Vacation time is meant for relaxation, but it can prove valuable in experience and skills that shall benefit an engineering student both in academics and professionally. Here are three such productive ways to spend your vacation as an engineering student
1) Practical Experience – Vacation is the key
Probably one of the best ways to improve your engineering skills during a vacation is by earning practical experience through internships or co-op programs. You get first-hand experience in applying theoretical knowledge to actual problems, cooperation with professionals in the relevant field, and insight into the practices in the industry.
Internships provide an excellent opportunity for practical hands-on experience, and exposure to industry standards, and act as a prime route to a compelling resume. They also offer a chance to network with professionals. Look out for internships that align with areas of interest or specialization within engineering. It gives one an edge in the job market, be it civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.
Volunteer Projects: Instead of internships, volunteer for some engineering projects or non-profit organizations. You can actually work on projects benefitting society or solving real problems, which equally rewards and teaches you a lot.
2) Improve Your Skills
Engineering is a dynamic field; new technologies and methodologies are being worked out every minute. Utilize your vacation to develop your skills and update yourself on recent trends.
Online Courses and Certifications: You can enroll in nearly every topic related to engineering that interests you through platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udacity. You might want to learn a new programming language, study data analysis, or look into some of the newer technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or the Internet of Things (IoT). Not only will completing these courses add to your knowledge base, but the certifications you gain will also be invaluable on your resume.
Work on Personal Projects: Vacations are the time for picking up personal projects that aid in applying skills creatively. Building a small robot, developing any mobile application, or web designing might be your aim; personal projects let you experiment and come up with innovations without the stress of grades. These could be really exciting portfolio pieces one can put up in applications for jobs or internships.
3) Networking and Professional Improvement
Developing a professional network is a critical factor in any career. Utilize your vacation to network with professionals in your area of operation and engage in other activities relevant to your professional development.
Attend conferences and workshops: Engineering conferences, workshops, or seminars will be happening somewhere during your holidays. Other than learning from the industry leaders, these events are how you get to know the current research and trends and network with professionals and peers interested in similar things.
Join Professional Organizations: Most of professional organizations, such as IEEE, ASME, and SAE, have members who gain access to multitudes of resources, job boards, and networking events that others can’t. This type of participation will help you keep updated with regard to industry trends and get in touch with mentors or peers.
Build Your Online Presence: Take some time to really get your online presence in order. This may involve updating your LinkedIn profile, making sure you’re joining and actively contributing to the right online forums or groups, and sharing your projects and what you do. This way, you will be able to come across to future employers and collaborators.
