Ah, winter break. Those two magical words that keep you going throughout the terror that is November, and the absolute drudge that is December during finals season. A month off at Christmas time seems too good to be true, but in college, it is just the perfect amount of time to recharge and reenergize for the semester ahead. Fall semester was just a trial run, spring semester’s when we tell ourselves we’re going to get stuff DONE! For some of us, this may be our first experience with a month-long break, and for some of us this will be our last (excuse me while I panic), but regardless of age there are certain things that we can all work toward during our down time this winter break (after you scarf down cookies and wrap all your presents of course). 1. Network This could mean anything, from updating your LinkedIn profile after neglecting it during the business of the semester, or using that same LinkedIn profile to search for alumni from Marist who are doing cool things in the professional world. Utilize networking platforms like this to reach out to people in your ideal industry and get tips or tricks; even if they don’t have time to answer, you’ll never know if you don’t try. 2. Intern Some companies offer what is called “winternships” for the super-ambitious students. While winter internships can be a good way to get ahead, they’re also limited and difficult to get so just be wary of this. Make sure you check with your department before committing to this kind of internship to find out if you can receive academic credit. But if you have the opportunity to continue a fall internship in this way, or get a jump start on a spring one, it’s definitely a good idea to keep in mind. 3. Get a seasonal gig and save money.
Everyone knows the holiday season is also “broke as a joke” season, and though it’s for a good cause, people – students especially – still complain about spending all their money and not being able to make any back. But you can! If you search online before coming home there are some places, like Target, that will hire you just for the holiday season because they know how crazy it can get and they’ll take on new people to ensure everything gets done. You can also check in with summer jobs and see if they need extra help at the holidays, or even try to pick up some babysitting shifts. 4. Research, research, research I know, I know. Research during your break is the LAST thing you want to be doing, but trust me, it has its benefits later on when you can go back to school and not have to worry about future endeavors. This relates to study abroad, summer jobs, summer internships, jobs after college, and so on. Why worry about summer jobs in the middle of a very stressful spring semester when you could get a head start during January when you’re home on your couch doing nothing? It just makes sense to start research early. Personally, I know winter break especially helped me when I was a sophomore looking to go abroad but I had very little knowledge about the different locations and programs that I could choose from. I spent the entirety of winter break going back and forth emailing Marist International Programs (MIP) and highlighting the pros and cons of four different options, until I found the one that was perfect for me. That way, when I went to school, all I had to do was get my transcript and my application was complete! 5. And after all this is said and done, RELAX Breathe. Sleep. Run errands. Remember what it feels like to be a normal, functioning human without a never-ending deadline looming over your head. You can’t ever hope to be effective, whether at home or at school, if you don’t take care of yourself! If you have further questions about networking during winter break, check out CCS' networking info session on Wednesday, December 7 from 11:30-12:30 in library room 301, or drop by the office to consult a staff member on how best to execute these tips!
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