Summer can feel like a long-awaited break from deadlines, but it’s also a valuable window to build confidence, skills, and experience in ways that feel manageable and meaningful. You don’t need a ‘perfect’ internship to make your summer count. Small, intentional choices can have a big impact on your future employability. 

Below are some ideas to help you use your summer in ways that work for you. 

1. Redefine What ‘Productive’ Looks Like 

Not every summer experience needs to be formal, paid, or career-specific. Employability isn’t just about job titles; it’s about skills you gain in one place that you can take to another. That could mean: 

• • Taking responsibility.
  • Learning something new.
  • Working with others.
  • Managing your time.
  • Adapting to unfamiliar situations. 

If you can explain what you learned and how you grew, it counts. Get it on your CV. Check out MyFuture for opportunities. 

2. Get Experience in Any Form (It All Adds Up)

Employers value a wide range of experiences. Consider building portfolio jigsaw experiences, for example: 

• • Part-time or seasonal work.
  • Volunteering (one-off events still count).
  • Helping with a family business or community group.
  • Freelance or gig work (tutoring, design, social media, admin). 

Check out the QUB Funded Internships for paid work opportunities this summer. 

3. Build Skills Through Short Courses and Online Learning

Summer is ideal for low-pressure skill building. Look for: 

• • Free or low-cost online courses (e.g., digital skills, data, project management).
  • Short certifications relevant to your field.
  • University-recommended platforms or employer-recognised tools. 

You need to identify gaps in your understanding. Use the Prospects Job Profiles tool to run an audit of skills your desired sector is looking for. What are you missing, and how can you address these? 

Even a few hours a week can make a difference.

4. Try Something That Stretches You (Just a Little)

Growth often happens just outside your comfort zone. That might mean: 

• • Applying for a role you’re not 100% sure about.
  • Reaching out to someone on LinkedIn for an informal chat.
  • Attending a careers event or webinar.
  • Taking on a small leadership role. 

You don’t need to feel confident before you start. Ask for help when needed, and confidence often comes after action. Keep up to date with your school emails and Careers, Employability and Skills communications for opportunities and funding. 

5. Pick Up Your Extracurriculars Again

If academics temporarily changed your priorities, summer is the time to get back to your sport, hobby, interest group, or cause you’re passionate about. Your CV is more than your grades and technical abilities; you're evidencing that you would be good to work with! Interests and achievements outside of uni can be real-world conversation starters. 

Careers, Employability and Skills are here over the summer if you want any support with: 

• • Making sense of your experiences.
  • Identifying skills you didn’t realise you were gaining.
  • Updating your CV or LinkedIn profile.
  • Planning next steps for the year ahead. 

You don’t need to have everything figured out to reach out. We’re here to help!