Rest, Reflect, Ready: Making the Most of Your Winter Break 

Christmas lights, hot chocolate, snow, Hallmark movies and…internship searching! With winter break comes that funny little feeling that you should be doing something to prepare for your future when your brain has no academic stress to prey on. But do not worry—here are some tips to keep you relaxed yet ready for your next steps when you return to campus next year. 

Give Yourself Time to Breathe

Take a step away from your laptop. Reflect on the year you have, not only as a student but as a person. How have you grown? What new elements in your life bring you joy and fulfillment? Give yourself credit for navigating the challenges and changes.  Celebrate your achievements, both big and small—from acing that presentation to finally establishing a consistent workout routine. Take pride in your journey so far, recognizing that every step, even the missteps, has contributed to your development. 

If you choose to, consider your growth points, from mastering difficult courses to developing better study habits. Acknowledge new positive additions to your life, whether they are meaningful friendships, helpful mentors or newly discovered passions. 

Reflect on Your Passions and Values

Instead of diving into the job search and immediately immersing yourself in LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed or countless company application pages, write down what truly matters to you. What kind of work environment helps you thrive? What causes or industries ignite your enthusiasm? Then, ask yourself if the companies you are considering meet YOUR standards. Research their cultures, missions and values—do they align with your goals and beliefs? Remember, an internship is not just about gaining experience; it’s about finding a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully. 

Work on Your Portfolio

Break is the perfect time to work on your portfolio, but approach it strategically. Dedicate a small portion of each day to professional development. Just 30 minutes to an hour of focused work can bring significant results (your future self will definitely thank you). Update your existing work samples with recent projects, polish your presentations and organize your materials in a cohesive, professional format. Give thought to creating new content that showcases your evolving skills and interests. Document your recent achievements, including relevant coursework projects, volunteer experiences or leadership roles. 

Maintain Connection With the Career Development Center (CDC)

While enjoying your break, take proactive steps for your return. Schedule a resume review session for when you are back on campus—having this appointment already set will give you a concrete goal to work toward. Research application deadlines for summer internships, noting which ones align with your interests and values. Use this quieter time to refine your elevator pitch, ensuring it effectively communicates your skills, aspirations and unique value proposition. The CDC remains an invaluable resource in your professional journey, so leverage their expertise to maximize your internship search success.