Invest in You This Summer: Make the Most of the Season with these Resources

Invest in You This Summer: Make the Most of the Season with these Resources

Summertime for graduate students does not always bring the same freedom that undergraduates enjoy. Research projects still need attention, dissertations and theses do not pause for summer, and many graduate students find themselves visiting campus or lab more often than people might expect. That said, the season often brings a welcome break from classes—and with it, a chance to breathe, reset, and explore new opportunities.

Between semesters is a great time to invest in your personal and professional growth. Whether you are planning to stay close to campus or travel, summer is the perfect window to build skills, boost your resume, or simply focus on goals that are hard to squeeze in during the academic year.

Below are several opportunities available to University of Arizona graduate students this summer that can help you get ahead, both personally and professionally.

Make time to write

The Graduate Writing Lab is hosting free Graduate Writing Consultations and Writing Efficiency Sessions over Zoom this summer.

Writing Consultations are available for any kind of writing, at any stage in the process —whether you are drafting a dissertation, fine-tuning a personal statement, or looking for feedback on a professional email. Consultants act as a second set of eyes and offer helpful, constructive support.

To make an appointment with a Graduate Writing Consultant, visit the Graduate Writing Lab Consultations page on the Graduate Center website. 

Writing Efficiency Sessions are structured, two-hour Zoom blocks that use timed sprints and breaks to help you stay focused and productive. You’re welcome to join the full session or just part of it.

Sessions are held Mondays and Thursdays from 11 AM to 1 PM, running from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, August 7. Register for the program to receive the Zoom link.

Learn Course Design Skills 

If you are looking to improve your teaching skills or prepare for a future TA role, check out the University Center for Assessment, Teaching and Technology (UCATT). UCATT offers resources to help instructors design high-quality, engaging courses using evidence-based strategies and instructional technology.

Their Course Design Resources page is a great place to start. It includes UArizona Coursemaker, a tool that helps instructors quickly create and customize their D2L course sites.

UCATT also curates helpful Resource Guides on topics ranging from tech troubleshooting to effective pedagogy. If you are a new or incoming Graduate Teaching Assistant, don’t miss their guide with 11 helpful tips to prepare for the first weeks of class.

Polish and Submit Your LinkedIn Profile for Review

Summer is the ideal time to update your LinkedIn profile — and Graduate Career Services is here to help.

If you have presented at a conference, published, or taken on a new role this past semester, summer is a great time to reflect and add those accomplishments to your profile. According to Dr. Amanda Bogden, Associate Director of Graduate Career Services, updating your materials right away keeps things accurate and fresh. Memory is not as sharp six months after the event!

Once your profile feels up to date, submit it to Graduate Career Services for personalized feedback. If you're currently job hunting or exploring career paths, you can also schedule a one-on-one appointment for tailored advice here.

Improve Your Public Speaking Skills by Joining a Local Storytelling Group

 

If you’ll be in Tucson this summer and want to get more comfortable speaking in front of an audience, consider checking out Odyssey Storytelling -Tucson, Tellers of Tales Tucson, or FST! Female* StoryTellers.

Both groups create welcoming spaces for people to share stories from their lives and hone their public speaking and storytelling abilities in a supportive setting.

Catch Up on Your Field’s Literature

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your discipline is difficult during the semester. Use the summer to review new research, explore related areas of study, or read that book your advisor recommended six months ago.

The University of Arizona Libraries provide access to hundreds of journals and databases across disciplines, making it easy to find high-quality research articles and papers relevant to your field. Additionally, UA Libraries maintains this list of citation management tools to help you keep organized notes on the literature that you read. Whether you are preparing for comprehensive exams, a dissertation, or just want to remain current, the library is a great place to start.  

Learn a New Skill Like Coding or AI Tools

Summer is a great time to boost your technical skills. Whether you want to dabble in Python, learn about machine learning, or explore how AI tools can support your research, there are many beginner-friendly platforms that make it easy to get started. Here are a few.

Kaggle Learn offers free, hands-on mini-courses in coding, data science, and AI — all designed for learners at every level.

Grasshopper is a mobile-based app that teaches JavaScript fundamentals in a playful, engaging way.

The University Libraries Data Cooperative also lists several resources on their “Learn to code” page that are tailored to what part of the learning process you are at. Linked on the same page, you can also access free curriculum for platforms like R and Python, and get an introduction to The Carpentries, an international organization supporting workshops teaching foundational coding and data science skills to researchers worldwide.

 You do not need a background in computer science to start learning — just curiosity and consistency! Summer can be a great time to investigate different platforms and software and find the one that will be most valuable for you to learn.

Create a Professional Website or Digital Portfolio

Building an online presence is more important than ever, especially if you are planning to go on the job market soon. A professional website or portfolio gives you space to showcase your research, publications, CV, and other projects in a clean, accessible format.

Platforms like Wix or WordPress offer free versions and drag-and-drop functionality, so you don’t need to be a web designer to get started. Be sure to include a brief bio, a professional photo, and links to your work or LinkedIn profile to make it easy for employers, collaborators, or admissions committees to learn more about you.

Write a LinkedIn or Blog Post

Sharing your thoughts publicly can feel intimidating, but it is a powerful way to build your professional identity. Whether you write a short reflection on a recent conference, summarize a book you read, or offer tips based on your research experience, a post on LinkedIn or a personal blog helps others see your values, interests, and communication skills.

Need a place to start? Try writing a “5 Things I Learned This Year” style post or highlight a project you’re proud of. These pieces also double as great portfolio content!

Volunteer in the Community

Community service does not just benefit others — it can also expand your network, teach new skills, and provide a refreshing break from academic work. Summer is a great time to give back in a way that aligns with your interests. 

Start by checking United Way’s website for volunteer opportunities in your area. You can also reach out directly to local nonprofits, especially those connected to your field of study, and ask if they need short-term project assistance or interns.

Whether you are helping organize a fundraiser, offering your design or writing skills, or joining a neighborhood clean-up, you will come away with a sense of purpose and connection to the community — and maybe even a great line on your resume.

Conclusion

While summer might not mean a full break for graduate students, it can offer a shift in pace — and that shift can open doors. Whether you are spending the season writing, learning new tools, refining your professional presence, or connecting with the community, investing in yourself now can pay off later in the year.

Graduate school moves quickly, and it is easy to stay heads-down in research and coursework. But taking time to pursue growth outside your usual routine — even in small ways — can help you return to fall semester more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next.