Productive Summers

Summer vacation is almost here and most of us can’t wait to hit the beach. Although for college students or those soon to be, you may be thinking of how to make your summers more productive. Tanning, the beach and outdoor actives are great too but below are 5 ways to make the best of your summer and prepare for your future career.


#1. Take Classes

Taking summer classes can help, speed up your degree. The best part is you can choose to take them at a community college for less money. This also gives the advantage of take electives that may not be offered at your current college .Just make sure you check with your college to make sure the credits are transferable.

# 2. Intern:

Internships are a great way to be productive during summer months. They provide experience that will look great on your resume and also builds connections with the internship provider and people already in the industry you’re thinking of entering. Some even offer stipends through out, or at the end of completion so they might make you a few shekels. Opportunities like these can help establish an on going internship throughout the years and even potentially lead to a job when you graduate college.

#3. Get a Job:

Getting a summer job is a great way to gain experience. It is also a great way to save up for text books for the upcoming fall semester. Check your local camps, YMCA, civic, or municipalities for openings. These are great summer jobs since they only last through the summer months and can be an ongoing gig for the next few summers.

#4. Volunteer:

Volunteering is an easy way to gain experience. This is a great opportunity because you can volunteer at multiple places, experiencing different environment while testing out how you will enjoy working in potential work environments. So if you get bored easily and like to change things up this would be great for you. It is also a great way to help out and give back to your local community.



#5. Go on a Mission Trip:

If finances allow, meaningful mission trips are a great experience. If your future career doesn’t allow time for month long mission trips, this is the perfect time to do so. This gives you an opportunity to use and learn different skills to help those who need it the most. For example if you are great at woodwork, teaching, first aid, and innovation etc., this might be a great opportunity to use those skills.

Overall, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the warm days this summer, plan ahead and make the best of your time. Like they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SUMMER - Summer Suggestions for Students

With school now over and summer just around the corner, you are now free!  Yet with freedom comes great responsibility.  Whether you are about to enter college or just finished the spring semester, you have a wonderful opportunity to maximize the long summer months to your advantage.  More than being busy for the sake of being busy, here are some ways to invest in yourself and your future this summer.

TAKE CLASSES

The next couple months can be the perfect opportunity to get some credits under your belt.  You can either take classes at a community college, which is very cost effective compared to regular classes at universities, or even take online classes towards your degree.  You can also take classes on subjects that you want to learn.  It can be a way you can cultivate a strength of yours or even turn a weakness into a strength.  Be proactive in your growth and education during the summer by taking some classes.

VOLUNTEER

One of the greatest ways to gain perspective in life is by volunteering and helping others.  The old adage goes that no one ever loses by giving.  Many students have volunteered at educational centers, soup kitchens, and hospitals.  You can also join a short-term missions trip locally or overseas.  So why not capitalize on your free time by looking for ways to volunteer this summer.

WORK

Getting a job this summer can benefit you in two ways.  First it never hurts to have some spending money during the summer!  And secondly, it will be a way to gain meaningful experience and preparation for the work force.  It will help you be responsible with your time and be disciplined throughout the summer.

INTERNSHIP

As you look ahead to your future, people will be looking to see if you have any career-related experience.  By getting an internship, it will help expose you to different fields and develop a network that can only help you moving forward.  Look for an internship that appeals to you and your passions to see if that really is a career path for you or not.

HAVE FUN

Just because you get an internship or are taking classes doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!  More than what you do, it’s how you do it.  Since these are all ways you are bettering yourself, why not have fun while doing it.  And make sure to schedule in time to spend with your friends and family as well.  Even as you seek to maximize your summer, don’t forget that summer is still summer.  We wish you a fun, safe, and highly productive summer!