We did it. We’re finishing our semester, taking our last few finals, and SO ready for some free time. There’s nothing better to do over winter break than relax – hello, hot cocoa! But it’s actually also a great time to think about some things you can do to keep moving toward your career goals. Here are some tips from Career Services on how to make the most of your winter break:
Sign up for Bronco Link
Bronco Link is a networking site for current Broncos to connect with Bronco graduates. You can search through a list of alumni and find one working in a field you’re interested in! Once you find an alum to connect with, consider reaching out and asking for an informational interview. Informational interviews are a great way to build your network and get insight and advice from someone who was successful in a career path you are interested in.
Take the PathwayU assessment
PathwayU is a free online career assessment tool that only takes about 25 minutes to complete. This assessment evaluates your interest, values, personality and workplace preferences. Then you can filter the results by your program and education level to see possible careers with your major, or it will suggest other majors that are useful for that career path.
After taking PathwayU, meet with a Career Counselor to learn more about your results and career options. “There are a variety of combinations of majors and careers! PathwayU helps you explore your options and provide detailed information to help you learn more about the careers you matched with,” says career counselor Lauryn Roper.
Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor
If you have some free time over winter break, scheduling a quick appointment with a Career Counselor can help with anything from exploring career options to polishing resumes, interviewing, job searching and more.
Mark your calendars for the Spring Career Fair
The Spring Career Fair will be a little different this semester. It’ll be broken up over several days by career field. Check out the following schedule, mark your calendars and keep a lookout for more details coming from Career Services soon.
- Non-Profit, Government, and Public Service Career Fair– February 10
- Technology and Gaming Industry Career Fair– February 17
- Business and Manufacturing Career Fair– February 24
- Human Resource Professions Career Fair- March 3
- Creatives Industry CareerFair– March 10
- Public Health and Health Professions Career Fair- March 17
- Summer and Part-time Job Fair- March 24
Practice self-care
Remember that feeling lost or undecided about your future, frustrated in your job search, or confused about where to start is very normal. First, take care of yourself so you can approach these stressors with a clear mind. As career counselor Becca Dickerson says, “Part of being career-ready is taking care of oneself in whatever way works best for you.”
– By Maggie Short, career development ambassador