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.