MSU’s campus can seem deserted in the summer, but just because there are less people doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do around East Lansing.
Though summer is a time for relaxation, students often have more downtime than they know what to do with. You should spend some time relaxing in the sun, but it’s important to keep busy in the summer.
Almost everyone has a job in the summer, especially if they don’t work during the academic year. But instead of a job over the summer, it’s usually a better idea to get an internship, even if it’s an unpaid one.
Internships are required for many majors at MSU, but, even if your major doesn’t require it, you should still get one to gain experience.
When competing for jobs almost every candidate you are up against will have a bachelor’s degree, an internship is a good way to stand out, especially multiple internships, and summer is the easiest time to do them.
You’re taking fewer classes, if any at all, and many internships take up less than 20 hours, so having a job is still an option, too.
Another way to stand out and keep yourself busy is through volunteer work. Volunteering signifies certain characteristics employers are looking for when hiring.
An abundance of volunteer opportunities exist around East Lansing. Organizations such as Haven House of East Lansing and REACH Studio Art Center in Lansing are nearby, and Goodwill and Salvation Army are always looking for volunteers.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and help those in need.
Some opportunities can even be found around campus. Several summer camps are on campus over the summer, ranging from tennis camps to Arabic camps, and there are also conferences and competitions. Currently, the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals are being held on campus, bringing thousands of people from all over the world, and requiring around 500 volunteers.
Even if you already have an internship or volunteer experience, you should take time to hang out with your friends, especially if you, or they, have recently graduated.
Friends you make in college can be friends for life, but you and your friends will have different pathways after college. Spending time together in the summer, when your schedule isn’t as busy as during the academic year, allows you to get closer with your friends and the time you spend together won’t be demanding, just relaxing.
Aside from friends, family is also something that won’t be around forever. If your hometown isn’t too far away, summer weekend trips home can be frequent.
Summer is a perfect time to build resumes and make time for friends and family. Plus, it’ll be easier to get back into the swing of fall semester if you stay busy, rather than lounge around all summer. So, don’t be afraid to access all the options available to you.
Branch out and discover new things this summer, you might surprise yourself.
