We know summer is a time to unwind, travel, catch up with friends and family, and refill your bank account—but don’t hit pause on your career development just yet. Here’s the secret: summer is also the perfect opportunity to make small, low-stress moves that can have a big impact on your future.

During the school year, your schedule is full: classes, clubs, group projects, or part-time jobs take up a lot of your time. But summer offers a rare break in your schedule without the same daily pressures.

Whether you’re exploring career paths, preparing for internships, or simply trying to learn more about industries that interest you, connecting with people in the real world can give you insights that no classroom or textbook can provide.  

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Explore Career Paths

Curious about a company, industry, or job role? Spend a little time browsing job boards, company sites, or LinkedIn. Check out our tools like Mohr Career Services, O*Net, and other career exploration resources to better understand your interests. You’ll be more confident and ready when opportunities arise.

2. Connect While You Chill

Networking doesn’t have to be formal to be effective (in fact, sometimes casual approaches can be even more effective). Things like grabbing an iced coffee, going on a walk, or meeting up with friends can be stacked in a way that grows your career. Reach out on Lundquist Connect or LinkedIn to set up a career coffee chat or casual informational interview with people located wherever you are this summer. We recommend creating weekly or monthly goals for making connections to stay in the mindset of curiosity and growth. You might even hear about opportunities you never knew existed!  

Pro Tip: If networking makes you nervous, you can always start with people you know such as family and friends, then branch out to UO alumni or even random connections. 

Haven’t used Lundquist Connect before? We highly recommend giving it a try because, unlike LinkedIn, every alum on Lundquist Connect has already raised their hand to helping students just like you in their career search.  

This summer, take a few minutes to log in and search for Duck alumni in your hometown or nearby metro area. Use filters to find people by location, industry, company, or even job title. Then, send a short message to introduce yourself and ask if they’d be open to a conversation.  You might be surprised how willing alumni are to share advice, offer encouragement, or open doors you didn’t know existed. After all, you already have something important in common: a personal connection to the University of Oregon and the Lundquist community. 

3. Build Experience (Even in Unlikely Places)

Don’t have a “career-track” experience lined up this summer? You can still build skills and experience.

• Have a seasonal job? Take initiative by proposing a small project that would benefit the company. For instance, can you analyze their social media strategy? Make suggestions for making their operations more efficient?   
• Try a job simulation on Forage, a free platform that curates employer-developed job simulation. For example, if you’re trying to decide between pursuing a tax or audit role in the future, spend 4 hours in a job simulation for tax with KPMG.   
• Want more hands-on experience? Consider enrolling in the Global Carer Accelerator. You will spend 12-15 hours per week working on team projects for real companies. You do need to register for four credits, but you can also apply for internship funding support ($800-$1,400 based on financial need).

Talk with a Career Advisor

The benefits of networking over the summer will extend far beyond these few months. By starting relationships now, you’ll enter the new academic year with more clarity, confidence, and support. You may even return to campus with a mentor, internship lead, or a new idea about your career path! 

And don’t forget, Mohr Career Services is here for you all summer long. Need help figuring out what’s next, refining your résumé, or searching for internships that match your interests? Book a virtual or in-person appointment with Mohr Career Services through Handshake. Our team is here to support you.

Authored by: Jiayin Zhou and Emily Severeid