Whether or not you’ve secured an internship or job for next summer, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your winter break if you want to focus on career development. Isenberg’s Office of Career Success wants to help you build a solid action plan for the coming weeks and months, so we’ve got a list of to do’s to get you going!

Before you dive in, it’s important to remember that this can all be overwhelming and exhausting. So, make sure to take some time over break for yourself too! When it comes to job and internship stress, know that you are not alone. Career Coaches are available over winter break. Click here for instructions on scheduling a virtual appointment so we can support you along the way.

Pick and choose from this list of action items to heat up your winter break career development strategy:

1) The job search process can feel like a part time job! Luckily, we’ve got a handy job search checklist for you to make sure you’ve got everything covered: Job Search Checklist – IConnect

2) Make your Handshake profile work for you! Specify your career interests, follow target companies, and set job alerts to notify you of desirable opportunities: Handshake Quick Start Guide – IConnect

Bonus tip: If you are a first year or sophomore seeking an internship, use the keywords “freshman” or “sophomore” in the search field on Handshake and other job boards.

3) Microsoft is the industry standard in the business world. Did you know that Microsoft 365 Education suite is available to you at no cost? Using Word to build job related documents will make it easier to work with your OCS Career Peers and Coaches! Download and install MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint today (for Windows or Mac) on up to 5 of your devices! Microsoft Office 365 Education Download – UMass Amherst Information Technology

4) Gain real-world skills from top companies, all at your own pace! Explore your expertise, build your resume, and stand out by participating in an industry specific virtual work simulation on Forage. Make this winter break your career launchpad! Forage Library – IConnect

5) Skill up to bolster your resume and your candidacy… But wait, how do I know what skills I should build? That’s easy… First, check out the certifications/licensure and software/tech listed by major (in the Clubs, Certifications, and Software section) on the Isenberg Undergraduate Resume Guide. Then, take some time to skill up and gain certifications through LinkedIn or DataCamp. BOOM! Skills and Certifications by Major – IConnect (Undergraduate Resume Guide)

6) Did you know that nearly half of hirers on LinkedIn now explicitly use profile skills data to recruit candidates to fill their roles?! Take some time to identify, build, and add skills to optimize your LinkedIn profile for this upcoming recruiting season!

Skilling up with LinkedIn: And did you know that you have free access to 15,000+ LinkedIn courses to help build those skills? So, inventory your skill sets and then focus on narrowing the gap so you can land the job you seek! Now, go and earn a LinkedIn course certificate or two this break: LinkedIn Learning UMass Student Access

7) Demand for data analytics skills across business roles and functions is surging. Luckily, we’ve got your back! Learn essential data visualization tools or programming languages by completing a course or certificate on DataCamp! One.Isenberg – Click on DataCamp

8) There are thousands of podcasts, what’s one more? Add a career podcast to your queue! Find one from this “Top 10” list: Top 10 podcasts for early career job seekers – IConnect

Podcast feature: Explore the “New Rules of Work” – together, let’s create room for others’ perspectives and life experiences through intentional inclusivity in the workplace! Confronting Bias with Cindy Augustine | #NewRulesOfWorkPodcast – IConnect

9) Do you want to know the top companies that sponsor international student visas? Explore Interstride’s U.S. Visa Insights tool to uncover petition numbers by company and position: Interstride – IConnect

10) Virtual or video interviewing is all the rage! Over 40% of job seekers participate virtually for part of their interview experience, so brush up on your virtual professional etiquette today: Virtual Interview Etiquette – IConnect

11) Glassdoor isn’t just about salaries!! You can also find out about the interview experience and what kinds of questions you may be asked. Simply search by company, click on the interviews tab, and VOILA! Glassdoor – IConnect

12) There are so many different job roles and functions, and you’ve probably developed a long list of interests. Perhaps an exciting career entry point for you would be a leadership or rotational development program. Opportunities abound across industry and function for both undergrad and grad students – seize the opportunity! Leadership & Rotational Development Programs – IConnect

A look ahead to spring recruiting:

Employer recruiting will ramp up again at the start of spring semester – keep informed and updated about virtual and in-person recruiting events and employer information sessions via IConnect Calendar.

Speaking of recruiting events, if you are seeking a summer internship or fall co-op, don’t forget to check out and participate in the upcoming Boston-Area Internship Fair @ UMass Mount Ida Campus on January 23rd!