Written by Maryam and reviewed by our team. Maryam is a Kortext student ambassador at the University of East London. 

During the summer it’s easy to spend the break enjoying yourself by sleeping all day, watching TV series from start to finish, or relaxing.  

Although time off is important, it’s an ideal time to enrich your CV and gain experience that will differentiate you in the face of stiff competition in the job market. Whether you’re an undergraduate just starting out or preparing for postgraduate applications, making the most of your summer can make a real difference.  

Here are a wide range of activities you can engage in to enrich your CV and develop both personal and professional skills. 

Volunteering 

Volunteering is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to gain experience. It shows employers that you’re compassionate, responsible and community minded. You could volunteer at nearby food banks, hospitals, charity shops, environmental projects or youth centres.  

As well as giving you interview material, this also helps you gain soft skills such as teamwork, communication and initiative. Universities tend to have connections with organisations looking for student volunteers, so check your university’s careers or volunteering portal. 

Summer job 

If you’re looking to earn some money while building your skills, a summer job is a great option. Jobs in retail, hospitality, or administration may not seem directly related to your degree, but they teach essential skills like time management, customer service and conflict resolution.  

If possible, look for internships related to your field of study. These can provide you with hands-on experience, enable you to begin establishing a professional network, and give you a glimpse into your career path. Even a short-term internship can show commitment to your career and give you an advantage when applying down the road. 

Events 

Another great use of your time is attending talks, webinars and networking events. Universities and professional organisations often host free summer events that explore current issues, research trends and industry challenges.  

These events not only enhance your subject knowledge but also show employers and admissions tutors that you’re engaged in your field beyond the classroom. Platforms like Eventbrite, LinkedIn and professional body websites regularly list free or low-cost events that are open to students. 

Reading 

Summer is also an excellent time to do some reading of academic texts or take an online course. Reading beyond your lecture notes and recommended textbooks shows intellectual curiosity. You can consider reading the latest research papers, books or case studies related to your course or future occupation.  

Online platforms such as Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and LinkedIn Learning also offer various short courses. Whatever it is you want to learn – whether that’s a new coding language, how to write better, or the basics of digital marketing – there’s something for you. Taking an online course is a fabulous way of showing that you’re keen on improving your skillset. 

Job shadowing

Job shadowing is another way of gaining industry perspective if you’re still unsure of your eventual career.  

Watching a professional at work for a day or a week will provide you with an idea of the everyday responsibilities of a job, enable you to question, and allow you to make informed choices concerning your future.  

Network with relatives, alumni, local businesses or use your university career service to find out about job shadowing opportunities. 

Travelling

If you are already going to be travelling over the summer, why not combine it with skill gain? Consider doing a cultural exchange, overseas volunteering, or language learning.  

These experiences not only broaden your horizons but demonstrate flexibility, self-reliance and other-cultural openness – all qualities that employers increasingly want from a globalised workforce. 

CV 

Finally, don’t forget to update your CV with all that you’ve achieved. Think about the skills that you’ve learned and how these relate to your career goals. It’s also a good time to update your LinkedIn profile, develop a professional email signature or even draft a template cover letter that you can refer to later. 

In summer-y 

Short and sweet, summer is not a season of lectures – it’s time to grow, discover and prepare for your future.  

You can gain fantastic experiences enhancing your CV, making you stand out, by volunteering, working, studying, or creating. It does not need a crowded calendar to make this summer one to remember – all it takes are some mindful actions that can lead to really big things. 

So why not make this summer a one to remember, both in memorability and milestones?