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How to recover after a week-long break

After working hard all through the semester, you’ve finally earned your 2nd week-long vacation from all things work-related. Whether your staying home spending a week with family or you’re taking a nice getaway, a break can be a great way to relax your brain and step back from work – even if only for a short while.

Now some of you may be wondering, “Why do I need recovery after a break?”

Well… after you’ve returned from a tropical vacation or spending 4-5 days in bed, you may struggle to stay focused. Thankfully, the Career Planning Center is here to share some helpful tips to get you back on track with being productive for the remainder of the year.

Here are some helpful things you may want to do so your brief but fun hiatus from responsibility is well deserved.

1. Take some time to reflect

Sure, you may have had tons of time to rest during the vacation but when’s the last time you’ve taken the time to reflect? Come back from this break and reflect on your previous experiences, accomplishments and failures. Find where you were excelling greatly and what made you happy. If you haven’t explored a career or position in something you actually enjoy doing, now’s the time to look into it. Remember, if you need help you can always stop by Hogan 203 to meet with the career counselors!

       2. Expand your Search

After reflecting, you may want to widen your range of possibilities for ideal careers/internships for you. Maybe you have already explored a few options and they haven’t panned out so well or your’e looking for a new direction. Visit this cool career site www.MyNextMove.org to help plan whats right for you. Choose from their three search categories : “I want to be a”, which lets you describe your dream career, or  “Ill know it when I see it”, which gives you over 900 career options for you to choose from and “I’m not really sure” which ask questions about the type of work you might enjoy and then suggest careers that match your interests and training. This may be a great way to find a new exciting career you’d love to enter. CLICK HERE to take O*NET Interest Profiler test now!

3. Network with your contacts!

Even before you’ve gone on vacation, you should have been networking with any career contacts you managed to grab during the semester. After returning from break you want to find any legitimate excuse to get in touch with those career networks and expand on potential internship or career opportunities. You never know what might come from sending an email!

       4.VISIT US!

Seriously! As the year ends and the weather gets nicer students tend to stay away from offices, but we want you to come on by! Hogan 203 always welcomes anyone who has a quick career question or who just wants to chat. Remember that Drop-Ins are everyday from 1:00-4:00pm and for assistance over the phone call us at 508-793-3880.

 
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Setting yourself up for Success: Class by Class Career Advice

WELCOME BACK TO HOLY CROSS!

Although most of us are still busy planning Fall around our syllabi or re-adjusting to the arduous trek up and down Mt. St. James every day, it is never too early to start thinking about Career Planning!

  • FRESHMEN: Get involved!

Welcome to your first semester on the Hill! As a first year student, you truly have a “fresh” start and endless opportunities to pique new interests and learn more about yourself. Although concretely setting up your “career path” may seem aggressive for your first semester, there are several ‘second nature’ things you can do to set yourself up for a bright career at HC and beyond.

1.)  Get involved on campus: Join 2  or more clubs or organizations. Getting involved helps to expand your interests, while introducing you to a new network of peers. Added Bonus: Campus activities are a great resume booster!

2.)  Take interesting classes: Before second semester enrollment, take the time to find classes that really speak to you. Being interested in the material helps you stay engaged and will eventually direct you towards a major if you are undecided.

  • SOPHOMORES: Focus in!

Sophomore year is the time to hone in your skills and piece together your achievements.

1.) Create your Resume: Now is the time to either create or refine your resume, as you start to build your professional profile. If you need help perfecting your resume, make an appointment to meet with one our Career Counselors!

2.) Apply to SIP: This semester presents your first opportunity to apply to HC’s Summer Internship Program. Although this program is highly competitive, the application process marks a great way to practice building your resume, cover letter and interview skills.

  • JUNIORS: Start your search!

Welcome to the Internship year of college! It’s time to start searching and applying for internships that appeal you.

1.)  Apply to SIP: The Summer Internship Program gives qualified students a helpful “foot in the door” to many amazing internships by connecting HC students with established alums.

2.)  Search Early: Start browsing different companies’ websites for internship opportunities. Many companies set their internship deadlines in the fall, so have your updated resumes and cover letters ready to go!

  • SENIORS: Network, Network, Network!

As daunting as it might seem, senior year is the inevitable prelude to the notorious “real world.” Although denial is one way to approach this problem, the better way is to set your self up for success through networking.

1.)  Stay in Touch: If you had an internship or job this summer, stay in touch with the people you met! Maintaining a dialogue keeps you fresh in their minds and helps for recommendations later down the road.

2.)  Reach Out: Use the Career Advisors Network to reach out to alums in career fields you may pursue. (http://bit.ly/gG5PFM) Also, keep an eye out for an invitation from the Alumni office to join the Alumni Online Community where you can search for additional contacts. Remember, reaching out means learning more about specific jobs or companies, not blatantly asking for jobs!

3.)  Network in-person: Use events like the Holy Cross Career Fair (September 25th) to meet new contacts and demonstrate your professionalism. Extra Edge: Have business cards printed and give them to professionals you talk with!

Have questions or want help with these quick tips? Come to Career Planning in Hogan 203 for Drop-in hours or set up an appointment to meet with one of our amazing Career Counselors!

In addition, Career Counselors will be available to answer any quick career questions during Virtual Drop-in Hours, which start up Monday, September 17th!