After a fall semester full of assignments, projects, and exams, you’re probably looking forward to relaxing and recharging. If napping and Netflix are high on your to-do list, we certainly don’t blame you.
But winter break is also a golden opportunity to advance your career goals. With a little strategic planning, you can use this time to build skills, expand your network, and prepare for your professional journey.
Here’s a roadmap to help you make the most of your winter break while balancing productivity with relaxation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Winter Break is the Perfect Time for Career Development
- Developing In-Demand Skills Over Winter Break
- Building Your Network During the Holidays
- Gaining Experience Through Volunteering and Internships
- Setting Goals and Creating an Action Plan
- Making the Most of Your Winter Break: Practical Tips
WHY WINTER BREAK IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Winter break is a solid block of time away from the stress of assignments and exams, giving you a rare chance to step back and reflect on your future. You can use this time to focus on self-care while also taking small, manageable steps toward career development.
Career growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It could mean exploring interests through volunteering, learning a new skill at your own pace, or having casual conversations with professionals during holiday gatherings. By combining relaxation with intentional effort, you can return to school not only refreshed but also with a renewed sense of purpose and progress toward your goals.
DEVELOPING IN-DEMAND SKILLS OVER WINTER BREAK
Winter break is a prime time to invest in learning in-demand skills that enhance your employability.
Soft skills like communication, problem solving, and critical thinking are essential in any career. During your time off, seize this great opportunity and try working on puzzles or problem-solving games to sharpen your analytical mindset. Practise writing or creating presentations, or volunteer in a service-type atmosphere to get better at interacting with people.
You could also focus on career-specific skills that align with your field of interest. For instance:
Business: Do a deep dive into Excel by learning about pivot tables and functions like VLOOKUP and SUMPRODUCT. Or gain experience with software like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project to manage workflows efficiently.
Healthcare: Get certified in CPR or first aid. Brush up on medical terminology or check out online resources on empathetic communication.
Becoming certified in CPR is an excellent way for healthcare students to use their break productively
Technology: Pick up Python, Java, or C++ to strengthen your coding skills. Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or explore frameworks like React or Angular. You could even gain certifications in platforms like AWS or Google Cloud.
Online courses can also be great for skill development. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer short courses and certifications in areas ranging from digital marketing to project management. These programs are often self-paced and provide tangible credentials to add to your resume.
BUILDING YOUR NETWORK DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Networking over winter break can feel challenging if people aren’t in business mode, but this quieter, more relaxed time can actually work to your advantage. Instead of formal networking, focus on building relationships and fostering genuine connections.
Start by updating your LinkedIn profile with your latest accomplishments and using it to connect with professionals. Write a thoughtful message when sending connection requests, and don’t hesitate to comment on posts to initiate conversations.
Don’t forget that winter break provides natural opportunities to connect with people in a more casual, approachable way. Use family events, community celebrations, or alumni meetups to mention your career interests casually. In this less hectic time, people may be more open to virtual coffee chats or informational interviews.
Holiday gatherings offer natural networking opportunities
Be sure to respect the holiday spirit! Keep your interactions light and avoid making direct professional requests unless the person brings it up. Instead, focus on building rapport and planting seeds for future opportunities.
If someone seems particularly busy during the holidays, let them know you’d love to connect once the season winds down. This shows respect for their time and leaves a positive impression.
GAINING EXPERIENCE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING AND INTERNSHIPS
Taking the time during a short break to gain experience signals to employers that you’re proactive and dedicated to advancing your career. It shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond, even during downtime, which reflects positively on your work ethic.
Volunteering, in particular, emphasizes your community involvement and alignment with ethical or humanitarian values. Employers often view this as a sign of strong character and emotional intelligence. Plus, it looks great on a resume and can be easily referenced in a cover letter.
Here are some examples of volunteer work for career growth during winter break, broken down by field of interest:
Business: Assist a nonprofit with fundraising, event planning, or administrative tasks. Look for opportunities with local charities, food banks, or global organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Healthcare: Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or community health clinics, helping with patient support or administrative tasks.
Hospitals frequently need volunteers
Technology: Offer free tech support to nonprofits or community centres, or teach basic computer skills to underserved populations.
Many organizations have limited slots for short-term opportunities, so it’s wise to begin your search early. Reach out to your network, approach local organizations directly, or use online platforms like VolunteerMatch or VolunteerConnector to find meaningful opportunities.
SETTING GOALS AND CREATING AN ACTION PLAN
One of the most productive winter break activities is reflecting on your career aspirations and setting concrete goals. Without a plan, it’s easy to lose direction and motivation.
In the short term, think about what you want to accomplish in the next three to six months. Are you aiming to learn a new skill? Earn a certification? Secure an internship?
You also need to consider the long term. Where do you want to be in five years? What roles or industries excite you, and what steps can you take now to move closer to those dreams?
To create a realistic action plan, break your goals down into actionable steps. Remember to create SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. So instead of a general goal like “improve networking”, you could say, “Connect with 10 alumni in my field on LinkedIn by the end of winter break.”
By dedicating time during winter break to setting clear goals and action plans, you can return to school with a sense of purpose and direction.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR WINTER BREAK: PRACTICAL TIPS
It’s important to balance relaxation and productivity during winter break. Here are some tips to help you:
Set realistic goals: Choose a few manageable goals for the break, but don’t overload your to-do list. For example, aim to complete one online course and update your resume rather than trying to master multiple skills.
Create a flexible schedule: Block specific hours for productive activities and leave plenty of time for rest, hobbies, or family. You might want to spend mornings on career tasks and reserve afternoons for personal time.
Embrace quality over quantity: Choose impactful activities that offer long-term benefits, such as certifications or volunteering. Avoid overcommitting by selecting one or two key goals.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Winter break is more than just a time to relax; it’s an opportunity to invest in your future. You can set yourself apart from the competition and take significant strides toward your career aspirations.
At Herzing, our career services specialists can help students with anything from crafting a resume to preparing for interviews to connecting with potential employers. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
