Regardless of your class year, summer break can be used to your advantage! Whether you’re going abroad, working a part-time job, or completing an internship, there are ways to ensure that your work now pays off later!

1. Every encounter has the potential to enhance (or tarnish) your personal brand

Always show off the best aspects of yourself! Take your work seriously so your employer can speak highly of you when the time comes for a full-time position. Making friends – not enemies – is crucial to creating and maintaining your personal network.

2. Take time to prepare an “elevator pitch” on what you want to share with your network

When talking about college, future endeavors, or even what you’re doing this summer, an elevator pitch can highlight your best qualities. You never know who that person knows, and that other person may have an opening. Your network can take you literally anywhere, so get started on the right foot!

3. Create/update your LinkedIn profile now! Like, NOW.

A 2020 survey on PRweb reveals that 71% of hiring decision-makers agree that screening candidate’s social media is worthwhile, so it may be a good idea to clean up your social profiles over break by deleting irrelevant content or posting something new. Even what you comment on someone else’s post could be the difference between getting hired and getting ignored.

Keep your social media active and professional, and use it to show off your achievements and skill set. Don’t be afraid to talk yourself up!

Find more ways to make a good impression with a career coaching appointment on Handshake under “Career Center.”