Making the Most of Your Summer

As we all know, there’s 104 days of summer vacation—and for those of us still working toward our degrees, school comes along just to end it. Between vacations, wedding season, internships, summer holidays, and even seasonal allergies, summer can quickly become packed with hectic schedules and exciting transitions.

For students, summer is more than just a break from the academic year. It is a time to reflect on your goals, gain new experiences, and recharge before another busy semester. Whether you are spending your summer in an internship, pursuing personal projects, or taking summer classes, there are ways to make the most of these months and set yourself up for success.

Below are a few ways to maximize your summer depending on the path you take.

Internship

Figure 1: Internships allow time for you to build relationships as well as soft skills that can’t be learned in a classroom [1].

For many students, summer internships are the highlight of the season. They provide hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to see how the concepts you have learned in class apply in the real world. Plus, they are a way to build a good resume. Career centers often offer excellent advice on how to succeed in an internship, but there are a few common tips that consistently stand out:

Make connections with those you work with

Networking is not just about adding people on LinkedIn, it is about building genuine professional relationships. Take time to talk with coworkers, ask about their career paths, and learn from their experiences. Even short conversations can lead to mentorship, future opportunities, or valuable advice. Not every conversation will lead to a beneficial career move, but things like small talk allow you to learn more about the people you work with. 

Learn the company culture

Every workplace operates differently. Some companies emphasize collaboration and open communication, while others may have more structured processes. Observing how teams communicate, how decisions are made, and how people approach their work can help you adapt and contribute more effectively. An internship gives the company a chance to interview you and gives you a chance to interview the company. What do people like about where they work? What does the company prioritize? 

Prioritize quality over quantity

It can be tempting to try to do everything at once in order to impress your supervisors. However, producing thoughtful, high-quality work often leaves a stronger impression than completing a large number of tasks quickly. Take time to understand assignments, ask clarifying questions, and deliver work you are proud of. 

Ultimately, internships are learning experiences. Do not be afraid to ask questions or try new things. 

Personal Projects

Figure 2: Different personal projects can improve different sets of skills [2]. 

Not every summer includes an internship, and that is okay. Personal projects can be one of the most valuable ways to develop your skills and strengthen your resume. They demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the ability to follow through on independent work.

Personal projects can take many forms. For engineering students, this might include building a prototype, learning a new programming language, experimenting with design software, or maybe it is using one of our short courses to improve a specific skill. What matters most is that the project allows you to develop skills and explore areas you are passionate about.

The key to success is setting realistic and attainable goals. One popular framework to use is SMART goals, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This structure helps break large ambitions into manageable steps and makes it easier to track progress throughout the summer.

For example, instead of saying “I want to learn CAD,” a SMART goal might be: Complete three CAD tutorials and design a simple mechanical assembly by the end of July. Setting clear expectations like this can help maintain motivation and create a tangible outcome to show for your efforts.

Beyond the technical benefits, personal projects also build confidence. Seeing something you created move from an idea to a finished product can be incredibly rewarding.

Summer Classes

Figure 3: Summer classes can allow time to explore your college town or explore the local outdoors [3]. 

For some students, summer does not mean a break at all. Summer courses often compress an entire semester into just a few weeks, which can make them feel intense and fast-paced. Between lectures, assignments, and exams, it can sometimes feel like there is little room for anything else.

However, summer classes also present a unique opportunity: learning how to balance academic responsibilities with personal time.

Exploring the outdoors provides a great reminder that education does not have to stay inside the classroom. With nice weather and a new season of outdoor activities, it is easy to take short breaks to explore the outdoors. So many practical skills can be learned by taking time to be outside. There is also inspiration that comes from taking time to slow down and enjoy the fresh air. 

Moments like these highlight an important lesson: knowledge is not only gained through lectures or textbooks. Sometimes stepping away from your desk and experiencing the world around you can offer just as much insight and inspiration.

Making Time Count

No matter how your summer looks—busy with internships, focused on personal projects, or packed with classes—it is important to remember that these months are still an opportunity to grow. Summer can be a time to gain experience, build skills, explore interests, and spend meaningful time with friends and family.

The key is being intentional. Setting goals, staying curious, and making space for both productivity and rest can help ensure that when the next semester begins, you return not only refreshed but also more prepared for the challenges ahead.

While summer may only last 104 days, the experiences you gain during it can have an impact that lasts much longer.

References

[1] “Essential Soft Skills Employers Look for in Interns.” Internships Worldwide, 2025, https://internships-worldwide.com/essential-soft-skills-employers-look-for-in-interns/.

[2] Newton, Emily. “Here’s How to Build a Robot at Home.” RobotShop Community, 14 July 2022, https://community.robotshop.com/blog/show/heres-how-to-build-a-robot-at-home.

[3] “Hiking Couple Climb up Mountain Ridge.” iStock, Getty Images, 2021, https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/hiking-couple-climb-up-mountain-ridge-gm1361421117-434002685.

To cite this article:
Sunday, Emelia. “Making the Most of Your Summer.” The BYU Design Review, 20 April 2026, https://www.designreview.byu.edu/collections/making-the-most-of-your-summer.