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Getting the Most Out of Summer Vacation
Take a Job to Develop Skills
: The key is to seek a job that can cultivate essential non-technical skills. The most in-demand abilities include effective communication (both written and verbal), leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. If your student has spent their previous summers as a lifeguard, now might be a good time to explore something different. Maybe they know what they want to do long-term but want to explore a role that gives them an added edge in the future job market. Encourage them to pursue a job that offers team collaboration or a role that involves data analysis and decision-making. These fresh skills will undoubtedly elevate their resume.
Travel Can Widen Their Scope
: Traveling is such a delightful way to spend time off! If your student has a plan to travel to a new place during the summer, it is perfectly fine to motivate and support them. However, it’s important to have a conversation together beforehand and discuss their goals and aspirations for the experience. With proper planning and preparation, they can enjoy their summer while also gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will benefit them in the future.
Take Summer Classes or Online Learning:
Taking summer classes can help them graduate early and lessen coursework during regular terms. In addition, don’t forget: students who enter a Florida public university (like UCF!) with under 60 credits are required to complete at least nine (9) semester hours over one or more summer semesters before graduating. If your student is not planning to take summer classes at UCF this summer though, it is totally okay. However, there are still chances for them to take free online courses to learn about some real-life skills. Students can also seek free online courses (UCF Career Services offer job related learning resource
HERE
) to achieve their goals.
Apply as a Volunteer
: Is your student interested in contributing their time to a worthy cause? Here are a few ways you can support them:
Encourage them to search for an opportunity that aligns with their academic or career goals.Assist them in determining specific goals they want to accomplish through their volunteer experience. Do they want to gain a deeper understanding of a particular subject or acquire certain skills?
Aid them in assessing their options and selecting the opportunity that will enable them to make the most significant impact and achieve their goals.
Pursue Your Passions!
Summer is the perfect time for college students to pursue their hobbies and passions! By dedicating some time each week to doing what they love, whether it’s writing, painting, dancing, or anything in between, they can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from following their dreams. So, make the most of the summer break and prioritize personal interests. Whether it’s joining a club, starting a project, or simply spending time on favorite activities, there is no better time to explore creativity and indulge in what makes life exciting!
Create a Master Plan for Next Year:
Students can utilize this break to establish a budget, carefully consider their living arrangements for the upcoming semester, and set new academic goals that will set them up for success. With a bit of effort and planning during this break, students can ensure that they’re well-prepared for the upcoming semester and have the tools they need to achieve their academic and personal goals.