Hey folks, I'm trying to make the most out of my upcoming college summers. Any tips? Should I focus on internships or should I consider study abroad opportunities or volunteering?
Whether you choose to pursue internships, study abroad, or volunteer work during your college summers depends largely on your interest and long term goals.
If you are leaning towards a certain career path or major, internships can be extremely valuable. An internship can help you gain practical and professional skills, build connections in your desired industry, and better understand if your chosen career path is the right fit. It's essentially a practice run for your future and can even land you a job offer after graduation.
On the other hand, studying abroad combines travel and learning in a unique way. It's a good option if you want to learn about new cultures, languages, and perspectives. Plus, the adaptability, independence and problem-solving skills you can gain through studying abroad can be beneficial in any future career.
Volunteering, particularly in a field related to your major or future career, is another good choice as it exhibits selflessness and a commitment to service -- qualities many employers and graduate programs appreciate. It's also a great way to gain practical skills and sometimes even more hands-on experience than you might in an internship, depending on the role.
In the end, the best advice is to select something that aligns with your academic and career goals, and is something you're passionate about. Passion is what tends to shine through when future employers or graduate schools look at how you’ve spent your time outside the classroom.
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