Add Productivity to Your Summer Vacation |
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Ahhh, summer vacation -- my favorite time of year. This summer, however, is a very significant summer as it is my last before I graduate from academia and start my life as a "real" person. Naturally I've been thinking about how I can spend my last summer of freedom in a productive, yet fun way. After talking with my GenY friends about different summer goals, here is my list of how you can make the most out of your summer vacation.
1. Apply for a Job or Internship
By this point in the year, you've probably sent in your applications and have started to hear back from potential employers. No matter what position you decide to take, don't forget to prepare before your first day. Map out how long it will take you to get to the office so you can arrive early. Are you driving or taking public transportation? Check train and bus schedules just in case. Did they ask you to bring certain items with you? Gather everything you'll need the night before so you won't forget anything on your way out. Being prepared will help to calm your nerves and stay confident on your big day.
2. If You've Missed Application Deadlines...
...there's no need to panic. Positions can open up at any time even after the summer rush. Finding them can be tricky, so maximize your resources. Who do you know that can help? Are your previous employers still hiring? Have you checked Craigslist or other job boards? Shoot an email to your professors who might have connections in your field. There are people willing to help you -- you just have to ask!
3. Learn a New Skill
It's important to stay mentally active even if you are on vacation. Experts are finding we lose much of our mental agility during long breaks when we aren't challenging our minds as we normally would at school (because isn't that what a vacation is for?). Luckily for us, it doesn't take much to maintain your wit. If you're busy at your job or internship for the majority of your day, make it a point to pick up a newspaper before your morning commute or start that book you've been meaning to read (or if you despise reading for some reason, this will do just fine). If you have more time to spare, why not take on a light summer class? I'm not suggesting you enroll in a hefty physics course by any means (unless you like that kind of stuff, in which case more power to you...) but look into classes that will knock some credits out of the way or are just plain fun. Why not take that photography/dance/cooking/whatever class you've had your eye on? Now's your chance!
4. Travel
I don't know if you've noticed, but it is beautiful outside! Take advantage of the summer weather. Plan a trip somewhere to escape your weekly routine even if it's simply exploring a new area of your city or town. Plan a trip with some friends for a long weekend or, if you're especially adventurous, set aside a week to travel to a foreign city. You only live once!
5. Plan Ahead for Fall
Start thinking about your goals for the upcoming semester. What do you want to achieve this year? Send your applications for internships and jobs before the deadline so you're not rushing at the last minute (there's nothing more annoying than finding cover letter typos after you submitted it). Review your class schedule -- are there any changes that can be made to better suit your learning habits (i.e. early vs late classes, class on every day of the week or concentrated on only two or three, etc)? What books do you need to buy? If you are applying for a job or internship, consider how it will fit into your academic calendar and discuss with your employer how you aim to balance both obligations.
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