Blog

As each academic year comes to an end, my friends and I all scramble to make plans for our summer breaks. The possibilities are endless — we can choose to work summer jobs, apply for internships, stay on campus for spring/summer term classes, or even participate in summer study abroad programs. U-M offers a number of fantastic experiences for each student during the summer break. Summer is the time to gain experience and enjoy the break while furthering personal growth. Regardless of what you opt to do, it’s important that on returning to the Ann Arbor campus you find yourself even more excited and prepared for the following semester!

For many students, securing a summer job is an excellent way to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and earn income to support their education. Last summer, after the end of my first year at U-M, I worked in a retail job back home in California. This allowed me to hone my communication and problem-solving skills while providing a sense of financial independence. Most of my friends at U-M have spent their past summers working at jobs in their hometowns, establishing valuable networks of colleagues and customers, earning an income, and gaining valuable perspective on the working world and instilling a strong work ethic.

Summer internships are another popular option for U-M students looking to immerse themselves in a specific field of interest, gain hands-on experience, and establish network connections for future full-time careers. This summer, I'm excited to begin an internship in the field I hope to pursue a career in after graduation, and many of my friends are doing the same. The internship application process can be difficult, but U-M provides exceptional resources to aid the process, such as interview practice, resume workshops, alumni connections, and more. Summer internships provide the perfect platform to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, learn from seasoned professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects. By participating in internships, students can gain industry-specific skills, expand their network, and enhance their resume, giving them a competitive edge when entering the job market.

Staying on the U-M campus for spring/summer term classes is another great summer opportunity chosen by many students. The spring/summer terms allow students to engage in focused, intensive coursework, explore new subjects, and make progress toward their degree. Spring/summer term classes often offer smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, creating an ideal environment for in-depth learning. Additionally, this choice enables students to maintain their academic momentum and make progress toward graduation goals. Spring/summer term classes can also provide opportunities for research with U-M faculty members, allowing students to further their academic passions and contribute to larger projects. And arguably the best part… getting to stay in the incredible city of Ann Arbor all summer!

And finally, U-M provides a number of amazing summer study abroad opportunities for students. Several of my friends and classmates are on study abroad programs this summer across Europe, Asia, South America, and more. By immersing themselves in different cultures, languages, and academic settings, students gain a global perspective and broaden their understanding of the world. Studying abroad fosters personal growth and adaptability — skills highly valued by employers in today's interconnected world. The friendships formed and memories made during these adventures can last a lifetime. Additionally, U-M study abroad experiences allow students to earn credits toward their degrees, while exploring new environments and making connections with students from around the globe.

The University of Michigan provides students with countless opportunities for fun and fulfilling summers. Whether through summer jobs, internships, staying on campus for spring/summer term classes, or participating in study abroad programs, there are so many routes for students to choose from to foster personal growth, further our educations, and most importantly, enjoy our summers! Regardless of what you plan to do with your summer, every experience will prepare you in different ways for beginning a new semester at U-M.