Right now while we’re stuck in the Aberdeen drizzle, the summer holidays may seem far off but it won’t be long until June rolls around and everyone starts asking, ‘what are your plans?’ Past summers have consisted of lazing about in your parents back garden, going out with friends and holidaying abroad; however, these are the last years in which you have a three month long summer to utilise to its full potential. So make sure you make the most of it by planning ahead!
As much as we all want to spend our time jetting off, relaxing with friends and soaking up the sun this summer, it is prime time for improving our CVs. So, I’m going to take you through your many options of how you can spend the seemingly endless summer months in a way which will be beneficial in the years after uni. From volunteering, to working, to gaining work experience, there are many roads to take which will lead you to the ultimate goal – A JOB! We all know that in this day and age, simply having a well-regarded degree is not enough – it is often your extra-curricular activities that make all the difference when it comes to that all important interview.
After a dreary (and damp) 9 months in Aberdeen, all everyone wants is a holiday… preferably somewhere hot and sunny. Well, why not use your abroad to volunteer with a charity? As a result, you can see the sun, travel and explore new places, all whilst helping others. Charity work looks brilliant on your CV as it shows you are driven and hard-working, that you’re a go-getter and that you are willing to give up your time for those less fortunate than yourself. Unquestionably these are qualities that all types of employers look for. Charities such as ‘Childreach International’ run regular expeditions to many countries, for example, Morocco. Last year the student volunteers helped build a school in the blistering heat before enjoying 2 glorious weeks travelling around the beautiful country. Often those who take part in the Childreach expeditions return the following year because they enjoy it so much. If you’re a bit of a home-bird then volunteering or doing charity work at home is also an option. You could volunteer at your local homeless shelter or in a charity shop, there are plenty of people who would be extremely grateful for a helping hand. Many applications ask for examples of your volunteering experience and ask you what about teamwork and the challenges you have faced in the past, so that’s at least three boxes ticked!
Another option if you fancy going abroad is taking part in a summer camp. The most famous and popular ones are in America, however there are camps run all over the world. This will take you away to a brand new place for a whole summer, allow you to meet new people and adapt to living with them in a new country. Employers are always eager to ask about these months spent working abroad as they prove you have taken this great opportunity which has inevitably increased your skill set and adaptability. If you are in a non-English speaking country you could even learn a new language! The application/interview processes for these camps are generally quite lengthy so will give you good experience for future job applications and interviews. Summer camps are also ideal experience if you want to work with children in the future. Whilst tiring and not highly paid, attending one of these camps will enhance you as a person and also allow you to make contacts all over the world!
In first and second year, the summer is a great opportunity to earn some work experience. If you can get work experience in these summers you will have a huge head start on the competition. This is also the time for experimenting, because even if you don’t enjoy your work experience at least you can then narrow down your potential career choices! Often most companies will not take on summer placement students until they are in their penultimate year if not later, so the summers after first and second year are prime time to do a week here and there to boost your CV and give you something to talk about in future applications.
One topic you will hear thrown about the library in third year after Christmas is the elusive ‘summer placement’. When you reach third year, be organised. There is a huge amount of competition for summer placements/internships. These are usually a number of weeks long and give you a real sense of working for the company you’d like to end up in after university. Some are paid, some unpaid, but at this stage it shouldn’t sway your decision to take whatever you’re offered. Any placement will give you invaluable experience and quite often a very important foot in the door. Think of placements as really long job interviews – these internships are well worth your time.
If you don’t manage to secure work experience or a summer internship, don’t fret! They are extremely competitive and you can always try again the following year. Instead you could think about getting yourself a summer job. Despite the fact the job may not be in the field in which you wish to pursue a career, it will show future employers that you are motivated and focused, not to mention that any job you get will give you useful transferable skills (as well as the possibility of a good reference!). Employers are always looking for examples of good teamwork and communication skills, and often in applications you will be asked to demonstrate a time in which you used these skills. Here steps in the part-time job! It also gives you a chance to save up some much needed cash for the semester ahead.
While this summer coming up is so vitally useful for your future, don’t forget to live in the here and now. Make sure you save some time to catch up and maintain relationships with friends at uni, at home and with your family, let yourself relax and have fun. It is your summer holiday after all!