With exams and papers at the forefront of students’ minds, few are eager to take on additional work over break. But, as the semester  comes to a close, Associate Director of the Career Center Laura Kilko shared some tips on how students can make the most of their downtime over the winter break.

Regardless of grade, major, or past work experience, Kilko has three key takeaways for all students.

“Winter break really is a fantastic time to be working on some of those things that the academic semester doesn’t allow for, like really delving into your resume, or flushing out your cover letters, or your internship search,” Kilko said.

First, Kilko suggests that students start compiling all of the basic application materials: resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.

“Even if you’re not ready to start applying to anything as first-year students, it’s still a good time to start getting these things done,” Kilko added. She calls these materials fluid because “you will add to [these materials] each semester so break is as good a time as any to start the foundation or polish what you already have. Be active on LinkedIn—it’s a fantastic tool for career exploration and for networking purposes.”

Next, make any opportunity big or small into a chance to network. Kilko stressed the importance of making connections—“[it] might be as basic as making connections through LinkedIn but also potentially setting up conversations with people in what we call informational interviews.” Networking is a process that takes time— Kilko said that “building relationships and establishing rapport” should be priorities for all students.

Any students looking to take their networking to the next level over break can apply to participate in Dickinson’s “Career Connections” events, “which include site-visits in a wide range of industries, and a networking reception.” There will be two events: the first in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19 and then on Jan. 21 in New York. The deadline to apply to both programs is Dec. 11.

Finally, Kilko suggested that students seek out volunteer opportunities, a part-time job, or even a winter internship to gain marketable experience and transferable skills.

“Doing something, not just sort of hanging out, is important,” said Kilko. “Even a part-time job in retail, for example, has transferable skills to any sort of career such as time management, working with others and leadership. This applies to students who have studied abroad as well—new marketability because of the “cultural experience and language proficiency.”

As students leave for break with these tips in mind, they can reach out to the Career Center staff with any questions. The Career Center is open for the entire month of January. Kilko encourages students to draft and email any of their materials to the Career Center staff to have them take a look. This applies to students studying abroad as well. The Career Center is “still here as a resource for you—you can’t walk in our doors, but we are still here.”

For more information on the Career Connections events or the services offered by the Career Center, go to their website: www.dickinson.edu/careercenter.