The summer vacation is the ideal time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
But if you’re anything like me, guilt-free relaxation time is near impossible without the nagging feeling that you should be doing something to improve your career prospects.
Here are our three stress-free ways to make the most of your summer:
1. Make the space for intentional rest
Even if it’s just for 20 or 30 minutes a day, putting aside all distractions (yes, even your phone) and taking the time to recharge can be really beneficial for your mental health.
Whether you spend time with a friend, pick up a hobby you’ve been neglecting, or read a book, giving yourself the space and time to relax will help you feel recharged and ready to tackle the other steps in this list.
2. Plan your time
Setting yourself small, achievable goals to accomplish over the summer will give structure to your time off and give you something to work towards.
You could start by tackling the tasks you’ve been meaning to complete but didn’t have time for in the academic year. For example, updating your LinkedIn profile or refreshing your CV with the ‘Get your CV ready’ pathway.
If you’re planning to sign up for the Bristol PLUS Award (the university’s employability award) in September, remember that the Award recognises extra-curricular activities completed at any point of your degree (including vacation periods), anywhere in the world.
Why not spend your summer accumulating experiences for your PLUS?
You could:
- Plan when you’ll complete a Bristol Futures course
- Complete a Career Ready Course for the workshops and courses section
- Accumulate experience hours by volunteering, completing an internship, or picking up a part-time job.
Check out our PLUS Award guide for more information about the Award’s structure and requirements.
3. Reflect on your experiences
Time at university can be such a whirlwind, it’s hard to find the time to hit pause and reflect on everything you’ve accomplished this year.
Spend some time reflecting on the skills you’ve developed, which can help uncover your strengths and weaknesses and guide your career planning.
Need some help reflecting? Complete a skills assessment to keep track of your developing skills. Your skills profile also contains pathways with practical information and advice to further develop your skills.
Don’t forget … we’re still here over the summer!
The Careers Service is open from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Talk to us on Live Chat, drop-in to 5 Tyndall Avenue, or book an appointment on mycareer.
Are you up for the challenge?
Registrations for the PLUS Award will reopen in September.
Find out more about the Award’s requirements through the PLUS Award webpage and start accumulating your PLUS experiences now!
Written by:
Emelyn Tan – Bristol PLUS Award Officer and Bristol alumni (LLB 2021)