Summer. School is out. You made it through finals. Time to hit the beach and feel the sand between your toes. Sleep in. Get sunburned by the pool.

Although these are vital parts of summer, there is much more to do. Your tan will fade, but the experienced gained interning or volunteering will stick with you.

Internships

“I would always encourage people to intern,” said junior Jamie Rodgers. “Especially if you have no idea what you want to do with your life after college, like me.”

Rodgers will intern for the Beloved Community Center as a part of the Principled Problem Scholars Program.

“I use internships as a way to see if I can actually visualize myself doing something daily for years,” said Rodgers. “I love  being able to see the information I learned in class actually be applied in a possible field I want to enter.”

First-year Lek Siu will be earning credit for her major and the Bonner Scholars program, interning for the American Friends Service Committee.

“Internships have lots of opportunities for credits and to earn leadership skills, new knowledge and abilities,” said Siu. “I definitely recommend that other students intern.”

There are tons of nonprofits and local agencies in the Greensboro and Piedmont area. Don’t be afraid to contact them.

“Employers prefer to hire graduates with experience,” said Internship Coordinator and Career Counselor Megan Corkery. “Classroom learning is wonderful, but it only allows you to go so far. Interning allows you to get hands-on experience and apply theories from the classroom.”

Informational Interviewing

Here is a great way to learn more about a career without devoting much time.

First, email everyone you know saying you are interested in interviewing someone in the specific field.

Contact the names given and say who referred you. Ask about their job likes, dislikes and schooling. It should not take more than 20 minutes.

Give them your card, which you can get for free at vistaprint.com, and get theirs. Ask for additional contacts.

Job Shadowing

Seeing someone on the job gives insight to a career and an opportunity to ask questions. Once again, contact anyone and everyone.

Jobs

Any job is important, but one that gives you experience in an area of interest does double — money and experience.

www.collegecentral.com/guilford provides pages of job listings.

Study Abroad/Travel

The best way to learn another language or improve current skills is to go where everyone speaks it.

The Study Abroad office always has someone ready to help. If you are even just considering going abroad, stop by.

This late in the year, most deadlines have passed. But visit GoAbroad.com for opportunities to intern, study, volunteer and teach abroad.

Volunteer

It is always good to give back to the community, but find something that interests you. You will be more devoted, enjoy it more and the person or organization will appreciate you more.

Know someone who needs an extra hand due to age or a disability? Do yard work or little things around the house. Besides being considerate, anyone interested in a career in working with the elderly (a growing field) can get a head start.

Just for fun

Maybe you want to take a break from school related activities — understandable. Join a club or create one. Attend surf camp or horseback riding camp. Learning a new skill is always beneficial and always exciting, and you will meet new people.

Work on a special project. Write a book, woodwork, create art or improve technical and software skills.