For all of us college students, the summer seems to be all about getting the internship that will bring your resumé to the next level. I’ve been working on applying for a few internships myself, in hopes of gaining experience and finding out if I like the work that an internship in marketing and communications really involves. Although scoring a summer internship is important for learning and gaining career development skills, there are tons of things other than an internship, that you can do this summer to make it the best one yet.
Participate in a community theatre production or join a summer sports team.
In college you might not have the time to participate in sports or theatre, so when better than the summer for you to get back on the stage or in the game! You’ll get to do something you love and miss, and meet new people along the way. Grab a couple of friends, get them to audition or join with you, and that’ll make the experience that much better!
Travel with your family and friends.
With all of the free time you have in summer, there are so many opportunities to travel! Take a road trips to the Black Hills with your friends, get your parents to plan that cruise to the Bahamas, take a weekend and head up North to a cabin, or take a few weeks to study abroad in France. Once you start to work after college, you probably won’t have as much freedom to travel, so take the time this summer to make incredible memories in a place you’ve always wanted to go.
Explore the area where you live.
If you don’t have the time or resources to travel, try and explore the area where you live. Create a bucket list for things you want to do right around your local area. Pick a night to go on an adventure, find a new restaurant to try, visit a museum you’ve never been to, walk around, or check out some shops that might be nearby. You can find a bunch of things to do to make your summer fantastic, even without traveling hundreds or thousands of miles.
Run a 5k or join a gym.
Trying to stay fit this summer? Run a 5k or join a gym! It’s hard to stay in shape during the summer when you don’t have a college gym to use for free, but by joining a gym or signing up to run a 5k you’ll be sure to keep up with your physical health! There are tons of opportunities to a run a 5k like a Mud Run or Color Run, and you probably live pretty close to the YMCA or Planet Fitness. Also, think about getting some friends or family members to join you. It will probably make working out a little bit more bearable, as well as a ton of fun!
Volunteer.
Take the time to volunteer at your local animal shelter, Feed My Starving Children, or a homeless shelter. Spending your time doing something that will help your community and your neighbors will make you feel great, and you’ll also have a great experience giving back.
You might not end up getting an internship, but even if you do remember that no matter what you have in store for this summer, remember you can make the most of it by filling each day with things you are excited and passionate about. Whether you volunteer, run a 5k, or participate in a summer musical, all you have to do is follow your heart and your gut, and you’ll be sure to get the most out of summer!