perfect time to hit pause on the beach trips and summer jobs (or maybe just take a break from them!) and take stock of your career journey. University life is a whirlwind, and sometimes career planning can feel like just another item on a never-ending to-do list. But trust me, taking a moment to reflect now, while things might be a little less hectic, can make a huge difference in where you’re headed.
Think of it like this: You wouldn’t drive cross-country without occasionally checking your map, right? Your career is no different!
Why Reflect? It’s Your Secret Weapon!
You might be thinking, “I’m just a student, what progress do I have to reflect on?” A lot, actually! Every class project, volunteer hour, part-time job, club activity, and even casual conversation holds clues about your strengths, interests, and what you want (or don’t want!) in your professional life.
Reflection helps you:
- Identify your wins (big and small!): Did you rock that group presentation? Master a new software program? Successfully balance academics with a demanding extracurricular? These are all accomplishments that build your skills and confidence.
- Pinpoint areas for growth: Maybe you realized public speaking isn’t your favorite, or you want to improve your time management. Knowing this helps you focus your efforts.
- Connect the dots: How does that seemingly unrelated elective connect to a potential career path? Reflection helps you see the bigger picture.
- Stay motivated: Seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly encouraging and fuel your drive for the next steps.
Time to Get Real: A Simple Reflection Exercise
Grab an iced coffee, find a comfy spot, and pull out a notebook or open a new doc on your computer. Let’s break down your past academic year (and maybe even this summer so far!):
- Skills Gained & Applied:
- What new skills did you learn this past year, inside or outside of class? (Think technical skills, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, etc.)
- How did you apply these skills? Give specific examples!
- Which skills did you enjoy using the most? Which felt like a drag?
- Experiences & Accomplishments:
- What projects, internships, volunteer roles, or part-time jobs were significant for you?
- What were your proudest achievements? Don’t be shy – this is your space to brag a little!
- What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn from them?
- Interests & Dislikes:
- What topics or industries piqued your interest this past year?
- What activities or tasks energized you?
- What did you not enjoy doing? Recognizing what you dislike is just as valuable as knowing what you love!
- Did any new career paths or roles catch your eye?
- Networking & Connections:
- Whom did you connect with this year (professors, mentors, alumni, industry professionals)?
- What insights did you gain from these conversations?
Looking Forward: Setting Your Sights on What’s Next
Now that you’ve looked back, it’s time to look forward! Use your reflections to inform your plans for the upcoming academic year and beyond.
- Set SMART Goals: Instead of vague aspirations, make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Instead of: “Get an internship.”
- Try: “Apply to at least 5 marketing internships by October 1st and attend one virtual career fair specific to marketing.”
- Bridge the Gaps: Based on your reflection, what skills do you want to develop further? What experiences do you need to gain? Look for courses, workshops, volunteer opportunities, or club roles that can help you get there.
- Explore & Research: If new career paths emerged, take some time to research them. What are the typical roles? What education or experience is required? Informational interviews are your best friend here!
- Update Your Tools: Refresh your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio with your new skills and accomplishments. These are living documents, not one-and-done tasks!
Taking this time for self-reflection isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about building a fulfilling career and a life you love. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a career advisor to discuss your reflections and future plans. We can help you turn those insights into actionable steps!
What’s one key takeaway from your year that’s guiding your next steps this summer or into the fall?
