During semester breaks, college students look forward to hanging out with friends, catching up on favorite activities and getting some downtime after a challenging semester. With some college semester breaks like spring break, lasting a week or more, it is a good time for college students to socialize and still have time to for some simple career planning activities. These career planning activities will advance a college student’s ability to land internships and jobs.
Do Personal Career Exploration
Semester break is a good time to do some career research. Explore new occupational titles using online resources such as ONETOnline from the Department of Labor. Research specific information about a career option such as necessary training and education. Read also about the rate at which an occupation is expected to grow and research the knowledge, skills and abilities that lead to success in that occupation.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about a job from the inside out. Informational interviews can help college students begin to build a professional network. Some great informational interview questions that a college student could ask a professional would include: Tell me about your career path in this industry? What type of extra curricular activities as a college student would make me more competitive as a new college graduate looking for a job?
Plan an Alternative Spring Break Experience
College students can use semester breaks to explore alternative spring break options. When most college students think about spring break, they think partying in tropical locations from Daytona Beach Florida to Negril Jamaica. A college student who feels they have already had their share of spring break get-a-ways and seriously want to do something more meaningful during spring break could research alternative spring break trips.
Create a List of Target Companies for Internships
The winter break is a great time to finalize a list of potential internship opportunities for the spring or summer. If you are graduating soon, create a list of organizations where you want to apply for career opportunities. Don’t be fooled and think employers aren’t still recruiting during the holidays. Winter break is a great time to start a job search.