Hey SWEsters! Final exams are just around the corner. Soon, we will be saying hello to the beautiful summer season. This year, summer will definitely look different from how it looked in previous years. Although the future is unpredictable, there are somethings we can individually control. We can control how we spend our time and efforts. COVID-19 may have slowed down the pace of things, but the clock is still ticking as usual. Your time is precious, and the last thing you want to do is waste it. Whether you had your summer plans ruined by this pandemic or haven’t even thought about summer plans, now is the time to return to the drawing board.
At our end of the year engineering panel, one of our panelists challenged us to draw today's plan by looking ahead. This means we have to ask ourselves questions about our career aspirations, then work backwards. What is your dream job? What are the requirements for that job? Do some research. Requirements could range from having a degree in a type of engineering, to knowing a particular programming language. Now given the current situation, how can you prepare for that job? That may include earning a certificate, taking some online classes, or even connecting with people that currently have that job. This will take hard work and research, but what other time to get this done than during the summer.
To get you started on your summer plan drawing board, here are a couple of ideas:
Summer classes: At UNT, registration for summer classes are open. Summer classes are a good way to get ahead in your degree plan. This may decrease your course work for the following semester and reduce the amount of time/money you spend in college. Although summer classes are fast paced, you can take as little as 2 credit hours per summer session. This will give you the time to study and fully understand the course material. Since summer classes are online, you can attend classes from the comfort of your room!
LinkedIn Learning: This is by far one of the best resources out there to advance your career. LinkedIn Learning provides a wide range or courses from solid works to professional development strategies. It also provides certificates once you have competed particular courses. As a UNT student, you have access to all of these resources for free. Yes SWEsters, for free. These are certifications that will expand your knowledge beyond the classroom and put you one more step towards that dream job. You can find more information on LinkedIn learning and how to get started through the link listed below.
Volunteer tutoring: This is an excellent way to give back to the community and add meaning to one’s life, while at home. A good way to get this done would be through UPchieve. They offer tutoring services and college counseling for high school kids from low income backgrounds. The goal is to ensure every student regardless of economic status has access to good academic support. A lot of high school students are struggling with the recent change. This is an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to serve other students. The link to UPchieve will be listed below for more information.
These are just a couple of ideas to get you started. We wish you all success on your final exams. Keep up the motivation and don’t lose hope. UNT SWE got you!
Important links
Summer classes: https://registrar.unt.edu/registration/summer-registration-guide
LinkedIn Learning for UNT students: https://itss.untsystem.edu/divisions/mrs/linkedin-learning
Volunteer at UPchieve: https://upchieve.org/volunteer
Important links
Summer classes: https://registrar.unt.edu/registration/summer-registration-guide
LinkedIn Learning for UNT students: https://itss.untsystem.edu/divisions/mrs/linkedin-learning
Volunteer at UPchieve: https://upchieve.org/volunteer
