It’s the summer before college and I KNOW some of you are already stressing over landing internships, getting research, jobs, etc. I know this because that was me last year. As an extremely wise rising sophomore, I’m here to share some advice with you all, and I’m gonna share it in all caps:
YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING YOUR FRESHMAN SUMMER. This is the last summer you’ll have with your hometown friends, and it’s the perfect time to connect with your family. Next summer, you may be working away from home. Cherish your last time at home before you have to move into college. Go to graduation parties, reminisce with your high school friends, find some cool books, travel, and truly relax. You’ve worked so hard in high school, and you’ll probably work even harder in college. Give your body and mind a break; That way, you’ll be refreshed for your first semester of college!
Also, know that you will have so many summers after freshman year to find those internships/research/jobs, etc. This is the year it truly doesn’t matter what you do in the summer. Having at least one year in college could make you change prospective career paths and find new passions. Once you’ve found something that interests you, that is when you can explore it over the summer! Don’t simply seek internships your freshman summer because you think it’s what you “should” do. I know incoming freshmen on Linkedin boast their summer internships (as they should), but that doesn’t mean that you’re behind them. The Loeb Center at Amherst College will help you secure future internships/research opportunities after you’ve enjoyed your first summer!
Also, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t work at all over the summer. I know how expensive college is, and finding a summer job is definitely a good idea. But this job doesn’t have to be related to your major or field of interest. It can also be a part-time or weekend job. Don’t stress over working crazy hours. Many of my friends, including myself, worked at summer camps over the summer! It is a very low-stress job, and you can enjoy teaching and engaging in outdoor activities with kids. However, if you are passionate about something and still adamant about securing a job/internship, go for it. You can search for summer opportunities on Handshake if interested.
If you have any questions about summer opportunities or anything Amherst-related, please reach out to me at ipatel28@amherst.edu!