Spring Break is Here

By Madison Bowden, Toppel Peer Advisor

Spring Break is here, and while you may be planning on what beach to tan at don’t forget to walk into  the Toppel Career Center! With Spring Break coming there is also the question of “Where will I be this summer?” arising. The Toppel Career Center can help you find those last minute internships, immersion programs, and other career development programs to get your career started whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or even senior! So enjoy Spring Break but remember to check into Toppel when you return. If you have yet to stop into Toppel Career Center this year I urge you to start your journey with us! 

Here is a list of some of the many resources Toppel Career Center has to offer:

1. Counseling with a Professional Advisor (Schedule this through Handshake or come into Toppel Career Center for help)

2. Walk-In Advising any time from 9:00-4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday) where a Peer Advisor can help you get started with your Networking resources such as LinkedIn; Critique your Resume; Mock Job Interviews; familiarize you with Internship/ Job Resources 

3. Workshops for Career Development that are posted under Events on Handshake (If you are not familiar with Handshake yet I URGE you to stop into Walk-In Advising and learn all about the great things Handshake has to offer)

4. Grad School Resources and Information Sessions

5. Career Assessments that identify strengths, personality characteristics, interests, and potential career paths

6. UShadow- Shadow a Professional in a field you are interested to pursue!

Have a great Spring Break, and don’t forget to come into Toppel Career Center when you return to advance in your Career Development! 

6 Ways to Refresh Your Life Over Spring Break

By Melissa Wyatt, Toppel Peer Advisor

Trying to balance classes, extracurriculars and work is tough for any college student – so it’s no surprise that spring break is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year. While it’s important to have fun and relax, spring break is also a great opportunity to get ahead. A little bit of effort can go a long way, and preparing for what’s ahead will allow you to end your semester on a high note. Here are six easy ways to refresh your life this spring break:

1. Update Your resume

When homework deadlines are looming over your head, it’s easy to put career readiness on the backburner. With a free schedule, spring break is the perfect opportunity to update your resume. Templates and advice are available at HireACane.com, so you can accomplish this in no time! You never know when you’ll need a resume, so it’s important to keep yours updated.

2. Catch up – and get ahead!

Spend an hour or two every day catching up on class readings and getting ahead on homework assignments. A little bit of effort now will prevent many long nights in the library, especially as final papers and projects pile up in the coming weeks.

3. Organize your room and study space

It’s hard to stay focused when your notes are unorganized and laundry has piled up on your floor.  Now that you don’t have as much on your plate, take the time to organize your desk. A clean room is key to a clear mind – don’t underestimate how these small changes can make a big difference in your productivity.

4. Send in your last internship and job applications

It’s time to stop procrastinating and submit the last of your summer internship/job applications! Finish up the applications you’ve already found, and continue to seek out new opportunities. You never know what you’ll find - your dream job could be waiting.

5. Get rest

Don’t forget to treat yourself well. Be sure to get ample rest over spring break, because this will ensure that you are in tip-top shape for the rest of the semester. Having an adequate amount of sleep will also increase your overall productivity and happiness.

6. Learn something new

Have you been hoping to sharpen your Photoshop skills, but just couldn’t find the time? Use spring break as an opportunity to hone your existing skills and develop new ones. The Internet is full of online tutorials and advice to help you learn something new. Each unique skill you have makes you stand out in a job, so take this time to diversify yourself as a candidate.

These are just a few ideas to have a productive spring break – you could try your hand at volunteering, exercising, or just spending more time outdoors. Have a fun week off and enjoy unwinding from the stresses of everyday life! Don’t forget to stop by the Toppel Career Center when classes are back in session.

Spring Break is Finally Here!

By Maura Gergerich, Toppel Peer Advisor

Be active

Yes, you finally have the opportunity to sleep till noon and spend the entire day watching Netflix but don’t throw reality away entirely. Use this extra time to apply for internships or do some research on a company. Even just getting a jump start on your next project will really help when school gets back to full swing.

Stay safe

If you are traveling or just staying to chill in Miami, remember to not throw caution by the wayside. Use the buddy system when going out and make sure you always have your phone charged and with you in case of emergencies. Also remember to use that sunscreen when you go to the beach!

When traveling

Make sure you have any necessary documents in order. It’d be quite unfortunate to get to the airport and realize you left your passport on your desk. Keep your money in a secure place, but make sure to always have some accessible for situations where plastic isn’t accepted. Again, always use the buddy system when going somewhere unfamiliar and know what to do or what number to call in an emergency.

Have fun!

The semester is over halfway through. Hard to believe, right? Since you have an entire week where you don’t have to worry about projects or assignments now is the time to go on an adventure or try something new. Make the most of your free time so when all your friends get back from their respective ventures you have your own stories to brag about. Make lots of memories this week! Take tons of pictures (just be careful which ones you put on Facebook!) and make spring break 2014 a great one!