First-Year Student Advising Information
My First Winter Break at Carleton…what am I going to do for 6 weeks?
Possible ideas to consider:
- Get an internship
- Get a job
- Shadow an alum
- Temporary work
- Travel
- Find/Develop/Practice a hobby or skill that is useful, e.g. learning a language
What should I be doing now so that I don’t run into trouble after Thanksgiving?
1. Self-reflection and evaluation
- What do you get excited about?
- What activities do you enjoy?
- What would you like to spend time doing?
- What do you want to get out of you break, what are you goals?
2. Do your research!
- Look at the Alumni Directory: you will be able to search by major, geographic location, graduation year, and many other qualifications to find alums who you think will be helpful.
- This tool is useful for finding a job, internship, shadowing, and
background career clarification and information. - http://apps.carleton.edu/alumni/directory/
- This tool is useful for finding a job, internship, shadowing, and
- Spotlight on Careers: a collaborative website that describes possible career choices and interests:
- Useful for researching your interests, thinking about future opportunities, accessing basic information about specific jobs.
- http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/career/process/exploration/spotlight/
- Investigate opportunities unique to your hometown: look for classes offered at a university, local temporary work agencies, stores hiring for the holiday season, etc.
- Talk to people, like family and friends, from your hometown to stay informed and network.
3. Present yourself
- If this is a more formal job or internship: update/formulate a resume, prepare cover letters, practice interviewing
- If more informal: play up your individual strengths and the liberal arts skills that you have learned at Carleton thus far
Bottom Line: Have a fun, meaningful break, learn something new, spend time with your family and friends, relax, and get excited to come back to school!