By Carissa Rutkauskas

We asked UConn ECE Students how they’re planning on spending their summer and UConn ECE Alumni on advice that they would give current students. Here is what they said:

This summer I will be heading to Camp Kesher, a camp for children with special needs, where I will be a counselor for a child with special needs for four weeks. I view this a chance to give back, for so many people have helped me and guided me throughout my life; supporting me endlessly and caring and loving me. Now I will have a chance to help, support, and love a young child with special needs.

This summer I will be diving straight into Marine Science Books and SAT practices to continue to educate myself and get ready to get that perfect score I need for college! I will also be working hard at Gus’s Pub to earn some money for college savings while continuing to cheer at East Celebrity Elite to keep my physical and mental health up to par for my busy schedule!

Relax. Spend time with friends and family. College is a new chapter so just enjoy your present. Update your resume, personal statement, and cover letters before entering college, you may need these for work-study or programs your first year.

Take the time to network and gain experience. Try to secure a summer internship, shadow a professional in your field, or take specialized courses and certifications. Learning and growth are continuous processes, and the summer is the time to capitalize on this, where you have the flexibility to choose what you want to do.

Find an exciting summer job! I spent all my summers through high school working as a lifeguard, which taught me lots of skills that I have transferred outside of the pool and into my studies and professional development.