FIRST THINGS FIRST

1. CELEBRATE!

DO YOUR HAPPY DANCE!!!!

Celebrate this accomplishment. Some students did not make it this far.

Celebrate the fact that you made it through a semester.

Celebrate that you will likely have some credits under your belt once your final grades are posted.

Celebrate that you have fulfilled some requirements for graduation.

Celebrate that you likely met some new people and you've had new leardning experiences.

Celebrate each and every win from this past semester.

Too often when we accomplish things in our lives, we do not take the time to celebrate. So take the time and celebrate all that you have accomplished and survived this past semester. Enjoy the holidays, spend some time with your friends, treat yourself and celebrate everything you’ve accomplished and survived this semester.

2. LEARN - BECAUSE LEARNING NEVER STOPS

I know that you just spent an entire semester learning; however, too often what we learn in the university classroom does not translate to the real world of work. The most successful students know how to supplement what they learn in college. So why not read a book authored by an expert or thought leader in your intended industry.

Not only will reading provide you with some in depth insight into your desired industry, you might be able to reference some of what you learn when you begin interviewing for internships or jobs next semester. Just google thought leaders in your industry and see who comes up. I have several books on my reading list for break. I will share what new information I've learned in a future post.

3. CONNECT

If you are interested in getting out of the house, which I highly recommend, see if you can set up some informational interviews or job shadows with anyone you have connected with on LinkedIn.

Also, its not too early to start thinking about summer jobs and internships. Actually February is prime season, so why not start doing some research now. Needless to say, if you have not begun connecting with professionals and groups in your desired area(s) of interest let's make that number 4 of the list of things to do over break.

4. NETWORK

Network on LinkedIn. This can be a whole post in and of itself but I will, it try to keep it brief. Here are three things that you should do when you are just starting out on LinkedIn.

Take some time and think about what you want on your profile including your photo, and your personal brand statement. You should be using LinkedIn as your professional online presence to begin connecting with potential employers and people who can introduce you to opportunities after you graduate. Spend some time identifying which people, organizations and groups you are interested in connecting with. Find and follow hashtags on topics in which you have a professional curiosity or interest. See who among the LinkedIn Top Voices you should follow.

Lastly, if your parents have built some social capital on LinkedIn or on Facebook, ask them to help you identify some of their friends or colleagues to connect with.

BONUS

If you live in Philadelphia and have a Free Library of Philadelphia Library card, then you can use it to access the Lynda database where there are a host of instructional videos on a variety of topics. LinkedIn publishes a list of the top skills that employers want for each year. See if there are in videos teaching skills that would be beneficial after you graduate.

This year, I used Lynda aka LinkedIn Learning to learn how to use audio editing software and started podcast Office Hours with the College Success Professor.

5) VOLUNTEER

Depending on your interests, you can volunteer your time at a local non profit. You could also offer your services at your old high school and volunteer to help seniors with their college applications or volunteer to talk with the students about lessons you learned from your college experiences. Philadelphia schools start back on January 2. That is plenty of time for you to do something before you head back to campus.

6) REFLECT AND RE-IMAGINE

Assess what worked and what you would like to improve on for your next semester.

With the new year and a new semester starting, now is a good time to make a plan for achieving all that you would like to celebrate in 2020.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

Make your next semester your best semester.

STAY TUNED FOR WHATS NEXT.