Congratulations on completing your fall semester of college! You now have a few weeks to relax, recharge, and spend time with friends and family. While it’ll be amazing to hang out after all the hard work of this past semester, you can utilize this free time to keep yourself ahead academically and professionally.
1. RECONNECT WITH PAST EMPLOYERS AND PROFESSORS
Maintain your professional relationships by reaching out to those you have worked with, such as employers from your First Workings Internship or Mentorship. Let them know what you are up to, any recent accomplishments, or events! Professors are another great resource for research experience and connection to a wider network of professionals in your field. Speak to a professor about joining their research team or helping them with their work.
2. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone who works in an area of your interests and/or who can provide meaningful career advice. Take advantage of the free time you have and arrange an informational interview with someone in an industry you are interested in or would like to learn more about. You can also reach out to First Workings and schedule an informational interview!
3. UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Use this time to make changes to the wording and layout of your resume. There are tons of templates available online to help you get a feel for how you want your resume to look.
5. CREATE OR UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE
Upload a new picture, edit your summary, make connections, and update any new jobs/internships and classes you had this past semester on LinkedIn.
6. APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS
Many companies and organizations begin posting their summer internships as early as December. Now is the time to apply for summer internships and ask for letters of recommendation. You can ask within your network and by searching online. Again, consider speaking with professors about opportunities like internships and research. Here are some places you can begin your search:
– LinkedIn.com
– Handshake.com
– Idealist.org
– Themuse.com
– Indeed.com
– Wayup.com
