by Patricia Rose, Director of Career Services
The semester is almost over; all that remains are final exams and papers and projects. Regardless of what you are doing this summer (career-related internship, research, travel, beginning a permanent job, getting ready to start graduate school), think about these suggestions. They can serve as your to do list.
- Read a book. So many students, even those with scholarly interests, confess that they don’t have time to read during the academic year. Take advantage of whatever down time you have to read a book, or two or three, purely for pleasure.
- Try something new: a new sport, a new game (chess? backgammon?), a new volunteer activity, a new performance (opera? Reggae?), even a new food you have never eaten. The point is to challenge yourself in ways large and small. You may surprise yourself with your newly-found skills or interests.
- Try to broaden your career network by meeting people who are actively pursuing fields of interest to you. You may be spending the summer in a new location, one that has more professionals in a particular field (marine biologists, publicists, producers) than does Philadelphia. Take advantage of wherever you are by reaching out to Penn alums or other professionals who have a wealth of wisdom to share. But remember, the onus is on you to make the initial contact.
- Do something fun every day, for yourself.
- Do something for someone else every day. This could be as simple as giving up your seat on the bus, or offering directions to someone who is lost. Kindness counts.
- Sleep! Many of you are sleep-deprived. Try to catch up.
- Think! Turn off your electronics. Escape the ever-present screens. Give yourself permission – and time – to appreciate your own thoughts, your own reflections.
- Thank someone: a parent, a spouse or partner, who has helped you get through the year. Let this person know you appreciate what they do.
Summer is a great time to re-assess, to re-charge, to re-commit to what is important to you. Unfortunately, it goes by too fast. Make the most of it, stay safe, and enjoy yourself.
