Raise your hand if something you were really looking forward to got canceled this summer! Many of us are still trying to wrap our heads around the loss of internships, jobs, classes, and study abroad programs. I, myself, was supposed to spend the next month studying professional writing and communications in Dublin, but I am now trying to make the most of my time at home. We may not be on campus right now, but the opportunities for self-improvement are still endless.
Here are some ideas to help you stay sharp and move a few steps closer to your goals this summer:
1. Update your LinkedIn profile
Use this time to refresh your profile and write about your experiences from the past semester or year. This is especially important if you want to stand out in a competitive future job market. A little extra effort makes you look prepared because you used your time effectively and never lost sight of your goals.
2. Connect with people in your field
Going back to my first point, growing your network on LinkedIn will give you access to new opportunities in the future.
Additionally, make sure to follow pre-professional and professional organizations in your field to stay updated on current news.
Another way to learn more about your field is to follow professionals on Instagram. They often take you through a day in their life and you can learn more about what opportunities lie in your area of interest.
Lastly, you can virtually mentor or advise underclassmen. This will improve your leadership skills and is a great way to give back.
3. Do research about your future goals
Start looking up information about grad schools or companies and paying attention to how universities and employers are currently treating their staff and students. Are they being accommodating? Are they reducing fees? Has their shift to remote operations been successful or difficult?
Look into details about entrance exams like the MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc. If you create a study plan now, it’ll save you time in the future.
Review and organize what courses you need to take to complete your graduation requirements or pre-requisites for graduate school. Again, this will save you lots of time and stress when classes start again.
4. Keep practicing what you know
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Use it or lose it!” before. Even if you’re not taking a class right now, you can practice your public speaking skills by making a podcast or YouTube videos. If you’re studying a language, you can practice with a friend, classmate, or pen pal. If you’re an artist, keep practicing your craft and exploring new ideas. If you have computer skills, make a website, flyer, or app to provide people with information or entertainment at this difficult time.
5. Learn more to stand out
Master a new language on Duolingo. This may help you land an international opportunity one day, connect with more clients, or make a change in a community outside of your own.
Watch TED Talks, YouTube videos, or KhanAcademy videos on any topics that interest you. These are not only educational but entertaining as well.
Take a free course online. Many sites are offering free trials so people can continue to gain new skills outside of school or work right now.
6. Do mock interviews
Almost everyone needs to take an interview at some point in their life. Make sure you’re prepared by researching questions, preparing answers, and practicing with parents, siblings, peers, or mentors.
7. Learn new skills by volunteering
Find a cause you are passionate about. Long-term care facilities, electoral campaigns, poverty, food insecurity, equality, whatever it may be. With the world at your fingertips, you can easily get involved by spreading awareness and raising money on social media.
Another way to benefit your community is by making cards or donating goods for nursing home residents, healthcare workers, hospital patients, and essential workers like mailmen and grocery store employees. Any type of volunteering helps you make a positive change in the world, whether its brightening one person’s day or fundraising for a large organization. Along the way, you also develop empathy, creativity, networking skills, persuasive skills, and more.
I hope this helps motivate you all to keep sight of your goals during such an unpredictable time! I would love to see how you’re doing, so tag me in your Instagram stories @life.with.ankita or leave a comment below!
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