Maximise your Summer: Boost your skills and career prospects
Summer is here! While it’s a great time to relax and recharge, it’s also the perfect opportunity to develop your skills, gain experience, and explore career options.
Whether you’re staying in St Andrews or travelling, there are plenty of ways to make your summer productive and enjoyable. Here are our top tips.
Why use your summer wisely?
You don’t have to choose between fun and future planning — the best summer experiences can offer both. Taking on new challenges and activities can help you:
- Meet new people and enjoy new experiences
- Discover your strengths and interests
- Step outside your comfort zone
- Gain skills employers look for
Set a few clear goals — whether it’s learning something new, volunteering, or getting work experience — and use them to guide your time.
How to make the most of your summer
🌐 Access career resources from anywhere
Wherever you are, our online tools and resources are available 24/7:
- Psychometric and aptitude tests – practise for employer assessments
- CV and cover letter checker – get AI feedback tailored to your applications
- Working abroad advice – career tips for over 45 countries
- Interview simulators – improve your confidence and technique
- Skills assessment tools – understand and develop your strengths
💼 Find a part-time job
Part-time work can be a valuable experience that helps you:
- Build practical skills like time management, communication, and teamwork
- Gain insight into different types of work environments
- Earn money while expanding your CV
- Make professional connections and references
If you’re in St Andrews, check CareerConnect regularly for new job listings. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV ready to share. Visit our part-time local jobs page for further advice.
🙌 Volunteer your time
Volunteering is a great way to give back while building experience:
- Try local community projects or non-profits
- Support university events
- Explore causes that align with your values
It can also strengthen your CV. Explore options on our career sector page on charity and voluntary work.
👀 Try work shadowing
Want to explore a particular career path or industry? Work shadowing allows you to observe professionals in action, often for a short, unpaid period. It can help you:
- Understand the day-to-day realities of a role
- Build confidence and clarify your career goals
- Gain valuable insights into different sectors and employers
Look on employer websites or contact organisations directly to enquire about informal opportunities.
🤝 Build your network
Summer is a great time to connect with people in your field:
- Reach out to employers about work experience
- Use our speculative application advice to get started
- Join SaintConnect to connect with alumni
- Explore the St Andrews Alumni group for insights and mentorship opportunities
📄 Update your CV
Make sure your CV reflects your latest experiences and skills:
- Highlight anything new from this summer
- Tailor your CV to specific opportunities
- Proofread carefully
Read our advice on CVs. Use CareerSet for instant AI feedback, or book a CV review on CareerConnect with one of our CV advisers.
🔗Stay connected: Careers support
Even if you’re not on a formal placement or internship, your summer experience is valuable. We can help you reflect on it and show how to present it effectively.
Please note: The Careers Centre building is temporarily closed for renovations until August, but online appointments are available throughout the summer. You can book an appointment via CareerConnect.
🌟 Final thoughts
Whatever you do this summer — working, volunteering, networking, or just taking time for yourself — you’re gaining skills and experiences that matter. Enjoy your break, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
The Careers Centre team