Tips on how to make the most of your semester break
The semester break is just around the corner and you still don’t know how to spend it? Many students are often faced with this question and don’t always find a suitable answer. In this blog, you will find helpful tips on how to use your semester break wisely for yourself and your future.
Make the most of your semester break – balance is important
The length of the semester break at German universities and colleges varies. There is no nationwide, uniform regulation on how long the lecture-free period is. But one thing is definitely clear: all students love this time. The lecture-free period serves both as a balance to the examinations completed and to broaden your horizons, e.g. with an internship. The semester breaks in winter and summer mark the end of the semester. However, many students often don’t know what to do with themselves during this time. As tempting as it is to relax for weeks and put your feet up, it can also have a fatal effect on your CV.
The unfilled gap in your CV
Many students are not aware that unused semester breaks represent a gap in their CV. This can often lead to awkward conversations at job interviews and doesn’t do much for your career prospects. This is because your potential employer wants to see that you are committed and that you are doing something for your career regardless of your university or college. It’s important to find the right balance between well-deserved relaxation and meaningful work.
Semester break jobs – stock up your wallet
Semester breaks offer the opportunity to use the free time to work. Not every student manages to pursue a part-time job during the lecture period because the workload of the course is too great.
During the semester break, it is therefore a good idea to take on a part-time or vacation job. You can find many websites on the Internet that are looking for students, especially during the semester break.
Jobs in the catering industry, as well as in supermarkets as a stock clerk or cashier, are particularly popular with students. But jobs as promoters and courier drivers are also becoming increasingly popular. With a job during your semester break, you can save up some money and gain valuable work experience that will look good on your CV, even if it has nothing to do with your degree course.
Work and travel during the semester break
You can also use your semester break to travel in the style of work and travel. The summer semester breaks are particularly suitable for this, as they are usually 2-3 months long. Work and travel offers you the opportunity to expand your language skills and cultural horizons. You have the chance to travel to completely foreign places, alone or accompanied. This will help you to become more independent and develop your problem-solving skills if things don’t go according to plan. Of course, work and travel involves costs such as flights, travel and accommodation. This is why the option is not necessarily for everyone, but it is a unique adventure, which some employers also view positively.
Complete an internship
Another way to make good use of the semester break is to complete an internship at a company. More and more students are taking the opportunity during their studies to work as an intern during the semester break. Internships are particularly popular on CVs, especially if they are on a voluntary basis. They offer the opportunity to gain an insight into certain areas and company processes. During this time, the knowledge you have learned at university can be applied in practice. Furthermore, an internship helps you in your later career choice, as you can exclude areas and discover new ones for yourself. It is therefore a win-win situation to complete an internship on a voluntary basis during the semester break.
Expand your language skills
Have you always wanted to learn a new language or improve an existing one? Semester breaks are also ideal for this. You can find many platforms on the internet where you can learn or improve a language. If you prefer to learn in a group, you can also register for a language course in your city. These are often offered at a lower price by the university or college.
Conclusion
The semester break offers you a break from your stressful studies. However, you shouldn’t just put your feet up during this time. Of course you can take the time you need to go on vacation and relax, but you should also try to use the lecture-free time for your career. Complete an internship, learn a new language or do some work and travel. Ultimately, you decide how you want to spend your semester break