By Karla Sullivan
You have just graduated college and the summer has begun. It is time to go a little crazy, right? You can sleep late, use your debit card whenever and drink whenever ignoring the last few dollars in your savings account. You deserve it!
Wrong, it is the time to look for a job, apply to internships or back to graduate school, whatever may be your goal. Don’t waste anytime with too much relaxation. For many, the monthly pay back on student loans will be arriving earlier than expected.
Rather than spending your time in a disruptive schedule, sleeping and spending too much money, use the time productively.
Prepare a budget; spend on necessities and look at what is important for your future – such as health, auto and life insurance – especially if you have a job straight out of school.
Check out internships to add experience to your resume. Programs such as Pathways provides experience in public health and related support occupations. NPR offers internships for those interest in learning more about broadcasting.
If you are looking for a full time job after graduation, don’t wait. Use the summer months to design your resume, get career counselors opinions even utilizing services either locally or remotely to start the job hunt. Set up your social network sites for employment opportunities. The summer seems to be a low hiring period since many employers use this time for vacations and put hiring on hold. However, if you see something that would be a good fit, don’t wait, send that resume. You may stand out in less competition.
Taking care of community pets is a great way to earn extra money while either interning, preparing for graduate school or looking for a job. Some owners will pay up to 20 dollars an hour to walk their dogs or baby sit while still having flexibility.
Volunteer work is a great way to spend your time working for an organization that has meaning. Many volunteer positions can turn into jobs and employers do like to see this type of position in your skill set. If your interested in healthcare, there are a variety of associations that you can work.
Coaching sports at the local YMCA may be great way to utilize skills that you may have never thought you had.
Spending quality time with family friends, barbeques, swimming and hiking is a classic summer special that can’t be replaced.
