Making the most of your summer and preparing for your future career

As the academic year comes to an end, summer can be a valuable opportunity to reflect, build experience and think about your future career goals. Whether you’re undertaking an internship, working part-time, travelling, volunteering or simply taking some time to recharge, there are lots of ways to support your personal and professional development over the break.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your future figured out yet. Career development is a process, and small steps taken now can help you build direction over time. 

UCL Careers is here to support you throughout your time at UCL and beyond. In this post, we’ll highlight a number of ways you can make the most of your summer while preparing for your future career. 

10 ways to make the most of your summer and build your future career 

Whether you’re working, resting, travelling, volunteering or exploring career ideas, there are lots of small steps you can take over the break to build confidence and prepare for next year. 

1. Reflect on your skills and future goals 

Summer can be a useful moment to pause and think about the skills and experiences you’ve developed so far at UCL, and where you’d like to grow next. 

Try the UCL Pillars of Employability skills assessment to identify your strengths, recognise gaps in your experience and discover opportunities you could explore during the next academic year. 

2. Update your LinkedIn profile and online presence 

Summer can be a great time to refresh your LinkedIn profile, add new experiences and build your professional online presence. 

Explore our guide on LinkedIn and social media to help you make connections and feel more confident engaging professionally online.

3. Develop new skills at your own pace 

Whether you want to improve your communication skills, learn new digital tools or build sector-specific knowledge, platforms like LinkedIn Learning can help you develop valuable skills flexibly over the summer. 

If you are a disabled student or have a long-term health condition, you can also explore the Disabilities/Health Conditions and Work pathway for tailored advice on confidently navigating the transition from university to the workplace. 

4. Explore a range of opportunities and remember that all experience has value 

You don’t need a prestigious internship to build employability. Volunteering, research projects, society leadership roles and other experiences can all help you develop valuable workplace skills that employers look for, from communication and teamwork to adaptability and problem-solving. Explore the opportunities on your doorstep via the UCL Students Union. 

5. Explore careers and sectors that interest you

Use the summer to learn more about different industries, roles and career paths. Explore the Career Discovery Feed index to find sector insights, alumni stories and careers information to help you understand what different jobs involve and what might suit your interests and strengths.

6. Build confidence through networking and career conversations

Speaking to people about their careers can help you better understand the world of work and uncover opportunities you may not have considered. 

Explore our guide on informational interviewing to help you start career conversations with confidence.

7. Make the most of internships and summer opportunities 

Internships can help you gain practical experience, develop confidence and explore different career paths. If you’re undertaking an internship this summer, take time to reflect on what you’re learning and the skills you’re developing. 

If you don’t have an internship lined up for this summer, read our advice on what to do if you haven’t secured a summer internship, including alternative ways to build experience and develop your skills.

8. Start preparing for future applications 

Even small steps now can make future applications feel less overwhelming. Use VMock for instant CV feedback, explore the CVs, cover letters and applications pathway. 

9. Access one-to-one support from UCL Careers over the summer 

UCL Careers support continues throughout the summer, and appointments are often quieter during this period. Whether you want to talk through ideas, get feedback on applications or explore your options, our team is here to support you. 

Why not find out whether you’re eligible for additional support via Careers Extra or tailored support for researchers. 

10. Remember that career development takes time

It’s completely normal not to have everything figured out yet. Career development is a process, and building confidence, skills and experience happen gradually over time.

Whether you spend your summer gaining experience, exploring ideas or simply recharging after a busy year, there are lots of ways to support your future career journey.