Hey everyone! This is our last blog post of the semester. I want to thank you all for reading these and just generally being wonderful. And I know. It’s hard to look past finals week when you have your head so firmly fixed on your computer screen that you’re not sure if you’ll even be able to sit up straight again. And I’m not asking you to. Bookmark this page, get past December 19th, and come back to read this post once you are comfortably in post-finals relaxation mode. Go on. I’ll wait.

Ok great! I hope you’re taking a little bit of a break. But that still means you can get things done! Check out my winter break (or semester, if you’re taking classes) checklist below:

1. Update your resume. Over the last few months, you’ve worked on new projects, taken new classes, developed new skills, and (possibly) started new jobs. Add all of that to your resume now before you forget it!

2. Think about post-spring semester employment. Whether you’re graduating and looking for full-time work (yay!) or trying to find an internship, winter break is perfect to kick-start that process. Keep in mind that most application deadlines are coming up sooner than you think! Make a list of potential employers and start applying.

3. Follow up with your professors. Reach out to them in a professionally-worded email, or even a handwritten thank you note if you want to go the extra mile. Thank them for a wonderful and enriching semester. It’s a great gesture, and makes sure they remember you in case you need to ask for a recommendation later on.

4. Build your skill set. Consider working on a personal project over break! It’s a great way to have some fun and get some experience in a low-stress way. I don’t know about you, but applying what I’ve learned in my classes really helps me remember why I love my major. Also look into building your job-hunting skills. The Career Center is offering our Dependable Strengths workshop over the break. It is a great way to figure out what you excel in and what you can work on in the upcoming year.

5. Work on your network. Add people on LinkedIn, keep in contact with friends and group mates from last semester’s classes, or even consider going to a conference. Maybe even reach out to alum on our LinkedIn page and figure out a time to chat about potential career paths. The possibilities are endless.

6. Make a plan for next semester. My motivation is always lower in the spring semester. One way I found to combat that is to set achievable goals for the upcoming semester during breaks. I figure out what I need and want to do (these are two different things!) and how to do them. I don’t always meet every goal, but having them keeps my focus directed on the long-term benefits of working hard.

On that note, I will see you next semester! Take some time to relax, drink some hot chocolate, and have a great winter.

I have a confession to make: up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t have a Linkedin account. To some that may sound insane, to others completely normal. I’d been receiving the occasional Linkedin email from friends syncing their contacts for years. I think some part of me wanted to resist the urge to join just to spite them. Show them that annoyance wasn’t going to wear me down. Then, I start applying for corporate internships. I saw friends accepting offers after talking to recruiters on Linkedin. I caved. I made an account and was immediately able to find friends who’d interned at the place I wanted to intern, reach out to them, and talk about their experiences. I will admit, Linkedin is incredibly useful. Even if they need to tone it down on their email campaigns. So whether you’re just joining or want to revamp your profile, here's a quick and easy guide to setting up and making the most out of your Linkedin account.

The Basics:

• Make your account using a professional email you check regularly. Notification emails can be annoying, but they let you know when important things are happening.

• Upload a professional profile picture. Get a friend to take one with your phone camera if you have to, although the Career Center often has Linkedin head shot stations at our Career Fairs.

• Write a brief but keyword-filled description of your career goals.

• Keep your list of positions and companies up to date.

• Fill out your skills and projects section with some examples of your work and skills you feel confident in showcasing.

Going Farther:

• Begin making connections. Maybe you’re a member of a professional organization or club on campus. Add the members to your network. Make friends in classes and add them. On the job, add your coworkers and supervisor (if appropriate).

• Endorse other people's skills (to get endorsements yourself). Much like the age-old follow-for-follow Instagram profiles, to get endorsements, you must give endorsements.

• Join groups that are relevant to you. My first suggestion: the UMBC student-alumni group!

• Check out the Linkedin student job portal. Not only can you filter jobs by qualifications, fields, and locations, but they also have handbooks in the form of free downloadable PDFs to walk you through the job search and interview process.

• Want to go further? Look at Linkedin’s guide for students and check out our Career Guide (page 50) for more LinkedIn information.