Summer is an important time for college students. While spending some time over the summer relaxing can help to rejuvenate you, it is also important to spend some of your time off in ways that will be beneficial to your future.

Below are some ways you can be productive during your summer break:

Intern
Intern at a company where you can gain experience your field of study. It is a great way to spend your summer because you can earn college credit and you will be able to gain experience in your field.

Including an internship will enhance your resume, and you will have more practical experience to discuss during future job interviews. In addition, internships can help you clarify your career goals and develop contacts that will become essential for your future.

Work
Find a summer job to help pay for your educational costs. Earning money over the summer might help to reduce the number of hours you would have to work during the academic year or the amount of money you need to borrow through student loans. Earning extra money can also cover unexpected expenses that may arise throughout the year.

Whenever possible, seek work experience that is related to your career path. This will allow you to gain both related experience and earn money. However, any work experience can be helpful. Having a solid work history in any position will enhance your resume.

Conduct Informational Interviews
Research jobs in your field. Find professionals holding positions you would like to know more about and request an informational interview (also called information interviews). Informational interviews are meetings that you initiate with professionals to learn more about their position, career, or industry. Informational interviews not only to allow individuals to learn more about a profession, but they also help individuals establish valuable professional contacts.

Take a course
Register for a course over the summer to ease your future course load. This can reduce your stress during the academic year and allow you more free time during future semesters.

Assist on a Research Project
Seek out professors who are conducting research in topics related to your major. Ask the professors about possible opportunities to participate in their research. Participation in an academic research project is great experience to be included on your resume and beneficial for students who plan to attend graduate school.

Travel
Visit a new place where you can interact with a culture that is different from yours. Understanding other cultures is becoming more and more essential as our economy becomes more global.

Many colleges offer summer study abroad programs. These programs can be a great way to combine travel and academics.

Volunteer
Volunteer for a cause that benefits your community. You will be able to improve your community, help others, and learn a lot in the process. Community service participation will enhance your resume and give you more experiences to draw on when answering job interviews questions.

Learn a New Skill
Select something you have always wanted to learn how to do. Seek opportunities to learn and practice the skill.

Find a Hobby
Participating in hobbies can be fun and can be a way to reduce stress. Hobbies can also help you connect with others and give you a sense of fulfillment.

Start a Project
Be creative and use your entrepreneurial abilities to start a project that is important to you. Your project could be an invention, a business, a method to raise money for a charity, or anything that is important to you.


Because many college students are not required to take summer courses, it is a great time to try new things and gain experience. Use the suggestions above to help you find ways to have a fun and productive summer.