For many students, adult learners, and job seekers, summer is traditionally seen as a break—a time to relax and step back from academic or professional routines. But what if summer could be more than just downtime? 

For career development professionals, educators, and advisors, summer presents a strategic opportunity to help the individuals they support pause, reflect, and plan their next steps with intention. With fewer time constraints and responsibilities, summer is uniquely suited for reflection, skill-building, and proactive career planning. 

In this post, we’ll explore six impactful ways career advisors and educators can help students and clients make the most of the summer months for long-term career success.

 

Use Summer to Gain Clarity on Career Goals

Unlike the fast pace of the academic year or end-of-year job transitions, summer often offers a slower pace, making it an ideal time for creating clarity.  

Encourage your students or clients to pause and ask “What’s next?” or “Am I on the right path?” can spark important realizations. Individuals can: 

• Revisit career goals with a fresh perspective. 

• Think critically about recent experiences and how they’ve shaped their interests. 

• Clarify what kind of future they want to build. 

Career planning during summer provides breathing room for thoughtful evaluation, something that’s often difficult during the hustle and bustle of the school year or job transitions. Help individuals revisit their career goals, explore their evolving interests, and refine their direction with fresh eyes. 

 

Foster Career Confidence Through Reflection

Self-awareness is a cornerstone of career development. Summer gives your students or clients time to reflect on who they are and what they want from work. Whether someone is just starting or pivoting mid-career, taking stock of interests, strengths, and values is key. 

You can guide them with questions like: 

• What activities energize you? 

• What kinds of problems do you enjoy solving? 

• What feedback have you received from teachers, supervisors, or peers? 

• Are you more motivated by stability, creativity, collaboration, or leadership? 

These conversations don’t require a classroom or workshop, they need time and intentionality and they can be the first step toward building the confidence to pursue new opportunities. Confidence comes not just from knowing what you want but understanding why you want it. 

 

Encourage Summer Skill-Building

Career planning is more than goal setting, it also involves practical preparation. Use the summer months to help individuals strengthen their career toolkit: 

• Create or update a resume 

• Practice writing cover letters or professional emails 

• Brush up on interview skills 

• Build a list of references 

• Work on communication or time management 

Whether individuals are applying for a fall internship, re-entering the workforce, or exploring a new field, having strong career documents and communication skills gives them an edge. 

Consider recommending summer goals like: 

• Drafting a new resume 

• Asking someone to serve as a professional reference 

• Practicing mock interviews with a peer or coach 

These small steps are essential for career readiness and can significantly reduce anxiety during fall recruiting, internship applications, or job transitions. 

 

Promote Informal Career Exploration

Exploring careers doesn’t have to wait for a formal advising session or a classroom unit. In fact, summer may offer more freedom to dig into what’s out there. 

Encourage individuals to explore: 

• Encourage individuals to explore careers by: 

• Browsing occupational databases like O*NET or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

• Listening to career podcasts or YouTube channels featuring professionals 

• Setting up informational interviews with alumni or local experts 

• Attending local career fairs, webinars, or community events 

Summer Challenge for Career Exploration:
Have your students or clients choose three careers they’re curious about. For each one, ask them to find out: 

• What does a typical day look like? 

• What skills or education are required? 

• What’s the job outlook and salary range? 

• What appeals—or doesn’t—about the role? 

This activity builds research skills and helps them develop a more realistic sense of what different careers entail. By encouraging exploration without pressure, you help reduce the fear of the unknown and open up possibilities.

 

Create a Career Action Plan for Fall

As summer progresses, help individuals plan ahead for the upcoming academic year or job cycle. A clear roadmap increases motivation, reduces uncertainty, and promotes goal setting. 

Guide them to: 

• Define academic or professional goals for the fall 

• Identify any skill or experience gaps and how to address them 

• Track application deadlines for jobs, internships, or certifications 

• Break goals into monthly or weekly action steps 

Career Planning Example: 

Long-Term Goal: Become a certified graphic designer

Short-Term Summer Steps:
– Research online certification programs
– Interview two working professionals in design
– Start an online Adobe Illustrator course
– Build a basic design portfolio 

This structured approach empowers individuals to take ownership of their progress. 

 

Reinforce That Small Steps Lead to Big Results

One of the most powerful messages you can share this summer is: You don’t have to do everything—but doing something matters. 

Taking just one or two intentional steps during the summer can ease anxiety in the fall, create momentum, and lead to clearer outcomes.  

Encourage individuals to pick a manageable goal like: 

• Finalizing a resume 

• Scheduling an informational interview 

• Signing up for an online course 

• Researching scholarships or financial aid 

These small wins can set the stage for more decisive action in the fall. 

 

Make Summer a Season of Purposeful Career Development 

It’s easy to think of summer as time off. But when it comes to career readiness, it can be time on—for reflection, skill-building, and direction-setting. 

Whether someone is just beginning their journey or making a change mid-stream, the summer months give them the space to pause and plan with purpose. 

As a career advisor, educator, or workforce professional, you have the power to make this a season of meaningful progress. With encouragement, thoughtful guidance, and the right tools, you can help individuals turn summer downtime into long-term career success.