Upskill Over Summer

Summer is the perfect time to up-skill yourself!

With uni out of the way, things slow down, and you have more free time, it’s a good time to give yourself a bit of a glow-up in the skills department. Plus, with longer days, you have more time to focus on yourself and still enjoy the daylight, creating a golden opportunity for personal and professional growth. Think of it as investing in future you!

Why Now? 

Without the usual stress and pressure of university deadlines, you have the chance to explore new interests or get better at what you already know and love. Adding relevant skills to your CV that align with your dream job shows you’re competent and ready for new opportunities. Just be sure to also use the summer to rest and recharge!

Picking Your Power-Ups

Choosing the right skills to focus on can feel overwhelming, so take your time by reflecting on what you want from your career, what’s trending in your industry, and even areas of personal interest that need work. A mix of hard and soft skills is always a smart move:

• Hard skills are the learnable, hands-on ones, such as coding, graphic design, data analysis, and Excel. These are often proven with certificates or portfolios.
• Soft skills are things like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These are gold dust in any job!

Skill Building Toolkit

There are so many ways to get skilled up these days, including plenty of free resources! 

• Online courses: Check out platforms like Linkedin learning, Coursera, Skillshare, and Google Digital Garage. Many are free and will offer certificates or accreditations at the end of the course. This is a great way to show future employers how keen and invested you are. 
• Workshops are great for more creative or hands-on skills. They offer practical experience and are a great way to network!
• Volunteering is a great way to gain skills and give back! Do a bit of research to find opportunities in your local community. 
• Upskilling could even look like a Personal Project led by industry-specific books and articles. Not only do personal projects help you hone your skills, but they also give you something concrete to show off in applications and interviews. They scream, “I’m proactive and get stuff done!”
• A part-time job. Even if it’s not your dream career, you’ll gain experience and transferable skills that will be valuable everywhere. Plus, a bit of extra cash never hurts, right?

The best bit? Upskilling can be tailored to you. It doesn’t always need to be so formal. 

Making Time For It

You need to build a schedule that works for you. This is your time to chill and enjoy summer, too, so remember to set realistic goals. Block out specific time slots for skill-building, and make it a non-negotiable. To stay accountable, try tracking your progress and share your goals with a friend,  family member or partner who can cheer you on. Remember to celebrate the small wins! This is a journey to reaching your goals, and thinking of the long-term rewards of pro-active learning will keep you motivated.

Don’t Forget Your Uni!

They can be a massive help. Reach out to see what opportunities they offer over the summer, or if they have any recommendations for you. You might be surprised!

Here’s to a summer of smart learning and serious growth! This can be an ongoing project that you can carry into the next term. Don’t forget to get ahead of the rush and secure your home away from home next year. Need a hand? Contact the Mezzino team!