Summer term is a great chance for all students to use their time wisely and get a taste of what it would be to put their knowledge to work. It’s the perfect time to learn more, or discover new interests and abilities.
In many of my articles and videos, I have encouraged you to reach out to professors for internship opportunities or apply to companies in your field. But early in your educational journey there may be times, that even after trying your best, you are unable to get an internship for the year.
In such a situation, there are many more ways to hone your skills and but the extra time you have in the summer to good use! In this article, I will take you through a few items that you can do instead.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on products we have recommended. For more information look at the disclosure policy
Set achievable goals
Before getting down to anything, to make the most of your summer term, set clear goals for yourself. Determine what you want to achieve during this time, whether it’s improving your grades, exploring new subjects, gaining practical experience, or learning a new skill. Once you have a clear idea of your goals, develop a plan to accomplish them.
For instance, if you want to improve your grades, you might consider taking summer courses in areas where you struggled during the academic year. If you want to explore a new subject, enroll in a summer course or workshop that introduces you to it. If you’re after practical experience, consider internships or other experiential learning opportunities. Avoid being influenced by what others are doing. Instead, focus on getting to know what you want from your twenties.
On a side note, Erin Conrad planners are my favourite. They have a variety of planners that fit all needs. You can now get up to 50% off Clearance on their website!
Create a game plan to reach them
With your goals in mind, you can now plan your summer schedule. This involves creating a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule that outlines your activities, deadlines, and priorities. You may want to include time for studying, attending classes or workshops, volunteering, or pursuing other interests or hobbies. A well-planned schedule will help you stay organized and on track throughout the summer term.
To plan your schedule effectively, start by identifying your commitments and deadlines. For example, if you are taking summer courses, make note of the course schedule, assignments, and exams. If you are interning or volunteering, make note of your work schedule and any additional commitments. You can refer to some steps I have given to take your college life back on track.
Once you have identified your commitments and deadlines, you can schedule your other activities around them. Make sure to schedule time for studying, as well as time for rest and relaxation. Remember to be realistic about your schedule, and make sure to leave time for unexpected events or last-minute changes.
Look at summer courses
Summer courses are a great way to make the most of your summer term. Many colleges and universities offer a wide range of summer courses that can help you get ahead in your studies, explore new subjects, or gain practical skills. Additionally, taking summer courses can help you finish your degree faster or catch up on missed coursework. Be sure to check with your academic advisor or college registrar to see what courses are available during the summer term. With the advent of many online courses, you have a wide variety
When selecting summer courses, consider your goals and interests. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself:
- Do you want to improve your grades in a particular subject, or explore a new subject altogether?
- Do you want to gain practical skills or experience?
- Would you be okay to travel for summer classes or would you like to take some online certification?
Consider the course content, format, and requirements, as well as the instructor’s reputation and teaching style.
A great way to know what courses could be benefitial for you would be to talk to your seniors in college. You can also start reaching out to professions on LinkedIn to understand what all courses would be needed.
Consider other experiential learning opportunities apart from internships
Internships or other experiential learning opportunities are a great way to gain practical experience in your field of interest. These opportunities may be available through your college or university, or you may need to seek them out on your own. You can also explore online resources such as job search engines, professional organizations, or industry-specific websites to find internships or other experiential learning opportunities.
When seeking internships or other experiential learning opportunities, be sure to consider your goals, interests, as well as your skills and experience. Research the company or organization to ensure that it aligns with your values and interests and consider the location, schedule, and compensation.
Experiential learning opportunities can also be projects with professors in the university or team projects to work on either competitive opportunities or individual projects. For instance, if you are in the aerospace sector, NASA has many competitions where you can learn and work on creating small CANsats, a project which I took part in during my bachelors.
Build your network
Whether it be the summer term or even regular school time, building your network and communicating with them will be the most important thing that you would do. A good network can bring you across multiple opportunities as you progress in your career. It can also lead to learning opportunities for you and all others in your network.
With the extra time you get in hand during the summer, the summer term is also a great time to build your professional network. Attend networking events, such as career fairs, workshops, or alumni events, to meet and connect with professionals in your field.
Throughout summers you can find numerous professional organizations hosting events across the globe.You can also join professional organizations, attend conferences or seminars, or participate in online communities to connect with like-minded individuals. Now, most of them are free for students and can be attended online as well. For students, professional organizations are usually free to join and have great many learning opportunities.
These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts in your field, network with other professionals, and gain exposure to new ideas and approaches. Look for events that align with your career goals or interests, and take advantage of the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills.
Volunteer or engage in community service
Volunteering or engaging in community service during the summer term is a great way to make a positive impact while also gaining valuable skills and experience. You can volunteer with local organizations or non-profits, or participate in community service projects through your college or university.
When volunteering or engaging in community service, be sure to identify your interests and skills, and look for opportunities that align with them. You can also seek out leadership or mentoring roles to build your skills and experience.
Pursue personal interests or hobbies or side hustles
Summer is also a great time to pursue personal interests or hobbies that you may not have time for during the academic year. You can take classes, workshops, or lessons in subjects like music, art, or dance, or participate in sports or other recreational activities.
During one of my summer terms, just before my internship, I took up jewellery making. Although it did not have much to do with engineering, it really helped me to hone my skills in communication and creative thinking. These skills have come into play during my current position and all throughout my masters.
When pursuing personal interests or hobbies, be sure to set aside time for them in your schedule, and prioritize them alongside your academic or professional goals. Remember that engaging in personal interests or hobbies can be a valuable way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Take some time off and for self-care
Finally, it is important to take time for self-care during the summer term. Summer can be a busy time, with classes, internships, and travel plans all vying for your attention. However, it is crucial to take care of your physical and emotional health. This could mean getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and energized and prep better for the rest of the school year!
I hope you the article provided better persepective in searching your way after education. If this article helped you or think will help your loved ones, please do share it with them and leave a comment below with your thoughts. Do subscribe to get access to my free library or resources.
You can access the free resource library by subscribing to the blog. I send the password to all my champs. Subscribing to my mailing list will let you know of new freebies every Sunday and Thursday! You will also get a lifetime FREE access to my resource library which will help you master college and life like a pro! Make sure to share this post with friends and family you know would need a boost to get back on track!
Have a lovely day!
2 thoughts on “How to make the most of your summer if you don’t have an internship”
I know many people must find summer jobs but self care is also highly important. Especially since school is so stressful and long
The networking tip is so important! It really gives students more opportunities when they graduate. They can rely on a network of people or organizations to help them start their careers. I was lucky to meet some interesting people when I was in university that helped me start my career in PR.