The Coach SpaceIn no more than a month and a half, your semester exams will be over—you know what that means? Winter break will kick in. That means you can wake up without the routine of attending classes.
Winter break in college is a rare and precious time. It’s a chance to hit pause on the chaos of classes, exams, and social obligations. But it’s also a golden opportunity to knock out some productive stuff and get a head start on the new year without burning yourself out.
Don’t just binge-watch Netflix and eat your weight in holiday treats. Balance relaxation with productivity instead.
If you want to make the most of your winter break without burning yourself out, here are some of the most productive things you can do.
#1 Take an Online Course or Certification
Winter break gives you a rare chunk of free time, so why not use it to learn something new? It would be a great way to keep your brain active while gaining valuable skills.
Don’t enroll in an offline course, though. That may take up too much of your break. Explore online courses or certifications. You can study at any time that works for you, be it morning or night.
You can dive into anything—whether it’s coding, graphic design, or something totally unrelated to your major, like photography.
Artificial intelligence is another field you can explore. AI, or artificial intelligence, set the world of tech on fire last year and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Learning the ins and outs of AI can give you a competitive advantage over your peers.
Certifications in areas like project management or marketing can also give your resume an extra boost. Websites like Coursera or Skillshare offer tons of options. Many of them are free or super affordable.
#2 Get an Internship
Want to be super productive over break? Gain some work experience. Getting an internship, even if it’s a short one, can give you a serious leg up in your career.
Winter internships might be harder to find since they are less common than summer ones, but they still exist.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has an opportunity for you. It’s seeking winter interns. If you’re outdoorsy, this internship would be ideal for you. And the good thing? The national park will pay a stipend of $40/day. On top of that, it will offer free government housing.
Thorsun, a luxury swimwear line, is also looking for interns in New York. Consider applying to it if you’re a New Yorker.
You can also look into part-time jobs, volunteering, or even shadowing professionals in your field. Anything that adds to your resume and gives you real-world experience can increase your chance of getting a job post-college. Even a few weeks of hands-on experience can teach you practical skills that textbooks just don’t cover.
#3 Revamp Your Resume and LinkedIn Account
You’re no longer in high school—so why does your resume contain high school activities?
Give your resume a refresh. Now’s the time to highlight all your college activities on your resume. Add all the projects, assignments, and extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in lately.
Maybe you gained new skills in a class, led a group project, or took on a leadership role in a club. Make sure to reflect that in your CV.
According to Indeed, updating your resume with the most recent qualifications will help you save time when you’re looking for a new job.
Conversely, LinkedIn is more than just an online resume. Update your profile picture and write a compelling summary about who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Don’t forget to connect with classmates, professors, or people you’ve met at internships or events. These connections can be super helpful when you’re job hunting later.
#4 Plan Out Your Spring Semester
It might not sound like the most fun thing to do. But your future self will thank you.
Map out your academic goals, create a study schedule, and review the syllabus for your upcoming classes if they are available online. This way, you won’t be scrambling when the new semester starts and can hit the ground running with a plan in place.
Block out time for self-care or hobbies in your weekly schedule, so you can take breaks.
Winter break is your time to relax and recharge. Do that, but also be productive. Just a little bit of effort can help you get a jump start on your goals. And you’ll head back to campus feeling accomplished and ready for whatever the next semester brings.
Add comment