5 Tips for Productivity During Winter Break
By: Ke-ana Williams
Students, the time of the year that you’ve all been waiting for is finally here: winter break. The fall semester is over, and it’s time to head home. Even though the semester for most was long, exhausting, and rigorous, it’s important to mix in productivity with much-needed rest time. Winter break is a time away from classes, but not a break from preparing for your future. It’s important to stay focused and prepared; it’ll pay off in the long run.
- Update important career documents.
During the past summer or previous semester, college students may have had an internship or volunteer experience that would reflect well on their resume and cover letters. Use winter break as an opportunity to update those important documents that help map out and secure your future. As a rule of thumb, students approaching graduation should also keep their LinkedIn updated just in case a potential employer is seeking out entry-level candidates. Adding your recent accomplishments in a timely manner will ensure you are ready for all potential opportunities.
- Work a part time job and save money.
The holidays are the perfect time for college students to get a seasonal job during their break. Companies are hiring in high quantities to ensure they have enough workers for the busy season. While working, students should try to save as much of their paycheck as possible; having money put aside comes in handy for a struggling college student during the semester. Remember: Just because you have money during the break doesn’t mean you should spend it all at once.
- Make New Year’s Resolutions.
Spring semester marks the start of a new year, so why not set a few realistic goals to achieve? Beginning your year with new year’s resolutions helps students start with a focused mindset. Additionally, goals are beneficial in moments where students have lost motivation during the school year and need to remind themselves of why they keep on going.
- Search for scholarships and internships.
Use winter break to set yourself up for a successful post-collegiate career. No matter your classification, there are always scholarships and internships available for you to gain valuable work experience. Depending on your field, you may need to secure an internship versus an entry-level position; thankfully, companies offer paid internships to recent graduates. There are lots of opportunities out there, so do your research and explore your options.
- Self-Evaluate/Journal
After each semester, it’s important to reflect on your previous semesters to ensure that you’re learning from your mistakes. You may have procrastinated, but now realize that it’s not setting you up for success. Whatever lesson you may learn, self-reflecting proves that you have grown and are willing to do better. Journaling also allows you to document those thoughts and revisit them to track your progress.
Your college years will fly by, and eventually, you’ll be out in the real world. Students should take advantage of this time of their life with limited responsibilities and use it for the greater good. No matter what you do during winter break, students should always find time to prepare for their future.
