Break times are a perfect opportunity for your student to spend some time reflecting on their career goals, researching potential career paths, updating their resume and LinkedIn profile, and more. The Career Development Center provides many opportunities for your student to engage in career planning during breaks. CDC staff are available to meet with students one-on-one over J-Term via video, email or in person appointments. These appointments are scheduled via the Handshake platform.
Informational Interviews & Job Shadowing:
Encourage your student to connect with professionals in fields they’re curious about. Informational interviews and job shadowing are a low-pressure way for students to explore career paths and gain insights. Over J-Term, they can reach out to alumni or family friends, schedule virtual or in-person chats, and start building their network. Our exclusive alumni networking platform, St. Thomas Connect is the perfect place to facilitate these meetings!
Career Exploration:
PathwayU is great resource if your student does not know where to start with industry exploration. It features a career assessment to match the student with possible careers based on interests, values and workplace preferences. Complementary, the Labor Market Tool gives detailed, location-specific career data for careers featured in Pathway U.
Update Their Resume:
J-Term is a perfect time for your student to give their resume a refresh. They can add recent accomplishments, projects, and skills. Remind them that tailoring their resume to specific roles is key! Encourage them to connect with their career center for guidance. Check out or Resume Resources page and encourage your student to sign-up for their free Jobscan account to get custom feedback on their resume through Applicant Tracking Software.
Prepare for the Career Fair:
Many career fairs take place in early spring, including the St. Thomas Career Fair on February 14th. J-Term offers time for students to practice their elevator pitch, research companies, and develop questions for employers. They can even pick out their professional attire! Preparation can make all the difference in creating a lasting impression. A more detailed post on the Spring Career Fair will be posted on Campus Esp in late January.
Search for Summer Opportunities:
If your student has not yet secured an opportunity for summer, J-Term is the perfect time to dive into applications! Many internships, research programs, and seasonal jobs have application deadlines early in the spring, so it’s important to act now. Encourage your student to research positions in their field of interest, polish their application materials, and start reaching out to potential employers. Remind them to take advantage of Career Development Center resources and online platforms like Handshake and Career Edge to discover opportunities.
Volunteer Work:
J-Term is an excellent opportunity for students to give back to their communities while building valuable skills. Volunteering allows students to explore areas like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, helping at a food shelf, or assisting a nonprofit organization, these experiences can enhance their resume and foster personal growth. Encourage your student to look for volunteer opportunities in their hometown or through campus programs. The Tommies Together Volunteer Center can support students in identifying volunteer opportunities
Online Learning or Certifications:
With so many platforms offering free or low-cost courses, J-Term is a great time for students to boost their skills. Whether it’s learning a new programming language, improving graphic design abilities, or earning a certification in project management, these additions can make their resume stand out to employers. Even dedicating a few hours a week can make a difference in their professional development. Check out these free/low cost resources:
Graduate School Preparation:
For students considering graduate school, J-Term is an ideal time to start planning. They can research potential programs, review application requirements, and explore funding options. If they’re further along in the process, they might draft personal statements or begin studying for entrance exams like the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT. Some programs may even offer virtual or in-person tours over the break, giving students a clearer idea of what lies ahead. Check out our Graduate School Exploration resource page for more information.
Creative Pursuits:
J-Term offers students a break from the usual academic grind, making it the perfect time to explore personal interests. Whether they want to start a blog, design a website, write a short story, or experiment with photography, these creative endeavors can teach valuable skills like project management and innovation. Plus, passion projects often become great conversation starters in interviews or networking situations. Encourage your student to set a goal and let their creativity shine.
