So here we are. We're in the final stretch before summer break, and that means anywhere between three to four months of time away from campus. Time isn't necessarily money, but as broke college students who are looking to plump up our resumes or CVs and make money as we plan for the future, job-hunting has taken up a large part of our time before prepping for finals.
Let's face it, we've all applied to two-dozen or more internships, and with a lack of leads, perhaps you're swimming through the general work-application pool in your town. But you have no leads. Your friends have summer camp-counselor jobs lined up, or are moving miles upon miles away from their homes for some dream-internship or fellowship, and you're in a rut. I wait endlessly to hear back from prospective internships, uncertain of how many people applied, and if I'll ever even get a confirmation email that they've looked at my materials.
But this doesn't mean your summer is worthless. It doesn't mean you're a failure, or you don't have a future. The job market is hard to crack even if you have connections, and there are people much older than us who are still looking for that sweet spot to solidify their most-perfect future.
There are dozens of things to do with your summer, especially things that can help amp up your resume, and that will make you feel like a more fulfilled person. Here are 53 things you can do to make your summer spectacular.
Get to Work
Let's be real, finding way to spruce up your resume is always handy. I like to be busy, and finding 9-to-5 work is an ideal way for me keep busy. There are so many ways to do so, and so many opportunities to continue seeking out, and this can always be a side project as you continue to have a fulfilling summer, as there are always people out there looking for worker bees.
1. Spruce up your Linkedin.
2. Keep looking for internships throughout the summer.
3. Get a job.
4. Do odd jobs.
5. Volunteer.
6. Carefully peruse Craigslist for opportunities.
7. Apply for a research position.
Let’s Get Creative
Keep your creative spirit alive is a crucial part to being a growing adult. It's a great way to meet new people, great skills to cultivate and a wonderful way to express yourself. Also, many of the skills below could be great for our CVs!
8. Pick up, or go back to, an instrument.
9. Learn to draw.
10. Take an art class.
11. Learn Photoshop.
12. Learn to edit videos.
13. Learn photography.
14. Have a photoshoot.
15. DIY it all.
16. Maintain a Pinterest board or Tumblr.
17. Visit a free museum.
Learn a Little
I feel relatively stagnant when I'm not learning. Last summer I boosted my skill set by taking a photography class, and it taught me not only how to use my DSLR, but also how to use photoshop to its fullest extent. Learning HTML or Spanish are relatively crucial to the current, technology and social-based job world, and it'll just help give us a one-up in the market.
18. Take a college class at a local college.
19. Learn a programming language.
20. Learn a new topic that's completely unrelated to your field of study.
21. Practice a language to become fluent in it.
22. Learn a new language.
23. Learn about a culture or practice.
Keep Moving
I love working out, and am completely nervous about gym fees! While college gym access comes with being on a campus, many gyms are so pricey back home. Nevertheless, finding ways to keep fit and stay active are important for physical and mental wellness, and are a good practice to keep.
24. Generate a workout regimen.
25. Join an exercise class (bonus points if it's free).
26. Learn to do a handstand.
27. Learn to do a cartwheel.
28. Work toward becoming more flexible.
29. Take a walk every day.
30. Take a self defense class.
Live Your Future Life
Whilst us being legally adults at 18, sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm truly an adult yet. I still live at home, and rely on my parents, particularly while I'm home on vacations and breaks. Becoming more self-sufficient is an integral part of growing up, and these skills are important for survival as we age.
31. Learn to cook.
32. Get your permit or your license.
33. Make a budget.
34. Develop an online presence.
35. Challenge your fears.
36. Learn to live fully and inexpensively.
Be Social
Hiding behind our computers when it's so beautiful out is such a shame! The summer is an ideal time to meet people beyond your circle, and also getting to spend time with friends who've become distanced, or without the chains of class scheduling. Social activities can also lead to knew hobbies or skill-building, so there's no losing here.
37. Get to know your neighbors.
38. Spend time with friends.
39. Meet new friends.
40. Spend quality time with your parents.
41. Find a new group through Meetup.com.
42. Begin a club.
43. Join a LARP or an RPG group.
Good Practices
This is definitely a broad, miscellaneous mini-list, but these are the types of things that will really make your summer fulfilling, and initiate good practices for the future. Do things that are meditative, positively-time consuming, and helpful to those around you.
