A pause during or between college semesters is a thing of beauty, so it’s important to enjoy down time. However, once you have a few Netflix marathons under your belt you might feel ready to do something productive with your time. We want to encourage and support you with some tips for making the most of break – no matter where you are in terms of career decision-making or readiness. Choose one or two and pat yourself on the back for using your time wisely.
1. Reflect on the past semester and assess your skills, interests and values. Think of an experience or a course you had recently that you enjoyed and then answer the following: 1)When did you feel most engaged in your learning or work? 2) What strengths/skills/personal qualities did you draw on to help you succeed? 3) As you look forward to next semester and summer, what is something (small or large) you want to learn more about or prepare for a possible long-term goal in college or beyond?
2. Reconnect with high school friends and teachers. You never know when your catch-ups could lead to ideas or possibilities for internships, informational interviews, or jobs. Prepare a specific answer to conversational questions that will make it easier for people to help you. For example, when your friend’s mom asks how you’re doing, instead of mumbling something vague say, “Well, I’m hoping to find a summer internship at a health-related nonprofit here in Dallas. I’d love your ideas if you know anyone who works in the field.”
3. Break down large goals into manageable tasks. “Get an internship and figure out what to do with my life” is too daunting. It’s also an overwhelming way to spend your break. Schedule times to work so that you also have time for fun. On Tuesday, your one to-do can be “spend 30 minutes browsing alum profiles on LinkedIn” — so do that — and then watch a movie with your mom. On Thursday, “spend 30 minutes refining resume” — and then hang out with friends. Imagine the cumulative effect of committing to a plan like this over the break. You’ll be productive and you’ll actually enjoy the break as a BREAK and not a vague, intimidating list of to-dos.
4. Ask for information or advice. Networking is as easy as asking someone where to go for good New York style pizza. You’re seeking information/advice about something that interests you. When you do it for professional growth it is the same thing, only you might be asking about the field of sustainability or marketing rather than pizza. Most people are happy to help if you ask graciously. Reach out to someone – a parent’s friend, your older cousin, or a previous coach – and see what you can learn or who you might meet to help you along in your search.
5. Create a target list. A target list is a document you can use to gather the names of 15-20 people and/or organizations related to your interests. Research them with LinkedIn, WashU CNX, Google, Vault or other resources to learn more. Expand your list by finding their competitors/collaborators, or check to see if there are WashU students or alumni who work/worked there. Alumni make great contacts for informational interviews.
6. Make a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, designed to help people make professional connections, share their experiences and resumes, and find opportunities. Create a profile, then use it to find alumni doing work that interests you and build your network. LinkedIn can be a place to start exploring and see the variety of career paths available, or a way to target key companies and positions once you have a specific goal in mind. Or, work backward and look at the profiles of people in your dream positions to see how they got there. Maybe their internships or first jobs will inspire your target list.
7. Update your business dress wardrobe. Consider taking advantage of sales or using holiday gift cards to treat yourself to a shopping trip. On a budget? Check out clothing discounters like Marshalls, Kohl’s, or even local or online thrift stores.
8. Check out LinkedIn Learning. As a WashU student, you have access to LinkedIn Learning, which provides thousands of videos covering business, creative and tech topics (in several languages!). This is a great way to learn from expert instructors and increase skill sets that can enhance your candidacy for internships and jobs.
9. Upgrade your social media feeds. Learn as you scroll by following companies, professionals and industry-related news outlets in the fields that interest you. Good candidates for internships and jobs need to know about trends, conversation topics and news related to the work. Even passive following, like reading the headlines, will make you more familiar with industry lexicon and more prepared to talk the talk.
10. Assume positive intentions. When family asks about your plans, it’s easy to feel anxious or challenged. In most cases, your loved ones have your best interests in mind. Guide the conversation by sharing what you’ve done so far, pros and cons of potential choices, your plans to mitigate risks, and your next steps. Take the focus off you by asking loved ones about their stories and how they made decisions. Sometimes it can be easier to listen to others when we believe they have positive intentions and experience to share.