What to do If You Don't Have a Job/Internship Lined Up for the Summer

Facing a summer of unemployment can be disheartening. But there’s no reason to despair. By doing the right things during the break, you can effectively work towards a job for the fall and move further down your career path.

1. Reach out to your network

Reach out to your connections! It’s important to cement your network and get back in touch with those who can help you in the job hunt.

2. Go back to school

Taking a class over the summer is also highly encouraged. Learn or refine a skill that will bolster your resume and open the door for more job opportunities. Earn more credits in a field that might help in your journey to graduate school or result in earlier graduation.

3. Volunteer

While it’s great to be paid for work, volunteering with a non-profit organization, charity, or community center is also a great way to spend the summer. Not only will you be helping your community, but employment at the organization is also possible if you truly prove yourself to be a valuable asset.

4. Summer research

Do you have a senior thesis coming up? Are you in a field in which you can work with professionals in a formal setting? A great way to spend the summer is by conducting research. This time of year gives you time to become truly enmeshed in your work and devote yourself fully to it.

5. Start looking for a fall internship

A number of things could have prevented you from finding employment during the summer. Whatever the reasons were, list them and see how you can combat them now without the distractions that the academic year brings.

6. Shadow a professional or mentor

Use your network to see if there are any professionals you can shadow while they work in their field. The experience you gain will be invaluable and the opportunities presented to you will be irreplaceable.

To find on-campus jobs, start checking Handshake in mid-August.

9 Things to do Over the Summer to Help Advance Your Career

The end of the academic year doesn’t also signal the end of your hard work. Whether you have a job, are traveling, or are attending classes over the summer, it’s important to keep your career path in check. During the summer, you should try to do the following things that will help advance your progress along that path.

1. Network

Look for networking events in your area that give you the opportunity to connect with people while also enjoying the season. Take advantage of the nice weather and take networking outside through things like retreats or work picnics.

2. Fill in for your vacationing coworkers

Show that you can take initiative and are a team player by taking on any projects or work that your co-workers left unfinished when they went on vacation. Ensure that your colleagues are up to speed on any changes that go on in the office or attend meetings that they might miss and take notes for them. Not only will you be helping your coworkers, but you’ll also be gaining invaluable experience in different areas of the office.

3. Schedule informational interviews

It’s difficult to get a job in the middle of the summer, but there’s no harm in going to a company and asking to speak to a professional about opportunities and what might be involved in holding a position there.

4. Start cultivating a professional presence online

Do a quick Google search of your name. Does anything inappropriate come up? Clean up your online image and make sure there’s nothing attached to your name that could be considered incriminating. Also look through sites that are available to the public, such as your LinkedIn profile, and make sure they’re clean and concise.

5. Freelance

Just because you aren’t working in an office doesn’t mean you can’t work. Offer your expertise and submit your work to different publications or corporate interests.

6. Volunteer with charities and nonprofit organizations

Another effective way to contribute to your community is through volunteer work. Find charities or non-profit organizations that are offering positions or looking for volunteers.

7. Learn a new skill

A great way to keep your mind active and open yourself up to more job opportunities is to learn a new skill. Take a class at your community college or find out where lessons are being offered. Learn something you’re passionate about but might not have had time to study during the academic year.

8. Update your resume

Be sure to include any new skills, experiences, or references gained by your summer activities to your resume. Everything is valuable!

9. Determine what you need to eliminate in order to reach your goals

Try to limit your time working with toxic people who will detriment your network or working on skills that you are able to do, but are not rewarding or able to further your career in any way.