The job market is increasingly competitive and time off uni is an opportunity to recharge but can also be a valuable opportunity to gain skills and experiences that can enhance employability after graduation.
1. Undertake an Internship or Work Placement
One of the best ways to build employability skills during the summer holidays is by undertaking an internship or work placement.
Many companies offer summer internship programs to university students, which can provide valuable work experience and help students build their networks.
Internships and work placements can also help students develop a range of transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management, which are highly valued by employers.
2. Volunteer in the Community
Volunteering in the community is another excellent way for students to build employability skills – Volunteering can have a huge impact on life chances and employment prospects – so much so that a report was written about it.
Volunteering provides students with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. It can also help you build your network and develop a sense of social responsibility, which is highly valued by many employers.
3. Attend Training and Development Programs
Many universities and organisations offer training and development programs during the summer holidays, which can help students build their employability skills.
These programs cover a wide range of topics, such as communication, leadership, and project management. Attending these programs can help students develop new skills and enhance their existing skills, which can make them more attractive to potential employers.
4. Start a Personal Project
Starting a personal project during the summer holidays is another way for students to build employability skills.
By pursuing a personal project, students can develop key skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Personal projects also provide an opportunity to gain real-world experience and showcase skills to potential employers. The very process of starting and completing a personal project can demonstrate initiative, passion, and a willingness to learn, which are highly valued by employers. Personal projects can also be tailored to an individual’s interests and career goals, allowing them to build skills that are relevant to their desired field. Overall, a personal project is an effective way to develop skills, gain experience, and stand out to employers.
5. Learn a New Skill
Students can develop loads of additional skills by signing up to MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) which can enhance their employability skills – learning a new skill during the summer holidays is another excellent way for students to build employability skills.
Employers are looking for candidates who have diverse skills and can demonstrate to potential employers that they are proactive and willing to learn. These are highly valued traits in the workforce – by developing additional skills, students can set themselves apart by learning new languages, new software or new skills.
