Smart Moves for Winter Break: Career Development Tools & Tips

Build Your Network

"Whether you are looking for an internship or job, one of THE most important things you can do over winter break is NETWORKING! Building relationships with professionals in your field will always increase your chances of success in your internship or job search. You can meet exceptional Skidmore alumni through our Career Advisor Network, a database of Skidmore alumni, parents, and community members who volunteer to chat with students."

- Kim Crabbe, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Career Development Center /Business & Finance Community

Letters of Recommendation

"If you need a letter of recommendation from a faculty member for your internship applications, please be sure to request them before the end of the semester."

- Shannon Rodriguez, Associate Director for Integrated Sciences & Health ProfessionsI

Get funding for Summer 2021

"Are you considering doing an unpaid internship, independent project or volunteer work this summer? Learn more about the Summer Experience Fund, which provides stipends of up to $4,000 to students completing unpaid summer opportunities.  Already intending to apply for SEF? Get your resume reviewed and prep your answers to the essay questions on the SEF application."

- Amy Mangiaracina, Coordinator of the Summer Experience Fund (SEF)

Prepare for a surge of jobs and internships.

Winter break is the start for a ton of internship/job hiring, especially in the legal world.  Make sure you are using your break to look for positions on Handshake using the Government & Law opportunities label or the Diversity Opportunity label. 

- Soha Jafarzade, Associate Director, Diverse Students and Government & Law Community

Give Back (and Build Your Resume Too!)

"Winter break is a great opportunity to do some volunteering and an excellent way to give back to your community. For students interested in social impact careers, volunteering is a good way to actively participate in a cause or organization of interest and is and an excellent addition to any resume."

- Penny Loretto, Associate Director, Social Impact & Education

"Get those resumes updated and in the best shape to help you prepare early for winter and spring recruitment initiatives, such as Career and Internship Connections (CIC) and Skidmore Recruitment Week. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor or have an e-review with the Career Corps." 

- Alison Stidd, Employer Recruitment and Events Coordinator

"Winter Break can be a great time to reflect on the pillars of your career path – your personality, values, skills, and interests.

My Plan is a fantastic tool that allows you to take 4 quick assessments to learn about these elements, how they interplay with one another, and how they overlay with the World of Work. Visit My Plan, and be sure to use this registration code on Page 2: UGKCG47P."

-  Megan Jackson, Associate Director, Still Deciding