Summer is the perfect time to relax, recharge and build skills that can help you stand out when applying for jobs, apprenticeships, or university courses. Even small activities can make a big difference to your CV and show future employers or universities that you’re motivated, proactive, and willing to learn.
Here are a few ideas to make your summer both enjoyable and productive:
Try volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, improve communication skills, and give back to your community. Whether it’s helping at a local charity shop, supporting community events, or assisting at sports clubs, volunteering demonstrates teamwork and responsibility. It really helps to boost job applications and university personal statements.
You could even discover a career interest you hadn’t considered before.
Local volunteering opportunities Find a Voluntering position
Take an online course
There are plenty of free or low-cost online courses available in areas such as digital skills, business, coding, marketing, health care, and creative arts. Completing a course shows commitment to learning and can help you develop skills linked to your future career.
Even a short course can strengthen your personal statement or job application.
Get part-time work experience
A summer job can teach valuable workplace skills such as time management, customer service, problem-solving, and professionalism. Employers value candidates who understand the responsibilities of working life even if the role isn’t directly linked to your future career plans.
Every experience counts.
Build a personal project
If you’re interested in photography, design, architecture, music, sport, gaming, or technology, consider starting a personal project. Creating a portfolio, YouTube channel, blog, or small business idea can demonstrate creativity, initiative, and dedication.
These projects can become excellent talking points in interviews.
Attend events or workshops
Keep an eye out for local workshops, careers fairs, university open days, or networking events. They can help you explore future pathways, meet new people, and build confidence.
You may also gain inspiration for your next steps after College.
Learn something new
Summer is also a great opportunity to develop new skills from learning a language to improving public speaking or gaining a first aid qualification. These extra skills can help you feel more confident and prepared for the future.
Make the most of your summer
You don’t need to fill every day with career-focused activities, but using some of your summer productively can help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you volunteer, work, study, or start a creative project, every experience helps you grow and build a stronger CV for the future.
Make this summer the start of something exciting!
