With a break from school and college coming up, everyone is excited to take some time off and relax. However, don’t forget to take advantage of this time to build yourself further as a professional! Here are a few ways to maximize your time off to prepare yourself better for when things get busy again.
1. Update Your Resume
A break is ideal for reflecting on your accomplishments, experiences and skills. Update your resume to showcase your latest achievements and ensure it aligns with your career goals. Make sure you are staying on top of industry trends when it comes to the layout of your resume, as well!
2. Take Courses and Earn Certifications
Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Utilize your break to enroll in online courses or workshops related to your field of study or interests. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses ranging from technical skills to soft skills development. Earning certifications can boost your credibility and make you stand out in a competitive job market.
3. Volunteer for a Cause
Volunteering is not only a way to give back to your community but also a way to gain valuable experiences and learn skills to build your leadership. Volunteering allows you to develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills while helping others.
4. Networking
Expand your professional network during your break by attending conferences, webinars or connecting with others through LinkedIn. Take this opportunity to update your LinkedIn and connect with as many people as possible. You never know where a connection might take you in the future!
5. Apply for Scholarships
Utilize your break to explore and apply for scholarships from your university or other sources. Make sure to apply for DECA scholarships to experience all that DECA offers. The deadline to apply is January 12th, 2024, so be sure to get that done to become one of the many members DECA recognizes with a scholarship!
6. Physical and Mental Well-being
Besides all else, make sure you are still relaxing during this time. While building yourself up as a leader and professional is important, your well-being takes priority and will help propel you in whatever you do.
I would say a well-spent break is relaxing yet fulfilling. Prepare for what’s next, build your portfolio, set yourself up for success and have fun. That is how you break it better and return rejuvenated, skilled, and ready to conquer new challenges.
