I want to start this blog by saying rest is productive. You do not have to be constantly working on or towards something. It is equally important to pause and recuperate between semesters. Catch up on sleep, spend time with friends or family, rediscover your hobbies, binge watch a new television show, and anything in between that helps you unwind.
If you are feeling motivated during your time off and want to get a headstart on the next semester, here are a few tips and resources to consider!
1. Work on your resume:
If you don’t have a resume yet, this is a great time to create one. We have free downloadable templates to help get you started. The break is also a great opportunity to update your resume with any clubs or organizations you’ve joined and class projects you’ve completed. Once you’re done with your draft, try out Quinncia, a free AI software that will analyze your resume and provide instant feedback to help you stand out among other applicants.
2. Get involved with the Mentor Program:
The UGA Mentor Program is a great opportunity to network and connect with experienced UGA faculty, staff, and alumni. You can select either a 16-week mentorship or a 30-minute quick chat and ask questions about life after UGA to help you get ahead in career planning. Using your time off to set up your account and search through the portal saves you time when classes pick back up. You can filter your mentor search by various categories like industry, major, student activities, and more to use your time efficiently and find the best fit for you.
3. Mark your calendar with upcoming events:
The Career Center events page is updated regularly. Go ahead and mark your calendar with the upcoming career fairs, information sessions, and Arch Ready events if you’re looking to earn the certificate in the spring (you will need to attend at least 5 sessions). Having these dates booked in advance will help you stay organized when the semester starts and you’re balancing classes, club meetings, and social outings.
4. Get lost in Handshake:
Handshake has a lot of resources just waiting to be discovered. All jobs and internships posted on the platform have been well vetted to avoid fraudulent activity. Within Handshake, you will also be able to register for Career Center events, register for employer-led workshops, and make an appointment with a career consultant. Check out our Handshake User Guide to help you get started.
5. Work on your LinkedIn profile:
If you do not already have a LinkedIn account, this is a great time to create a profile. LinkedIn is an online professional platform that allows you to digitally network with others, find jobs and internships, earn a LinkedIn Learning certificate on the topic of your choosing (free access for UGA students, faculty, and staff), and more. You can share updates on topics like: your grades, club events, highlight specific projects from class, internships, part-time jobs, and any other personal accomplishments. When I was getting started on LinkedIn, I used one of my peers' accounts as a foundation for my profile, noticed the language they used for their bio, what type of experiences they had listed, and even the images used for their header.
If you’re in need of a professional photo (to use as your LinkedIn profile photo for example), the Career Center has a professional photo booth that is free for students, alumni, staff, and faculty, no appointment needed.
These are just a few ideas to help you plan your break. I hope you enjoy your time off and congratulations on finishing your semester at the University of Georgia! Go Dawgs!