APU Careers & Learning

3 Tips on How College Graduates Can Spend Their Summer

summer-after-grad-tipsBy Tiffany Young
Online Learning Tips, Guest Contributor

After I graduated from college, I remember thinking I have 30 days to find a job. I have no idea why I had put so much pressure on myself to find my first job right out of college. None of my friends were discussing job offers and 401K plans. Instead, a few of them were preparing to embark on something that I thought was much more beneficial. They were going to spend their summer doing new things and evaluating their career path.

Two days after my college roommate received her degree in biology, she moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands to volunteer with the Red Cross. She now manages hundreds of nurses in St. Lucia. My best friend who lived down the hall loved music and bragged about her grandfather, a former jazz pianist. She decided to spend the warm summer months in New York with him and just play music all day. She is now the afternoon music producer at a radio station.

So, how should recent college grads spend their time this summer? Keep your mind active, evaluate what feels right, and take this time to volunteer, travel, spend time with family, take up a new hobby, or become a student again. Use these tips below for this summer before entering the work force.


1. Community service is a great way to stay active and healthy. Keep yourself busy and immersed in work and you will feel as young as you think you are. Make use of your knowledge and expertise. Take part in a mentoring program for youth. You will be able to pass on your wisdom to the younger generation. You can also volunteer in groups–involve your family and friends. There is nothing better than to work together with your loved ones. Community service work is also a great way to meet and interact with new people.

2. A learning vacation is an opportunity to learn something new (something fun!), broaden your horizons, and do something really different. Do something you’ve never tried before. You’ll want to see what you’re really capable of. Prepare to be surprised at what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it!

3. Do some activities with family. Regardless of how busy you are, make sure you have at least two meals a day with your family. Sit down to eat and catch up during meals. This can be joyous and satisfying. Involve your family with other routines. Time spent with family can be a great source of inspiration and ideas.

About the Author
Tiffany Young is the manager of public relations for American Public University System. She has more than seven years of experience in media relations, event management, and public relations. She earned a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies and received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Virginia State University. You can find her on Twitter @tiffanymyoung.

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