Recently Graduated? Here’s How to Spend Your Summer

If you’ve recently graduated and are either preparing to start a new grad job or are still on the hunt for the right opportunity, it’s crucial to take a well-deserved break after your studies. However, this transitional period also presents a unique chance to make the most of your time and boost your employability.

So, if you’ve recently graduated and wondering how to make the most of your spare time this summer, these ideas could work to your advantage:

Volunteer

If you have a few weeks or even a few months before starting your grad job, why not consider volunteering for a worthy cause? Volunteering is not only a fantastic way to give back to the community and feel good about making a difference, but it also helps you develop valuable skills that employers seek in new hires. There are many ways to get involved during this time, including volunteering at:

• Local food banks
• Homeless shelters
• Animal rescue centres
• Conservation projects
• Museums
• Youth clubs
• Hospitals and nursing homes

Additionally, you can use volunteer matching websites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or local volunteer centres to find opportunities that align with your interests and availability.

Prioritise personal projects

During your studies, you may have set aside personal projects that you’ve always wanted to pursue but never had the time for due to academic commitments and busy schedules. Now, with a break before starting your full-time job, you finally have the opportunity to dive into these passions. This period of self-discovery is a valuable opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to you and enter your next phase of life with a sense of purpose.

For instance, if you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, this is a great time to start. Not only does learning a language open doors to new cultures, but it can also become a valuable asset in your career. Alternatively, if you’re passionate about sharing your thoughts and ideas, starting a podcast could be an exciting venture. It’s a platform where you can discuss topics you care about and interview interesting people in the field, who could later become key players in your future career development.  

Another rewarding project could be organising a fundraiser for a cause you’re passionate about. In doing so, not only will you be raising essential funds, but you’ll also gain skills in project management, communication, and leadership—qualities that are highly valued in any career path.

Research different careers

Many graduates complete their university education without a definitive career path in mind, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious or uncertain when you see your peers landing jobs while you’re still searching for your direction. It’s natural to feel a sense of pressure or stress about falling behind, especially when it seems like everyone else has their future all planned out. However, it’s important to recognise that not everyone has a clear direction or an immediate job offer right after graduation.

In reality, a significant number of graduates take several months post-graduation to explore various career options and gain a clearer understanding of their professional aspirations. This time can be incredibly valuable for self-discovery and career exploration. It allows you to reflect on what truly excites you and identify which career paths align best with your skills and academic background.

This time of uncertainty can be a great chance to explore different fields, especially through an internship. Internships offer a way to gain hands-on experience without long-term commitment, allowing you to assess where your strengths lie and whether a particular role or industry is a good fit for you.

Relax

And finally, don’t overlook the importance of relaxation. This might be your final opportunity to enjoy a period without professional responsibilities for some time, so make the most of it. Embrace the chance to breathe deeply and savour the freedom from work-related pressures.

Consider taking a trip to explore new places or revisit favourite spots. Travelling can provide a refreshing change of scenery and inspire new perspectives. Additionally, use this time to reconnect with friends, who you may not have seen for some time.

If travel isn’t on the agenda, find other ways to engage in activities that genuinely make you happy – whether it’s diving into a hobby, relaxing with a good book, or simply enjoying quiet moments of reflection.

Still on the hunt for a grad job? Check out our graduate jobs board here for the latest vacancies.