You’ve updated your resume, nailed your interview responses, and sent out applications—now what? If you’re a recent grad or young professional still navigating your next steps, summer is the perfect time to build momentum. From hands-on projects to skill-building and travel, here are eight creative ways to grow your career—even if you don’t have a full-time job (yet).
1. Go to In-Person Networking Events
While LinkedIn and DMs are great, nothing beats real-world connection. In-person events help you make a lasting impression and often lead to stronger, more memorable relationships.
Search for:
Local meetups
Industry panels
Young professional mixers
Alumni networking events
Pro Tip: Come with a goal (like meeting 3 new people) and follow up with a thoughtful LinkedIn message.
2. Learn One High-Impact Career Skill
You don’t need to master everything. Just one new skill can set you apart with today’s skills-first hiring approach. Focus on something practical and in-demand in your field.
Top picks:
Finance: Excel modeling, data analysis
Marketing/Design: Canva, Adobe Creative Suite
Content/SEO: Google Analytics, keyword research
AI/Tech: ChatGPT, automation tools, prompt engineering
BONUS: Learn or master a new language. Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are amongst the most globally used languages after English.
Look for free or affordable courses on Coursera, Skillshare, or LinkedIn Learning—and add new certifications to your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
3. Turn Travel Into a Career Catalyst
Taking a break doesn’t mean putting your career on pause. Travel can spark clarity, boost confidence and open new doors.
Consider these:
Schedule coffee chats with professionals in new cities
Volunteer or join a cultural immersion program
Keep a journal—reflection often leads to breakthrough ideas
Put those foreign language skills to use
4. Start a Side Project
Even a small passion project shows initiative, creativity, and follow-through—qualities every employer loves.
Ideas to try:
Start a blog, podcast or newsletter around a topic you care about
Offer your skills to a nonprofit or small business
Try a 30-day challenge in writing, coding, design or video
Projects give you something tangible to talk about in interviews—and they might even turn into a portfolio piece or side hustle.
5. Reconnect with Your Alumni Network
Your alumni network is an underrated goldmine for job leads and career advice. Most people don’t use it—so stand out by doing so.
How to start:
Search LinkedIn for alumni working in your dream companies or roles
Send a short, curious message asking for a quick call or coffee
Ask questions, not favors—people love to share advice
You already have something in common. Use it.
6. Get Comfortable Talking About Yourself
This one’s awkward at first—but a polished, natural elevator pitch is a career game-changer.
Practice by:
Introducing yourself at events or social settings
Answering “tell me about yourself” in a casual but concise way
Recording a 60-second pitch to refine your story
The goal: sound confident, not rehearsed.
7. Create a Career Vision Board or Roadmap
Get clear on what you want—and what’s next. Visualization makes goals feel real and helps you spot aligned opportunities.
Formats to explore:
Digital board (Pinterest, Notion, Canva)
Written goals or a bucket list
A classic collage with images, quotes and role models
Include anything that inspires you—dream jobs, cities, companies or skills.
8. Work with a Career Coach
You don’t have to do this alone. A career coach can help you clarify your goals, upgrade your job search materials and feel confident in your next steps.
The outcomes you’ll want:
Career clarity or role refinement
A standout resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile
A strategy tailored to your field, target role, skills and experience
Interview prep and job-search accountability
Our Early-Career Coaches specialize in helping grads and young professionals navigate the complex job market—and land roles they’re excited about.
Make This Summer a Career Launchpad
You don’t need a job offer to grow professionally. By taking intentional steps now—whether that’s learning a new skill, meeting new people or exploring what drives you—you’ll be more prepared (and more confident) when opportunity knocks.
Ready to kickstart your career this summer? Schedule a free call with our Early Career coaches today.
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