Six great ways to advance your career prospects this summer
19 May 2016
Many of you will have been fortunate to an internships already this summer and will be looking forward to the challenges, and benefits, that they provide.
It is important to understand that career-boosting activities for students do not start and end with internships alone. So, in this article we are letting you know what else you can do. For those of you who have secured an internship at the end of the article you can find out how to make the most of it.
1. All work is valuable for employers
From an employers' point of view, all work is good work as long as you are
able to be reflective about your experiences, and understand (and sell) the
transferable skills that you developed along the way. Don't be quick to write
off opportunities because they don't align with your career aims.
Aside from
the very practical benefit of earning money, however, part time work can also
be very relevant - the summer can be a great time to explore opportunities
within the temping market, giving you exposure to new industries whilst
developing office based experience.
You can find opportunities for part-time work on many job sites including our own and .
2. Volunteering
While it may not have the glamour of an internship, volunteering can be a
very practical way of developing work related skills in a whole range of
industry areas. This is not just for people looking to develop careers in the
charity sector. Opportunities can cover a whole range of commercially relevant
activities like marketing, business development, finance and technology.
Try or browse the website to see what's out there for you.
3. Research
The key to all good decision making lies in the planning and careers is no
different. Use your time off from university to get to grips with the job
market, to understand where your degree can take you, and to familiarise
yourself with the difference career choices available.
Websites such as and are a great starting point for information but don't forget to utilise in-house resources such as and to see the variety of jobs on offer and to identify what employers are asking for, in terms of skills and experience. You'll have a head-start come September.
4. Networking
Can you hand-on-heart say to are doing everything to you can to utilise the
networks you have around you? This is still a leading way to find work in the
UK so make sure you are using your summer to talk to people you know about
opportunities they may be aware of.
Attend networking events, speak to people about the jobs they do to increase your understanding of the world of work. Get savvy and start growing your web of contacts. Dip into the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Alumni Careers Mentoring Network to see if there is anyone there who can help you.
5. Reflect
Don't underestimate the benefits that can be gained from some good old
fashioned thinking time. Evaluate what any practical experience has taught you
about your own career aspirations. Work to identify areas that you enjoyed as
well as roles that interest you the most. Can you see yourself working in a
particular role or organisation, a specific industry…? If not, what would work
better for you and why?
Don't forget to review your own developmental goals too
- can you think of ways of plugging any skills gaps that became apparent? Has a
recent practical experience made you appreciate your own capabilities to an
extent that you now feel ready to target career opportunities that before felt
unreachable? If you want to talk to someone about career planning or reflect on
your skills and experience .
6. Making the most of your internship
Do your research beforehand. No one will expect you to know everything but
having an idea of the challenges and priorities facing the organisation will
get you off to a great start.
Ask questions (within reason) - this does not
make you look stupid, it makes you look smart and curious. Be
proactive and don't be afraid to make suggestions if you feel there is a
better or clearer way of doing a task. Ask to get involved in extra projects or
to sit in on particular meetings to learn more and immerse yourself in the
experience.
Make the most of any mentors or supervisor you are assigned
to find out about their route into the industry, the challenges they have faced
and the advice they can give. Be receptive to any feedback they give you.
While their input is invaluable be sure to stretch your networks wider still. Go out of your way to meet with other people in the organisation and connect with them on so the benefits may continue beyond the internship itself.
So don't let the summer pass you by without making the most of the opportunities that it affords you. This is the time to get ahead, whether through practical exposure, defining what you want or widening your sphere of influence. Set yourself some summer goals to work towards so that your career aspirations are a step closer.
Rochelle Symons, °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Careers