12 Ways To Get Ahead This Summer
Make the most of your summer with these easy activities.
Summer is the perfect time to do a little self-care! While self-care commonly includes kicking back and relaxing, enjoying the great outdoors, and getting plenty of sleep, it can also include taking small, manageable steps to further your career goals. Here are 12 easy ways that YOU can take advantage of Parkland resources and get ahead this summer!
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Visit the Learning Commons: Head to Parkland’s Learning Commons or Library to check out available resources, including career-focused books. You can also use the computers to stream the latest educational videos regarding your industry or major to stay informed.
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Practice your “pitch”: We aren’t talking about singing! Your career pitch is a short self-introduction. Think, “How can I sell my experience and skills to a potential employer in one minute?” You can practice with a friend or family member, or you can use Yoodli.ai online for free!
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Plan letters of rec: Sometimes, potential jobs, internships, and educational programs ask for letters of recommendation. Brainstorm three people who could write you great letters of rec and ask them if they would be willing.
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Learn a new skill- for FREE: As a Parkland student, you have access to LinkedIn Learning- take advantage of it! You can learn hundreds of different skills for FREE through your Parkland membership. Did you know that most employers recognize LinkedIn Learning as an excellent career and skill development platform?
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Take a FREE career assessment: Use your Parkland email to take the free PathwayU assessment in just 20 minutes! Looking for a more detailed and in-depth analysis of your skill sets? Email careerservices@parkland.edu and request access to the 90-minute BrightPath YouScience aptitude test!
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Make a resume appointment: We are here to help you! Whether you’ve never made a resume before or simply want your proofread, you are always welcome to email careerservices@parkland.edu and request to meet with our Career Services assistant for a resume review!
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Update your LinkedIn: Did you know that 87% of recruiters find LinkedIn the most effective platform for vetting job candidates? Ensure that you optimize your LinkedIn by fully setting up each section of your account. Furthermore, update it each time you have a new career-related experience, including:
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Meet with your advisor: Your Academic Success Advisor’s purpose is in their title- to help ensure your academic success! Meet with them this summer to review your academic plan, go over career options, and choose the classes that best fit your major and interests.
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Schedule a mock interview: You can practice mock interviews for free using artificial intelligence programs, such as Yoodli.ai. Or, for a more realistic and human conversation, you can email careerservices@parkland.edu to set up a mock interview with Career Services.
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Create a vision board: Take some time to decompress and get crafty! Create a college or career vision board. Include savings, scholarship ideas, goals, and more! Then tag us on Instagram @cobrascareerservices. We want to see it!
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Watch TED Talks: Learn from leaders in your industry by watching TED Talks on YouTube. TED Talks are videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and creativity with subtitles in 100+ languages.
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Learn a new language: Use Duolingo for free or take a class at Parkland through Community Education (fees apply) to learn a new language. Research shows that those who are bilingual or multilingual can earn up to 20% more per hour than those who are not. BONUS: bilingual and multilingual jobs are on the rise!