How To: Make the Most Out of Winter Break

December 16, 2014

UMass Amherst gives students approximately 5 weeks off during winter break between the fall and spring semesters. For many, this is a time to catch up on sleep, relax at home, work, intern,

UMass Amherst gives students approximately 5 weeks off during winter break between the fall and spring semesters. For many, this is a time to catch up on sleep, relax at home, work, intern, and catch up with family and friends.

After about three weeks into break, many students may begin to feel restless and need something to do. Sound familiar? Below is a list of items you can do over break that are not strenuous, do not take a ton of time, and will help you out in the long run.
 

Take The Time To...

Create/Update Your LinkedIn Profile
This is a must! Everything you’ve accomplished over the past semester: is it on your LinkedIn Profile? Utilize all of the features that are available to you on the site, and show off your accomplishments!

Update Your Resume
This goes along with LinkedIn. To gear up for the summer, updating your resume slowly as you add things is much easier than adding several accomplishments and experiences all at once. You’ll be less overwhelmed, and you’ll have more time to think about your word choices.

Search For Companies That Interest You
Where might you want to intern? What might you want to do? What interests you? This is a great time to leisurely but effectively browse many different industries and career paths. Look for companies that are of interest and make a list.

Research Different Types of Internships
There are hundreds of internships that are posted over winter break on Isenberg Experience and UMass Experience. Be sure to check these out regularly to see opportunities with upcoming deadlines. You can even search for available internships from the list of companies that interest you from the previous tip.

Network
Look on LinkedIn at the companies you have found and the internships that they offer and network as much as possible! Taking this step will help you a great deal in the long run. It can’t hurt to reach out to someone who is an Isenberg or UMass alum and ask them to get a cup of coffee and talk about their job.

Read
This is one of the best ways to learn and keep your mind active. There are several books on interviewing tips, networking, resume writing, etc. that will help you learn while simultaneously allowing you to relax with a steamy hot cup of tea.

Article By Stephanie Berenson