The summer break is here and a great time to recharge your batteries for your next steps, whether that is progressing to university or returning to college in September. It is also a great opportunity to use this time to prepare yourself for the new term by making the most of this time and gaining valuable skills and experience. Here are some ideas on how you can make the most of your break!
Work Experience
You could use this time to gain some work experience. That may be voluntary or even paid part time work. This will help you gain valuable employability skills that you can add to your CV whilst also possibly earning some cash! If you are going onto university in September, it could be a great opportunity to save some money in preparation. Work experience is so important for your UCAS application and for your CV. It shows you are ready for the workplace and have the necessary skills needed. If you need any help with volunteering opportunities or work experience, please contact the Careers Team at college who will be happy to help you prepare for this.
Here are some useful links for volunteering and job opportunities:
https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/The-Deal/Volunteering/index.aspx
Learn a New Skill
Use this time to impress potential employers or universities by showing them you have the initiative to learn something new in your own time! This could be related to your future career goal or maybe a skill that interests you! Have you ever thought of learning a new language? Maybe you have always dreamed of learning to play a musical instrument, or you have been contemplating starting a blog? This could be a great time to focus on building new skills while you have a break from the pressures of academic study.
You could also look at the iDEA award – the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award that helps you to develop and demonstrate your digital enterprise and employability skills for free:
Travel
Now that most COVID restrictions have been lifted you can consider both international and domestic travel. We have a great country to explore! https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en. As a student, you should be able to register for a student rail card and get discounts on your train fare: https://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/
Take this opportunity to visit places you have never seen! Youth hostels can be a great cheap option for accommodation and you will meet many other like-minded individuals on your travels: https://www.yha.org.uk/
Just remember to check the latest government guidelines and advice about travel before making any firm commitments.
University Tours
If you are a Level 3 Year 1 student then you may be considering university as your next step. Universities will be offering open days throughout the summer. If you register on UCAS you can see the dates for the open events on the Hub and have a look around the campus, chat to staff and students and start to make decisions about where you would like to study. https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/events-and-open-days
Visiting different universities over the summer will put you in a great place for completing your UCAS application in the autumn term.
Hobbies
Maybe you already have a hobby that you can focus more time too, or maybe you would like to take up a new hobby! Hobbies are important on your CV and in job and university applications as they let your personality shine through. Companies look for well-rounded individuals to fit into their company culture. Extra curricular activities show your self-motivation and allow employers to see you as a person. So whether it is crafting or running a marathon, be sure to make the most of the summer and enjoy the things that you love to do!
We hope the above ideas will inspire you to make the most of your summer break but also remember to relax and allow yourself time to recharge for the new term! Take some down time and reflect on your achievements over the past year! We look forward to seeing you again in September if you are planning to return. For those who are continuing their journey elsewhere we wish you all good luck in your future career.