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"The countdown to New Year's Eve may be a distant memory, but that just means another big countdown's about to start. Yes, we're talking about those impending deadlines for summer internship applications. You've heard it before: Intern, intern, intern. But are internships the only productive, valuable, and resume-building ways to spend your break? Of course not. There are some really great and totally worthwhile alternatives that are guaranteed to catch a prospective employer's eye come graduation. Read on to learn all about 'em!\n\nGet a \"real\" (paying!) job.\n\n But not just any ol' job. Try and find one that's in line with your educational and professional goals. For instance, if your path is medicine, look for an admin or junior lab job at your local clinic or hospital. If it's entertainment, apply to be a runner or a temp assistant on a set (yes, before you ask, things film outside of LA all the time). Even retail or waitressing gigs can provide you with career-specific resume fodder. And don't be afraid to tap personal connections, or what most people refer to as \"networking.\" If your mom's best friend runs a brokerage firm or ad agency, you have a foot in the door! Whatever you choose, just sure you're working on real-world job skills that you can show off later on. Become a whiz at spreadsheets, gain multi-tasking and organizational expertise, work on business writing, or hone your sales talents\u2014basically, get the most out of your experience! (Oh, and make money while you do!)\n\nLend a hand\u2014and maybe even see the world.\n\n Volunteering gives you the chance to not only contribute to a worthwhile cause and give back, but also work on something you personally feel strongly about. Plus, as Wesley Lin, human resource generalist for D.C.-based non-profit CFED explains, \"That kind of combination will give you drive and motivation, not to mention make managers want to give you the chance to really get your hands dirty.\" A volunteer opportunity is also a way to explore a role that's in line with your professional goals: administrative work for management interests, accounting for finance, thrift shop or clothing bank positions for fashion and retail, and so on.\n\nLin suggests the AmeriCorps listings as a good place to start and suggests committing an entire summer to one organization for the best experience. You can also look into service trips that will allow you to travel around the U.S. (or world!) with a community service group. Your school may have a program of its own, but there are also national organizations to look into, like ISV and Projects Abroad.\n\nWhat about a fellowship?\n\n Applying for fellowship programs either through your university or a non-profit or government organization is another great option. While Lin points out that many fellowships are targeted toward post-grads, there are opportunities available for undergrads\u2014you just have to look for them. \"These fellowships allow you to dig deep into an issue or field that you're interested in,\" he says. \"You can gain some invaluable practical skills and experience that will demonstrate you're ready for that first job.\"\n\nKeep on studying.\n\n Take some summer courses to get ahead on your degree or find a study abroad program (bonus points if you find one with added benefits like a work or volunteer component!). You do have a finite number of summers in college, so why not spend one in the college town you might leave after graduation or in an amazing city you've yet to explore? If you're intent on living at home during summer break, look into practical, job skill-building courses\u2014like coding or web development classes\u2014available in your town that you may not be able to take during the school year.\n\nStart your own thing.\n\n This is for all you aspiring Mark Zuckerbergs out there. If you can't find a professional internship experience, make your own. This option isn't for everyone, but if you have a really good idea, this is your chance to see it through. Maybe you want to start a website, build an app, or launch your own jewelry company\u2014now's the time to give it whirl. No homework + lots of free time? Sounds like a good recipe for entrepreneurial summer success."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.teenvogue.com/story/summer-internship-alternatives>