With the festive holidays coming soon, it is a good time to slow down, enjoy this time of year and prepare for the year ahead. Sara Tsompanidi, Careers Information Adviser, brings you four tips about how to make the most of your festive break and welcome the New Year feeling refreshed.
Relax and enjoy your well-deserved break
You made it! Exams are over and you can finally relax and enjoy a break from your studies. Use this time to do the things that help you relax, spend time with your friends and family and take care of yourself. If you have had your fair share of watching another re-run of Home Alone, why not go out and join your local sports centre? Now is a good time to look after your mind and body by building healthy habits. If you stay in Edinburgh, the Centre for Sport and Exercise is a great place to join a variety of sports and fitness classes and connect with like-minded people. Check out the events and timetables for more information.
Time for reflection
Making time to review your achievements is just as important as planning for the year ahead. Take a pen and paper or use your screen if you prefer, and give yourself some credit by noting what went well during this year and what you would like to improve. Think about your studies, extra-curricular activities, any part-time work and your hobbies. Reflect on your strengths and preferences. Then, set intentions for the year ahead. What do you want to do more of? What do you want to change or improve? Write a list and put it somewhere visible or share it with a friend. Think about specific actions you can take to work towards your goals and make a plan. Our Careers Compass can help you in your reflection journey.
Time for some updates
Now is a good time to write or refresh your CV. Make sure to include your experience and remember, this can be anything from a paid part-time job to an internship, participation in student societies and volunteering. If you need advice on how to write your CV, check our comprehensive guide with helpful tips. If you have already created your CV and want some instant feedback, you can do that too – check our pages.
Network
Do you ever wish you could speak with friendly people who will understand your concerns and relate to your experience? Well, good news! University of Edinburgh students can connect with other students, staff and alumni of the University and share ideas, ask questions and get support. Set up your profile on Platform One and join this fast-growing community. People on Platform One are open to supporting each other, so don’t hesitate to connect with people and ask about their career paths and experiences.
Hopefully, these tips will help you make the most of your festive break and come back to the University with fresh ideas!
We hope you have a great festive break.
The Careers Service will close on 22 December 2022 and reopen on 9 January 2023.
(Image credit: Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels)
