No internship? No problem.

We keep seeing woeful posts asking what to do if you didn’t get a summer internship. PLENTY of people don’t have an internship this summer. 59% of last year’s graduates reported doing an internship at some point during their studies. What do the other 41% do?

Here is a list of suggestions for this summer. It is in no particular order and by no means exhaustive. Let us know about other experiences you've had that were not your traditional internship.

Research

There are many campus options for summer research. It’s getting late to find opportunities for this this year, but it’s still possible. Contact professors in your field and ask if they have (or know of) research opportunities. Be prepared to explain why you want this and how you’d contribute.

Check the Virtual Job Board as well, and consider getting involved with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Job Shadow

If you didn’t take advantage of our Job Shadow program, set up your own. Reach out to an employer, phone or email, and let them know you’d like an opportunity to shadow a professional in their organization. They may have a job shadow program, or they may want to hear about your expectations. Either way, this is a chance for you to network a little and see what a typical day looks like for a profession of your interest.

Network

Set up your LinkedIn page and start researching alums that work in your area or for companies you are interested in knowing more about. Set up informational interviews with professionals in fields that you want to explore.

Does your field have active professional organizations? Consider joining them. Students typically get a discount rate, and following their group on LinkedIn is often free. A good professional org will keep you apprised of the latest news in your field, give you networking opportunities, and share relevant job opportunities.

Volunteer

Find some volunteer work that you enjoy doing. Bonus points for you if you find something that utilizes your professional skills. Similar to a part-time job, volunteering can develop transferrable skills beyond the degree-related areas you’re focusing on in school. Plus, commitment to a cause shows a kind of dedication that can help you stand out as a job candidate later.

Check out www.idealist.org for volunteer opportunities near you. United Way has a directory of volunteer opportunities too.

Start a new hobby or develop an old one

Check out what’s going on with your local park district. Sometimes they offer hobby classes over the summer; they are fun, and you can learn a new skill. This can be great for answering the "Tell us about a time you had to learn a skill on your own" type of interview question.

Illinois students also have free access to lynda.com.

Get a job

Any kind of work can contribute to your skill set. Employers want more than the technical skills you’re working on for your degree. They want leadership, ability to work in a team, problem-solving skills, and so much more. A part time job in any field can help you develop those skills.

Travel

Study abroad, or go somewhere on your own. The point is to have a new experience and get outside your comfort zone. Just make sure you spend some time getting to know the area and the culture while you’re visiting.

Consider volunteering abroad as well! There are many resources online for programs that last anywhere from 2-12 weeks. [Here’s one we found] (http://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-projects/volunteer-abroad/) but there are others out there!

Take a course

Talk to your advisor about classes happening over the summer here at Illinois or online. Also consider what opportunities may be available at a local community college.

Focus on self-care

You work hard during the school year. Don't be afraid to relax and make sure you're taking care of yourself. De-stress. Meditate. Take up yoga. Or kickboxing. Do whatever you need to feel positive about life. When fall semester starts up, you’ll be ready to go!

Work on a pet project of your own

Have some industrious project you've always wanted to get off the ground? Work on it over the summer. Design that mobile app. Open that Etsy shop. Start that freelance writing gig. Take initiative and do that thing you've always thought would be a cool idea.

Study a language

If you’re on campus through May, IFLIP is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in language studies for two weeks. Not on campus? See if your community offers classes or try one of the many online and mobile apps out there.

Drop by The Career Center

Of course we had to add this one. We’re open M-F, 8:30-5:00 all summer long; you can schedule an appointment or just drop in (M-Th 12-3pm). Come have your resume looked over. Discuss your future life plans. Check out a book from our library. Or just come say hey to the reddit team (we like any excuse to get away from our desks).