Taking advantage of summer opportunities
The extended time students have away from classes during the summer provides opportunities not as easily accessible during the Fall and Spring. Options include shadowing professionals in a desired career field, volunteering, taking a class, and more. Now is a good time to start talking to your student about their summer plans, questions you may ask include:
Where will your student live?
Depending on your student's plans, they may live away from home or move back for the summer. If they will not be home for the summer, begin exploring options in the area they will be working. Is housing included as a part of their job or internship? If they are returning home for the summer, it is helpful to start conversations around schedules and ground rules. Students generally become more independent while at college, so building expectations together for when they return home acknowledges both of your boundaries and their experiences this year.
Will your student take classes?
Miami offers summer classes, online and on campus, helping students progress toward their degree. Explore the Summer Term website for more information about options available through Miami. Many students take classes at institutions closer to home. Make sure they visit Transferology to find courses that will fulfill Miami degree requirements. Students can also send an email to the One Stop to verify equivalent courses at other colleges: transfercreditevaluation@MiamiOH.edu.
What internships or jobs are available?
The Center for Career Exploration and Success offers a wealth of career planning resources for students and their families, which are worth an in-depth exploration. In addition to searching for an internship or job, students can work through the first phase of the career planning process by completing career assessments. You may also connect students with family members who have connections in the career or field that interests your student. Even a day of shadowing or an informal meeting (virtual or in-person) to chat about the career can be useful.
