A couple weeks ago we shared smart ways to invest in your career future over summer break. It’s time to build on those ideas to continue making progress with small steps.

Consider career-building activities among two categories: 1) Self-Motivated Activities – things you can do on your own – and, 2) activities involve Connecting with Others. A smart mix of both categories allows you to mix in activities that stretch your comfort zone and establish a foundation for new insights and big wins in the future!  

Here is some guidance on a couple smart activities, one from each category: Starting a Personal Project or Portfolio (on your own) and lining up a Job Shadow (engaging with other professionals):

• Start a Personal Project/Portfolio – On a past marketing agency visit, a recruiter shared how impactful it was for a job candidate to have mock marketing plan they created for a neighborhood restaurant just for fun. Consider creating your own opportunities to test your skills while creating a tangible product to showcase your abilities to employers. Examples could include blogs, design portfolios, a GitHub repository, a personal investing account, even a research paper.

• Job Shadowing: Spending a few hours (or even one hour via Zoom) shadowing a professional can give you a valuable look at potential careers. When you request to spend time with a professional, you give them the highest compliment! You’re saying, “I want to learn what it’s like to be you in the work world.” You are also giving them a chance to help you. If you don’t know anyone personally, consider looking in RamsConnect – we have alumni who are willing to host a student for shadowing. 

After completing any of these activities, add them to your resume! These are resume builders. Focus on communicating the skills you’ve gained or knowledge you have learned in the process. The Career Management Center’s career counselors are here to help if you get stuck.  

Keep it up! You are making smart career moves this summer!