No summer internship? How to level up this summer.
So it’s officially summer and you may not have an internship. No problem! Here’s ways you can improve your professional skills and get ahead without an internship.
Build a personal project 💻
Whether you’re into data science, marketing, or computer programming (or something else) there’s a project you can build and put on your portfolio! There’s tons of different projects you can do, and they can be tailored to your personal interests outside of school. This is a fun way to show off your skills while also showing initiative to future employers.
Virtual coffee chats & career centers ☕️
Go onto LinkedIn and find people who have job titles you’re aspiring towards. Ask them to set up a coffee chat so you can ask questions like “What skills should I work on now before applying to roles like x, y, z…?” Then you can take their advice and use it in your personal projects (; also check in with your university’s career center to see if they have any drop in hours to get your resume reviewed and practice interviewing skills (they’re usually open in the summer, too!)
Bootcamps, certifications, & mini courses 🗒️
Look out for free bootcamps and mini courses this summer! In the photos above, I’ve linked a Microsoft AI course that’s not only free but very educational and accessible for those who have limited coding knowledge. Also checkout Coursera for certifications or take LinkedIn certifications to earn badges for your profile.
Take summer classes 📚
Some universities are still accepting enrollment for summer classes! It’s a great way to get ahead on your college path. If financial aid is an issue, see if your local community college is offering any classes that would transfer to your university.
Go on grad school / university tours 🏫
Visit grad schools or universities to get a feel of their environment! I went on a tour last summer at Columbia and learned about their engineering masters program. This tour made me realize I didn’t want to enter grad school immediately after undergrad. I’m glad I went on this tour and made a decision rather than spending time on grad school applications! You’ll learn a lot about your interests and preferences after a college tour.
Am I missing anything? Let me know! Have a great summer ☀️
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Summer is the perfect time to level up your skills even without an internship. Consider engaging in personal projects related to your interests, whether that involves coding, marketing, or data analysis. This not only builds your portfolio but also showcases your initiative to potential employers. Networking is vital – set up virtual coffee chats with professionals in your desired field to gain valuable insights. Use platforms like LinkedIn for guidance on what skills to focus on. Don’t forget about your university’s career center for resume reviews and interview practice sessions. Additionally, explore free bootcamps and mini courses that can offer certifications and badges, enhancing your credentials. Websites like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning provide resources to boost your learning without a significant financial investment. If you’re looking to stay academically engaged, consider enrolling in summer classes at your university or local community college; this can accelerate your college journey. Lastly, take the opportunity to visit potential graduate schools to get a feel for their environments. Tours can help clarify your academic and career path, ensuring that you are making informed decisions for your future. Overall, by proactively utilizing your summer, you can emerge with a sharper skill set and clearer career goals.
Coursera has tons of great online certificate programs! That’s what I’m doing this summer!