It is important to build your skills and knowledge even if you are not able to get a job or internship over the summer. Learn how to code, write short stories, or join a professional network. Whatever you decide to do this summer it will be important that you are able to articulate what you did, learned, and developed to future employers. When they look at your resume they may ask you “what did you do during the 2020 COVID-19 summer?”, be sure to have an answer ready for them.
Here are the Strommen Career & Internship Center’s top recommendations for self-directed and directed learning this summer:
Self-directed
- Read – history, biographies, local authors, or check out Business Insider’s list of 100 books everyone should read in their lifetime. You could even consider starting a virtual book club.
- Focused Reading – Research and read the books and journals suggested that everyone in your profession should read, ask faculty members for their recommendations.
- Explore your creative side – through photography, writing, sewing, knitting, website design, painting, baking, cooking, music, etc.
- Start a blog or podcast – Improve your oral and written communication skills, explore topics of interest, partner with a friend or try it out on your own
Directed
- Volunteer – Consider volunteering virtually with Catchafire. Catchafire strengthens the social good sector by matching professionals who want to donate their time with nonprofits who need their skills.
- Upgrade to a trial month of LinkedIn Premium and enjoy 30 days of free learning courses
- Meetup.com – Join a local group to meet people, try something new, or do more of what you love.
- Look for free webinars and MOOCs
If you have questions or need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Strommen team. You can always make an appointment with our coaches on Handshake and you can also email careers@augsburg.edu.