Four ways to make the most of your winter break

SELF- CARE | Mindfulness + Motivation

Do something daily for you. And only you. Read the book you’ve wanted to since classes picked up. Take a long walk and listen to the podcast that just hit the App Store. Try a new recipe you haven’t gotten a chance to try during the hustle and bustle of fall semester. Volunteer or jump-start a hobby that you've been wanting to try, but couldn't quite find the time to do so.

With a break in studying, quizzes and class projects, develop a new routine. However, stay in a rhythm. It is still essential to get rest and make your health a priority.

How to fight back against job search fatigue | #GetHired LinkedIn Newsletter

REFLECT | Where are you at in your process?

Ask yourself: What went well this semester? What made you laugh? What did you enjoy doing? What are you most hopeful for at the start of 2024? 

Reflecting on each experience, identifying new and improved skills that you learned about yourself and developed, and ways to continue finding areas of growth are essential in your professional journey. Whether you are someone who journals, creates lists, has a running Word document of experiences, or just spends time visualizing your next steps, reflection is key for success.

STAY CURRENT | Update resume, LinkedIn, Handshake, ePortfolio, Github, etc.

As you pack away fall semester, stay organized and current. Your Senior Design Project submission? Share it on LinkedIn. The research you orchestrated this fall? Add it to your online portfolio. The student organization you initiated and plan to launch in spring 2024? Make a schedule to coordinate your new members. Coursework completed? Update in Handshake. Completed an internship and now starting your full-time search? Add it to your resume and update your career interests in Handshake!

CONTINUE SEARCHING | Taking breaks is essential, but avoid hitting pause

Although you should enjoy a hard-earned break, do not completely pause your search. Companies and organizations are still working around the clock, and although the holidays may be a time to rest, regroup, and re-focus personally, consider this a time to regroup and re-focus your search for the start of the new year.

TIP: Create an Excel spreadsheet and update the status of each role you have applied for, communication from the company/organization, dates you have received correspondence, what step you are at in the process, and when you plan to follow up

• How to find the internships and jobs you want on Handshake
  
• Create a spreadsheet to keep track of jobs you've applied for and any correspondence with potential employers. Here is a great template!
  
• Set up informational interviews with alumni who are in jobs you're curious about. Check out the Auburn Engineering Ginn Connections or use the Auburn University LinkedIn page to help you identify alumni.
  
  
• Talk to your family about your interest in study abroad opportunities.
  
  
• Search for spring or summer research opportunities. You'll find positions on-campus at Auburn as well as many paid summer programs across the country! Many summer program applications will have approaching application deadlines in December - February.
  
  
  

SHARE YOUR STORY | Tell us about your experience!

Find stories from other Auburn Engineering students and share your internship, co-op, research, global program, or on-campus work experience. Tell us about it >>