Summer break is usually all about rest, travel and catching up on sleep — and you deserve that. But what if you could enjoy your summer and set yourself up for future career success?
Whether you’re targeting your dream job or still exploring your path, summer is a perfect opportunity to gain work experience, build your resume, and develop professional skills that employers love. Best of all, you don’t have to sacrifice rest or fun to do it.
Here are five impactful (and doable!) ways to make your summer break count.
1. Try a Summer Internship
Internships are a solid way to dip your toes into a field you're curious about. Think of them as test drives for your future career — you get hands-on experience, meet people in the industry and figure out what a "day in the life" might actually look like. And if you love it (or don’t), that’s valuable insight either way.
Some internships are paid, and some aren’t; regardless, the skills and connections you gain are priceless. Plus, if you impress the team, it could open the door for future job offers. Oftentimes, your academic department has guidance on, or even lists current opportunities, so be sure to check your department’s website.
2. Get a Summer Job
Not every summer job has to be your dream gig — and that’s totally okay. Even if it’s not your “forever” job, a part-time summer job helps you build real-world, transferable skills like:
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Communication
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Time management
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Customer service
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Reliability
Employers love seeing that you’ve held a job and handled responsibilities because it shows that you’re dependable and serious about your goals. Bonus: You’ll earn some money while gaining real-world experience. Win-win. Checking in with your school’s Career and Professional Development Center is a great starting place.
3. Build Your Network
"Networking" might sound like a corporate buzzword, but at its core, it just means connecting with people who can help you grow, and vice versa. Chatting with a professor, showing up at a career fair and connecting with alumni on LinkedIn are great networking options; you never know who could offer advice, mentorship or even a job lead.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until graduation to start building your circle. There are tons of summer events and online spaces where students make valuable connections every day. Your future self will thank you.
4. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is a great way to give back and grow professionally. Looking for a career in psychology? Volunteer at a counseling center. Thinking about education? Try helping out at a summer learning program. These opportunities can help you discover what you’re passionate about, and sometimes even lead to paid roles down the line. Plus, you're showing future employers you care about making a difference — and that you’re not afraid to put in the work, even when it’s unpaid.
5. Learn Something New
Not into formal internships or jobs this summer? You can still use this time to build skills at your own pace. There are tons of free or low-cost online courses on platforms like Coursera, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning. You can explore topics you’re curious about or pick up in-demand skills like coding, design, marketing or even Excel (yes, Excel — it’s more useful than you think).
And if the course gives you a certificate? That’s something you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile to show future employers you’re always learning and growing.
Summer doesn’t have to be all hustle. It’s your break, and you absolutely should take time to rest, travel and recharge. But carving out even a little time to invest in your
future can pay off big. Every step you take brings you closer to your goals.
So, enjoy your summer, soak up the good vibes and remember — your future career isn’t going anywhere. When you’re ready, it’ll be there waiting for you.
