You’re probably used to it being drilled into your head that you must have an internship over the summer. But there are a bunch of other things you can do that aren’t an internship but still look awesome on your resume when you’re on the hunt for a job. Whether you’re a new graduate or still a student and looking for something to fill your time, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you.
1. Work Experience
Any type of job still gives you work experience. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t related to your major or is just an odd job. Work experience helps you prepare for the real world and shows that you have a wide range of skills that employers will pay for.
A part-time or seasonal job working at the local ice cream shop may not seem ideal, but it helps you learn valuable skills that you’ll need in the future. Things like working in a fast-pace environment, customer service and dealing with any problems that come up are all skills that employers will be looking for.
2. Odd Jobs
It’s okay if you don’t have a consistent job, either. If you’re good at something like landscaping or dog walking, post flyers around the neighborhood advertising your services. On a resume, this will show that you’re a go-getter and you have initiative for what you’re passionate about.
Employers look for someone with a take-charge attitude. They want someone who knows what they want and will work hard to get it. This is basically like starting your own small business as well if you get dedicated customers that keep coming back for your service. It shows you’re good at what you do and have the ability to keep a client base.
3. Volunteering
There are so many organizations and opportunities to volunteer. There’s guaranteed to be one that fits into something you love. If you love animals, look into helping out at your local shelter. It’s the perfect opportunity to be surrounded by dogs and cats all day. Kids’ summer camps also look for volunteers if you’re a fan of making macaroni art and running around with them all day. You can really volunteer anywhere you’d like, you just have to reach out to them first!
If you’re involved in a local church, see if they have any opportunities like doing mission trips abroad – or even in the US – or you could help out with the annual Vacation Bible School for the kids. Look into helping the elderly with running errands or doing things around the house for them. The opportunities are endless.
Volunteer experience looks great on a resume and shows you care about your community. It helps you establish some skills that you never would have thought of and can help you find your passion and direction for the future. It also helps you expand your connections – one of them could end up getting you a job someday.
4. Creative Outlets
Finding your passion is one of the most important parts of your life journey. If you aren’t happy with what you’re doing, then there’s no reason to do it. Things like writing and painting are an awesome stress reliever and they’re something that’s enjoyable to do. Even doing these things, you can make some money selling them to magazines or online and gain experience in something you love. With all the stress of school and job pressure, it’s important to find something to take you away from all that.
Having a creative mind also helps you think in different ways than most people, which is a valuable skill. Depending on the job you plan on getting, creative pieces can be an addition to your portfolio as well. And who knows? If your stuff is good, you might even be able to sell it to make some extra cash!
Internships aren’t the only thing that can make your resume great. Trying some different things and gaining experience can make you the candidate that stands out when it comes time for hiring.
Featured image via Kaizen Nguyễn on Unsplash
