Expanding an education, and future career, during breaks
As Spring Break rapidly approaches (March 12-16) and summer break looms, it’s a good time to encourage your student to think about furthering their education and experience outside the classroom. Possibilities include academic and career internships, study abroad programs, and service learning. Kathy Thornhill, director of HSU’s Academic and Career Advising Center, offers the following advice.
Each year of college is an opportunity for students to think about what they want to do after college and gain marketable skills for their careers.
Humboldt State offers many ways for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to their community. This includes academic internships and service learning, where students serve the community while earning academic credit. Students can also gain an international perspective in their field by participating in a study abroad program. These programs have flexibility, allowing students to choose to study abroad for the summer, during one semester or for a full year. Informational meetings about study abroad are happening in March - if your student is interested in study abroad at any point, it’s a good idea to attend. Click here for more information.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of volunteering opportunities. Youth Education Services, for example, offers semester-long projects that benefit the community and Alternative Spring Breaks provide community service for the week of spring break.
In addition, students are also encouraged to connect with employers that they might want to work for in the summer or after they graduate. One approach to this is informational interviewing, where the student meets with a professional to learn more about their work and their organization. This is a strategic way to gather useful information and to network.
Internships are another way to get professional experience. Students can secure paid or unpaid internships that focus on their professional development and give them opportunities to experience the field in which they wish to pursue a career. These experiences add value to their education, provide opportunities to gain new perspectives and insight, expand their social and professional network, and increase their ability to start a career following graduation.
Encouraged your student to visit the Academic and Career Advising Center if they want to learn more about how these options will prepare them for their future or how to get involved. Visit the website or call 707.826.3341.
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Care Packages
Sending your student off to college can take some getting used to. You want to be there for them every step of the way from the first moments on campus to graduation day. For the moments in between, Forever Humboldt offers special care packages. Help your student celebrate special occasions or pump up their spirits by sending them one through our special program.
Visit the Care Package Program website to view all available options.
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