Things Every College Student Should Do in the Summer

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For me to say that I spent my first summer of college wrapped up in the books and studying all I had learned the previous year, would be a lie. For me to say that I now wish I had done so to some extent, is nothing further from the truth. We college kids tend to believe that "Schools out for summer...Schools out forever," as the song goes, by Guns and Roses, but fail to realize that the summer is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the following semester. I'm am not saying do not have any fun during your summer, but do not think it is the opportunity to to just completely forget about school. Below I have compiled a list of things every college students should be doing during their summers.

Internship/Part-Time Job
A student should put as much effort as possible each year into being able to intern at a company that caters to the industry they want to enter upon graduation. Not only is this the perfect opportunity to put all the knowledge you've learned so far to test, but it serves as the golden chance to put yourself out there, build professional contacts, network, and gain valuable experience. If you are unable to get an internship, try to find a part-time job that deals with your major, or closely relates to it. If you are still unable to do that, then take whatever job you can find. Employers value any type of work experience versus a graduate waving their degree around with no work experience to go along with it.

Learn A Skill

It is important for an individual to challenge themselves throughout the course of their lives. Remember the brain is virtually one big muscle that must be exercised just like any other muscle in the body in order for it to stay fit. One could elect to learn a programming language to build apps or websites. Take a sign language class. Obtain a real estate license and sell houses in your free time throughout the following semester. Register for a tax class to file returns for companies like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt the following tax season. The point is, make sure you stay mentally active.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an activity that is meant to be more than just getting volunteer hours logged down. If you choose to volunteer, make sure it is for a cause that you are truly passionate about. If you just randomly choose somewhere to volunteer, you will not put all your effort into it, and as a result, it might be apparent to the people in which the organization is established to help. Find what really moves you, and contact the organization to arrange something. I hardly doubt any organization will deny free help. Apart from it being a noble thing to do, many employers heavily favor people who regularly give back to their community, versus someone who thinks for themselves constantly, as it shows they are a team player and will likely be a great asset to their company.

As a last tip for the summer, do get away for a while. Enjoy yourself for the summer. You've worked hard all year and deserve a break. However do not fall into the trap of letting the summer go by and being the same person you were when the summer began. Best of luck on your exams, and have a great summer!

Feel free to comment below on your summer plans, or what you've done so far this summer. .