Ever
heard the expression “change is as good as a rest”? In short, it means learning
new things can be a great distraction from the semester you’ve just been
through, equating to a holiday. You can use this time to catch up on bad TV, or
you can make a small investment towards your career or internship prospects.
1. Work experience
The
formal intern rounds have closed, but you can still angle for short-term work experience. One or two weeks is plenty of time
to make headway either at an organisation that might take you on as an intern
in the future, or one that will look good on your résumé because of the skills
and experience it affords. Start ringing around at least two weeks before you
want to start.
2. Volunteering
Along
similar lines is volunteering. If you don’t usually have time to spare during
the semester, use the break to do an intensive volunteer stint. Some volunteer roles
can give you what you need to secure an internship or an entry-level position,
while others are just a good way to do something different to recharge your
batteries. Any form of giving time is well regarded on a résumé.
3. Picking up complementary skills
If
you have a few skill gaps that won’t be met through coursework, semester break
is a good time to focus on bridging those gaps through external training or,
because you now have the time, simply practising what you need to.
4. Looking for prospects
Time
poor while studying? Semester break gives you the chance to do some career
research. While you’re investigating the job market and taking a closer look at
different organisations, pursue any promising prospects you come across. Being
proactive during this period could pay off by summer break.
5. Refining your résumé
Having
an up-to-date résumé on hand means when an unexpected
opportunity comes your way, you’re ready to take it. Prepare yourself by
spending time refining this crucial document in the semester break so when
job-hunting season opens you’re first out of the blocks. Remember to compose
your résumé in a way that will make it easy to update when you have more skills
and experience to add, and don’t forget to get started on platforms such as
LinkedIn.
Your
mid-year break needn’t be idle time. There is plenty you can do to boost your
career prospects while still catching some R&R from semester one, so make
sure you use the time to prepare. When you’ve set yourself up, it makes for a
less stressful second semester!

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