{"id":5747,"date":"2016-12-20T14:21:48","date_gmt":"2016-12-20T19:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/?p=5747"},"modified":"2016-12-20T14:21:48","modified_gmt":"2016-12-20T19:21:48","slug":"8-things-to-jumpstart-the-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Internsdc\/8-things-to-jumpstart-the-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things Interns Can Do Now to Jumpstart the New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Jumpstart<\/h2>\n

What you can do right now to Jumpstart your career in the New Year<\/h2>\n

2016 has been a doozy for many of us. Luckily, 2017 is just around the corner. And what better way to start the year off right than with (not resolutions), but high aspirations and a solid plan. Here\u2019s 8 ideas you can do now to jumpstart the new year, so you can get hired faster, stay organized and actually have a life.<\/p>\n

Bring it on, 2017!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn something new<\/h2>\n

Nothing beats a college education, but there are some skills needed for jobs you may not learn in school. Learn the basics of InDesign, take a photography class or learn the basics of coding at sites such as Lynda.com.<\/p>\n

These extra skills can be a big plus at job hunting time and give you an edge.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Get ahead of the curve when it comes to applying for spring internships.<\/p>\n

\"Jumpstart<\/h2>\n

List the things you want to let go of, and things you want to bring into your life<\/h2>\n

Even young people accumulate baggage\u2014physical and mental. Wipe the slate clean in 2017 and begin brand new!<\/p>\n

Remember that new notebook you started in 6th<\/sup> grade? It was a world of possibilities. What are your new goals and aspirations? Maybe you\u2019d like to ring in a new internship this year or a learn a new skill. Perhaps you want to let go of that unwanted job that\u2019s paying you nothing, that $20 your buddy never returned or that friend who\u2019s constantly negative.<\/p>\n

Volunteer<\/h2>\n

Your generation cares. We see it when you support socially responsible businesses that give back. How about dedicating your time even once a month to a local organization that makes you feel good? Volunteering will also get you out of your comfort zone and develop your leadership skills. Plus it\u2019s a great resume booster! Check out sites such as volunteermatch.org<\/a> and createthegood.org<\/a> to find a volunteer opportunity near you.<\/p>\n

\"Jumpstart<\/h2>\n

Start saving money<\/h2>\n

Whether you want to open a savings account or get a literal piggy bank, be strict about setting aside a certain amount of money every month \u2013 even if it\u2019s as little as $20. This will teach you money management skills, consistency and build an emergency stash when you need it down the road. You know you will. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Go somewhere you\u2019ve never been<\/h2>\n

\u201cBroad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one\u2019s lifetime.\u201d \u2013 Mark Twain<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you\u2019re ready to expand your mind, meet new people and have once-in-a-lifetime experience, plan a trip. Many people tell themselves they don\u2019t have enough money. But there are plenty of options for people on a budget. Programs such as Workaway<\/a> give you complimentary room and board (and sometimes food), when you trade for work. This really will get you all over the world.<\/p>\n

Another option is traveling to places where you know someone to stay with or couch surfing. Intern hint: traveling will give you an edge in the workplace because you have acquired new skills and perhaps a new language. It also shows that you\u2019re open-minded, worldly, and not afraid to take risks.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Jumpstart<\/p>\n

Get your ducks in a row<\/h2>\n

With a rotating schedule of internships, jobs, school and a social life, it\u2019s easy to forget things. Make life easier on yourself by purchasing a beautiful planner or using an online planner such as: My Study Life<\/a> or Passion Planner<\/a>. [It\u2019s OK to splurge here, as it\u2019s going to be with you for the year]. Get one that speaks to you and one that you actually want<\/em> to bring around with you throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Jumpstart the new year by getting your ducks in a row. When it comes to the home, purging unwanted items and cleaning out your closet not only gives you a clearer space, but more sanity. Pick up: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up<\/em> by Marie Kondo. Trust us, it works.<\/p>\n

Give your resume and LinkedIn profile a makeover<\/h2>\n

Sometimes we neglect to update our stale profiles, or perhaps we\u2019ve gotten some sound advice on how to achieve the perfect resume or profile since we last updated ours. Give yours a makeover:<\/p>\n