Attention Class of 2009!!
Summer Planning Guide
May 22, 2008
Volume 3 High School Edition
FASTWEB
Student Bulletin
Visit www.fastweb.com to search over $3.4 billion in scholarships!
School is almost over and summer break is fast approaching. Are your summer plans intact, or do you prefer to do nothing at all? To get the most out of your summer break, be active and spend your time doing something productive such as working, volunteering or planning for college. These things will not only help you to avoid being a couch potato, but will give you independence, help you acquire new skills and grow personally and professionally. Use this guide to start planning your summer experience.
Find a job: If possible, find a job that you enjoy and will help you with your long term career aspirations. For example, if your long-term career goal is to teach, look for jobs that will allow you to work with students in some capacity like a student tutor or camp counselor position.
Network: Start networking now to find a great summer job, specifically one that will help build your skills and credentials. Ask your parents, neighbors or friends for advice on where and how to look for job openings in your area. If you are unsure of what you want to do, visit your guidance counselor. Your counselor will be able to help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and find the perfect job that best fits your skills. Your school’s counseling office should also have books and other resources available to assist you in finding summer employment, and perfecting your resume.
Find an Internship: An internship may be tough to come by on short notice, but ask around. You may be able to find an unpaid internship with a local company, community organization or through employers of people you know. Internship experience will look good on a college application, help you gain confidence and help you discover your strengths and weaknesses. Visit www.fastweb.com and www.monstertrak.com to find full- time, part-time and internship opportunities in your area.
Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to help your community, enhance your skills, improve your resume, and beef up your college and scholarship applications. You can find opportunities at food banks, homeless shelters, hospitals or anywhere else in your community. For example, organizations like Habitat for Humanity give its volunteers the opportunity to build homes for families in need. To learn more, visit www.habitat.org. FastWeb has recently partnered with VolunteerMatch to help you find volunteer opportunities in your area. To get matched to opportunities based on your location, interest area, skills and more, visit www.fastweb.com/fastweb/resources/volunteer.
Plan for College: The summer is a good time to research schools and narrow down your options, especially if you are going into your senior year of high school. Search various college and university Web sites for general information about schools, admissions requirements and tuition costs. Start a portfolio of schools you are interested in, and list them according to your top choices, by name, or classify them any other way you desire. Keeping a portfolio or notes on each school will help keep you organized and in good shape once it is time to apply. Visit college campuses: If possible, visit your top choice schools to learn more about their academics, student and campus life, financial aid options and to get a more intimate experience. If your top-choice schools are too far, or you aren't able to visit due to financial constraints, visit schools in your state (even if you are not interested in staying in state) so that you will get a glimpse into the overall collegiate experience.
Take a class: Get a head start on college, fulfill some needed requirements, and improve on a subject where you need help or acquire a new skill. Community colleges or nearby state universities may have summer learning opportunities available for a relatively low cost. Visit www.fastweb.com to search for two- and four-year colleges.
Improve your test score: Take an ACT or SAT prep course to help you achieve the best possible score on your standardized exams. Many standardized test prep courses charge fees so seek advice from your guidance counselor, do research at your local library, on the Internet or at local colleges to find the best possible and most affordable prep courses.
Broaden your skills: Summer is a great time to engage in activities which will improve your professional skills and help build a strong foundation for future success. Consider joining Toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills, or a professional association which will enable you to network with others in your chosen field or discipline.
FastTip: Don't forget to start searching for scholarships to help offset your college expenses. It is never too early or too late to find money to help pay for college. Continue to use your FastWeb account at www.fastweb.com to find scholarships, part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities.
