First years, are you still looking for a something awesome to do this summer? Well, you are in luck, we have quite a few different ideas and resources to keep you pre-occupied this summer and allow you the opportunity to grow and develop professionally!
- Summer Programs
Duke offers a variety of summer programs which you can take advantage of during your first summer at Duke. Some of those programs include: Bass Connections, Data+, and Story+ . These are amazing programs which will allow you to develop new skills, refine the skills you have, and provide hands on experience in your area of interest. The deadlines for these programs are in February, so please review and act quick if you are interested!
- Internships
If you are in search of a summer internship, then Handshake should be your best friend! Within Handshake you can schedule an appointment with a Career Adviser, register to attend our workshops/events, and view and apply to internships.
- If you have not yet created a profile in Handshake, please do so and navigate through the system. As you are thinking about possible internships, it may be helpful to start looking at some of the postings available in the portal.
- Please be on the lookout for upcoming career exploratory events such as Industry Insights, which is designed for first years and sophomores to allow you the opportunity to learn about employers and industries. Although these events are virtual, we still request you register through Handshake.
There is also an Internship and Job Search Guide located in the Career Hub, which provides additional resources for you to explore!
- Job Shadowing
Job Shadowing is an opportunity for you to observe the daily tasks of a position you are interested in. This can be low commitment and based upon your availability, so it can be a few weeks, a couple of days, a few hours, it is totally up to you and what you expect to get out of the experience. This is also ideal if you have various interests you would like to explore. You can job shadow and hold a full-time summer job or internship.
Finding job shadowing opportunities will require some research and connecting on your end. You will have to research organizations and positions you are interested in and find contact people to reach out to, to inquire if you would be able to job shadow. Connecting with family, friends, friends of family, professors, and alums (through use of the Alumni Directory) is a great way to learn more about various positions and potential job shadowing opportunities.
- Summer Job
The summer after your first year is the first summer you can truly do anything you want to do. If you have a cool place that you have worked at in the past or would like to work for in the summer, go for it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a summer job, as you will refine and develop plenty of great skills which you can talk about in your resume. Numerous employers who visit Duke have stated that they like to see that students have worked as a waiter/waitress, cashier, or fulfill some sort of customer service role. This is great because it shows that you have communication skills and you know how to interact with other individuals, which will be vital to pretty much any position you are interested in.
- Volunteer
Volunteering is a great option! You can find an organization that accepts volunteers and join their volunteerism efforts or you can create your own volunteer opportunities. It is not uncommon for some first-year students to return to their hometown and volunteer at their old high school or within their own community. This is a great act of service and will also look amazing on your resume.
- Enroll in Summer courses
If there are additional interests you would like to learn more about, taking summer classes can be a great asset. You can learn more about some of things you are interested in or explore new options. Taking Summer classes does not always mean enrolling in summer courses at Duke, however that is a great option, but you can take course online at LinkedIn Learning or take some courses at the local university in the town where you will be spending your summer.
- Create your own Summer experience
What if you don’t want to do anything we suggest? That is just fine! You can create your own summer experience, whether that means traveling, achieving goals you have for yourself, starting your own business, completing individual projects, or anything else you would like to do, it’s your Summer and again this will probably be the only summer you are able to do exactly what you want to do! Remember to have fun and be very intentional about the decisions you are making as it relates to your summer experience.
If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a Career Adviser about your plans for the upcoming summer, please do not hesitate to schedule a Career Advising appointment in Handshake or if you have a quick question take advantage of Drop-In Career Advising.
