How to Make the Most of Your Summer Break

Without classes, homework and extracurricular activities filling up your schedule, summer is a great time to pause and reflect on what YOU are interested in and want to be doing. To find a career path that is energizing and fulfilling to you, you have to start with what you like and what you don’t like. Career exploration and hands-on learning is the best way to start piecing this together.

What Career Exploration Options Do I Have?

Self Assessment: 
The best place to begin is with yourself. Think about the classes, hobbies or activities that make you lose track of time. What skills come naturally to you? Do you enjoy working with people or independently? Do you prefer routine or variety? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?

If you haven’t already, use your free time this summer to complete or revisit the Launch Now Self Assessment tool. It can help you better understand your strengths, interests and possible career matches. Start making a list of the things that are uniquely you.

Research: 
Once you know more about your interests, start researching jobs and industries that connect to them. Everything around us is supported by people with specialized skills — from the roads we drive on to the businesses we shop at and the entertainment we enjoy.

The Launch Now app can match your interests and skills with careers and industries that may fit you well. From there, you can continue exploring online or through your local library. Stay curious and open-minded as you learn about different paths.

Start Networking: 
One of the best ways to learn about a career is by talking to someone who already works in that field. Ask adults around you about their jobs, even if it’s not something you think you’d want to do.

What do they enjoy about their work? What challenges come with it? Why did they choose that career? What steps did they take to get there? Would they choose it again?

If a job sounds interesting, ask if you can visit their workplace or job shadow for a day. Seeing a job in person can give you a much clearer picture of what it’s really like.

Internships and Summer Programs: 
Summer is also a great time to try internships, camps or learning programs related to your interests. The Launch Now app is a helpful place to look for local opportunities, but you can also search online for weeklong programs or summer internships. Many camps and programs offer scholarships or financial aid, so don’t hesitate to ask about options if cost is a concern.

Remember, you don’t need to find your dream career right away. The goal is simply to explore different experiences and learn more about what you do and don’t want in a future career.

Reframing Your Summer Job: 
Even a regular summer job can teach you valuable things about yourself. Focus on the skills you’re building and the type of work environment you enjoy.

For example, working as a hostess at a restaurant requires communication, multitasking and strong people skills. You may realize you enjoy staying active and working with a supportive team, but dislike handling pressure or constant multitasking. Those insights are valuable and can help guide future career decisions.

You can also learn from coworkers in different roles by asking about their experiences and career paths.
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There are many ways to use your summer to explore careers and learn more about yourself. Whether you’re researching jobs, networking, joining a program or simply gaining experience through a summer job, every step helps you move closer to finding work that excites and fulfills you. Launch Now can help guide you along the way.