So. It’s officially been over a month since your last class and U of T seems like it was all just a dream (unless you’re taking summer school – it never ends, does it?). Although this is the perfect opportunity to soak up some much needed Vitamin D and Netflix time, if you’re one of the many students enjoying a “staycation,” you should take advantage of this restful time by adding some colour to your resume. Fortunately, as a U of T student, you have plenty of academia-related opportunities. Check out the list of options you can consider to liven up your summer of 2015.
Remember, even though this may not be as attractive as going to an exotic vacation, it will help you gain new skills and brush up on some you already have. Plus, it’ll probably make your transition back to University much easier come September, since you’ve been active throughout the summer.
Summer Opportunities include:
1. Professional Work & Internships
Who doesn’t like making some money over the summer? Instead of lying in your bed and indulging in various TV show marathons (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK COMES BACK THIS WEEK!), pick yourself up and find a job that will keep you busy and sociable, while allowing you to save some money on the side. We all know how expensive course textbooks can get – I won’t even mention tuition and pizza runs. So, this is a good time for you to alleviate some of those irritating financial concerns. Another way to stay professionally active is to find a summer internship. Though they don’t always pay, they will help you build some connections for the future, get good references, and simply gain experience in a professional atmosphere. You can look into the Career Learning Network site, which is linked at the end of this article, or your college’s career centre to find internship and work opportunities.
2. U of T Work Study Program
This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge, skills, and work experience. Not only will you get paid, but you will be in a familiar environment – only this time, you get paid for spending eight hours in Robarts. Seeing as most application deadlines for summer programs are probably gone, the Work Study program is a good last-minute choice for your summer. The program is offered to both domestic and international undergraduate and graduate students. You must be registered in at least 1.0 credits from May to August to be eligible to apply for this program. For more details about the eligibility requirements, check out this site: http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/financial-aid/work-study-program/
3. Summer School
Why not take some courses that can help meet your breadth requirements? If you’re in the Humanities or Social Sciences program, this is a great time to get breadth requirements 4 and 5 out of your way for good. Similarly, if you’re into the Sciences, take this opportunity to fulfill your #1 and #2 breadth requirements.
4. Orientation leader
Now, you may not necessarily want to do anything academic-related during your summer – we don’t blame you. Well, did you at least enjoy your frosh week? Being a frosh leader is a perfect excuse to cheer, chant, and bring out your inner spirit animal. This is an incredible opportunity for you to gain some leadership skills and experience for your resume/CCR while enjoying yourself during the whole time. If you think you’re an outgoing person and want to contribute to the incoming class’s frosh experience, apply to be a leader position at your college. Some colleges are no longer recruiting frosh leaders, but you can join as a volunteer who helps facilitate certain events.
Links to Summer Opportunities Listed Above:
1. Career Learning Network (CLN)
https://cln.utoronto.ca/home.htm
2. University of Toronto Work-Study Program
http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/financial-aid/work-study-program/
3. Summer Courses
http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/timetable/20155prelim
Image Resources
http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/no/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/blog-su-summer-opportunities-640×300.jpg