Recharge with Purpose: Helping Your Student Build Momentum This Summer

Summer break has finally arrived, and your student has earned some time to relax. But if they’re heading into their sophomore, junior, or senior year, this season is also a powerful opportunity to build momentum toward life after college.

The reality? They don’t need to have everything figured out. A few intentional steps this summer can go a long way. Here’s how you can support your student in making the most of these next few months:

Encourage Meaningful Experience (Even If It’s Not Traditional)

Internships are valuable, but they aren’t the only way to gain experience, and many students don’t realize they have other strong options. Platforms like Parker Dewey offer short-term, paid micro-internships that allow students to work on real projects for companies in a flexible format. These are especially helpful if your student is balancing other commitments or still exploring career interests. Even part-time jobs, volunteer roles, or project-based work can help students develop critical skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. What matters most is that they’re building experience they can talk about with confidence.

Build Career-Ready Skills (Without the Pressure)

Summer is a great time to strengthen skills that can set your student apart, without the stress of a full academic schedule. In addition to tools like LinkedIn Learning, students can explore free, self-paced virtual work experiences through The Forage. These programs are designed by top employers and give students a chance to try out real-world tasks in fields like law, business, tech, and finance. It’s a low-pressure way to explore career paths, build confidence, and gain experience they can add to their resume.

Refresh Resumés and Online Profiles

With another year of college behind them, your student likely has more to showcase than they think. Encourage them to:

• Update their resumé with recent coursework, internships, or campus involvement
• Add new experiences—like micro-internships or Forage programs
• Polish their LinkedIn profile

Taking time to do this now makes future applications much less stressful, especially for juniors preparing for full-time recruiting.

Make Networking Feel Manageable

Networking doesn’t have to mean formal events or high-pressure conversations. It can start with simple, genuine outreach. Your student might:

• Connect with a professor or advisor
• Reach out to alumni working in fields they’re curious about
• Have a short informational conversation with a professional

Even a few conversations can help them gain clarity and sometimes open doors they didn’t expect.

Prioritize Balance (It Actually Helps Their Future)

While it’s important to stay productive, rest plays a key role in long-term success. Encourage your student to take time to recharge, whether that’s traveling, spending time with friends, or simply slowing down. A balanced summer helps them return to campus with more focus, energy, and motivation.

Your encouragement matters, but it doesn’t have to feel like pressure. A simple check-in or conversation can help keep your student moving forward. With access via our website 24/7 to flexible opportunities like Parker Dewey micro-internships, virtual experiences through The Forage, LinkedIn Learning courses, and on-demand career resources, your student has more options than ever to make this summer meaningful. They can also schedule a meeting this summer with Career Services via Handshake.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about taking a few thoughtful steps toward what comes next.