7 Things Smart People Do to Advance Their Careers During the Summer

Hello summer! The sun’s out, the beach is calling your name, and your list of travel destinations is piling up, but one thing is standing in your way — work. Having a full-time job definitely puts a cramp in the dream summer plans of lounging at the pool or backpacking around the world. Believe it or not though, you can still have plenty of fun in the sun and continue to rise up the ladder in your career. How does one do this? Just follow these easy tips.

1. Network like you mean it.

Remember that networking does not have to play to its stereotypes — attending a boring convention or tradeshow event to schmooze with the higher ups. No matter where you live, you can find groups that allow you to network and make valuable connections with like-minded individuals. Not sure where to start first? Try these on for size!

• PRSA: If you’re a PR pro, consider joining your local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Upcoming networking opportunities for summer 2018 include conferences in New Orleans, Kansas City, and Anaheim, California.
• ColorComm: Created for professional women of color in communications, ColorComm offer programs and networking events for its membership community. Much like PRSA, they also have chapters throughout the country and a summer event roster ranging from wellness workshops to membership socials.
• Lipstick Sister: Want to be a part of a community where women are viewed as our sisters and not our competition? Who doesn’t? With chapters in Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York, and more cities, Lipstick Sister provides a safe space for women to connect, learn, grow, and be inspired together as a team.

2. Create a career board.

You’ve always said in the next 10 years you hope to be in the world of advertising, or the next fashion editor of your favorite magazine. It’s time to start turning those dreams into reality and one of the simplest ways to start is by creating a career board. This will help you set step-by-step benchmarks — like interning at an ad agency or becoming a freelance writer — that will help you progress forward and achieve your future goals. Remember: start planning now for someday because before you know it someday is today.

3. Go back to school.

This strangely sounds like more work, but it doesn’t have to be. Have you always wanted to take up photography, or learn how to use Photoshop like a pro? If your job is granting you Summer Fridays, use that extra downtime to enroll in a class at a local community college or take one offered online. For those who would rather not go back to school, get back to your summer reading list roots. Pick up a new book about gaining confidence in the workplace or how to best organize your time.

4. Take on new responsibilities.

Most businesses experience what is known as a summer slowdown during this time of the year. Rather than coast on by, use this time as an opportunity to take on new assignments and initiatives. Passionate about writing? See if there’s an opportunity to guest post on the company blog. Did you start the year with resolutions to accomplish in your department? Revisit that list to see if you met them all — and if not, get cracking!

5. Reorganize your desk life.

Are you one to have a million sticky notes popping out of your daily planner? Piles of paper and documents all over your desk? How about an inbox cluttered with old emails? It’s time for a little summer reorganization! Throw out seriously old junk that you know you don’t need, reorganize the contents of your desk drawers, and get your inbox in check with folders and color coding.

6. Find a new job.

Okay, so maybe you’re not happy with your job. You dread going to work and want to explore other career options. Start revamping your resume, updating your portfolio or professional website, and crafting those cover letters. Some companies will start a round of new hires in the summer due to professionals looking for a change. Now is the time to find a new career. Better yet, start a side hustle of your own in a field that you’re passionate about and turn it into a full-time business!

7. Go on vacation.

All work and no play, however much it advances your career, still makes Jill pretty dull. Take a long weekend getaway or go on that backpacking trip that you have been planning for months. If you’re worried you may feel guilt about taking a breather, bring along a book to read by someone you admire or a journal to brainstorm new thoughts and ideas.

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Deborah Sweeney is the CEO of MyCorporation.com. MyCorporation is a leader in online legal filing services for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing start-up bundles that include corporation and LLC formation, registered agent, DBA, and trademark & copyright filing services. MyCorporation does all the work, making the business formation and maintenance quick and painless, so business owners can focus on what they do best. Follow her on Twitter @mycorporation.