As the fall semester wraps up, winter break is an essential time for more than eggnog and holiday movies. It is your chance to recharge and thoughtfully prepare for the spring semester. We recognize that for many students, winter break also includes working, athletic practices, supporting family or managing other responsibilities. Whether you have a full month or just a few days, the activities below offer focused, no-cost ways to rest and strengthen your career readiness.
Take Care of Yourself First
Before diving into career tasks, prioritize rest. A refreshed mind is one of your strongest assets. Rest by reestablishing a healthy sleep schedule, and connect by spending quality time with family and friends.
Level Up Your Career Documents
Use this time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile while your fall semester accomplishments are still fresh.
- Highlight skills and impact: Do not simply list a project or job duty. Emphasize the skills you gained and the results of your work.
Instead of:
“Completed a data analysis project for a statistics class.”
Try:
“Conducted a multivariate regression analysis on influenza transmission rates using R (ggplot2 and dplyr), resulting in a predictive model correlated with state policy changes.”
Did you gain research experience, focus on your impact:
“Managed and calibrated a scanning electron microscope for the materials science research group, enabling the collection of high-resolution images to analyze nanostructure growth rates.” - Update your profiles: Ensure the Experience and Skills sections of your resume and Handshake and LinkedIn profiles reflect your most recent achievements.
Grow Your Network
Networking does not require expensive travel or formal events. You can build meaningful connections from home this break.
- Informational interviews: Winter break is an ideal time to request a 15-20 minute conversation. Many professionals have lighter end-of-year schedules and are often willing to speak with students. (additional Networking resource)
- The goal: Gain insight, not a job offer. Ask about career paths, day-to-day responsibilities and skills used in the field.
- Leverage Bucknell connections: Use BucknellConnect.com and the Bucknell University LinkedIn Alumni tool to identify alumni working in fields or organizations that interest you. Reference your Bucknell connection in your outreach message as a natural icebreaker.
Gain Certifiable Skills for Free
Looking to add new skills to your resume? Your Bucknell connection provides access to high-quality training opportunities.
- LinkedIn Learning: Free for Bucknell students, this platform offers thousands of courses across technical, creative and business topics. Complete a learning path and add the certificate to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Forage virtual job simulations: These free, company-endorsed simulations allow you to work on real-world projects from organizations such as GE Aerospace, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Electronic Arts.
- Pro tip: Employers receive reports on students who complete these modules. You can list the experience on your resume under Professional Development or Certifications to highlight practical skills and initiative.
- Pro tip: Employers receive reports on students who complete these modules. You can list the experience on your resume under Professional Development or Certifications to highlight practical skills and initiative.
- Bucknell Pathways/Suitable: Be sure to complete achievements in the Bucknell Pathways on the Suitable platform. These guided steps support key career and professional development milestones that you can track over time.
