Planning Your Summer
Planning Your Summer
Where Do I Begin?
There are many ways to pursue your interests during the summer. Before foraying into the realm of possibilities, determine your personal, professional, and academic goals. Ask yourself questions, narrow down your interests, and seek out more information about opportunities that interest you. Some questions you should consider to help inform your decision include:
- What are my overall academic goals?
- What are some academic and professional interests I have yet to explore?
- What are some academic and professional interests I want to explore further?
- What programs, companies, organizations, or institutions align with my values?
- What opportunities can I pursue now, and which ones may be for term-time or future summers?
- What do I need for my health and well-being?
You can discuss your potential summer opportunities with career advisors at the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), Summer Funding Opportunities Office (SFO) staff, your academic advisors, your peers, including Peer Advising Fellows (PAFs) if you are a first-year, faculty members, advisors at the Office for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF), advisors at the Office for International Education (OIE), Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship (CPSES) staff, student group leaders, proctors or tutors, Resident Deans, and Faculty Deans. All of these advisors in your network will have unique experiences and perspectives that they can share with you. They can help guide you to the opportunities that might be the best fit for your interests, but ultimately the decision will be up to you!
What can I do this summer?
With chances to pursue your personal and academic interests through internships, public service, research, study, summer employment, or spending time with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. There is no magic formula or “right” way to spend your summers during your time at Harvard College. While it’s exciting to be able to take advantage of a multitude of academic and professional offerings, there is also value in being able to take a break and use the summer to recharge. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything or anything!
FAQ
If you still have questions after reading through the summer opportunities, check out our frequently asked questions below and consider reaching out to your academic advisor.
References and letters of recommendation are a critical part of academic and professional development. If you need a letter from a faculty member, research advisor, supervisor, or other Harvard community member, do not be afraid to ask if they'd be willing to provide you with a strong recommendation letter. Feel free to consult your advisor(s) about whom to ask for letters of recommendation.
Consider the nature of the opportunity to which you are applying in selecting whom to serve as a reference and in what capacity each person knows you. When applying for a research opportunity, for example, a faculty member who has followed your work in class might be able to speak to your skillset better than one with no knowledge of that area of research. Ask for recommendation letters in advance of the deadline—at least 3-4 weeks' notice is typical. Ask your references before submitting an application and be sure to alert them if you progress to the stage of a reference check.
While there are many programs available, each has capacity and funding limitations that mean that everyone who is interested may not be accommodated. It is important to remember that rejections from programs are normal and are in many cases not a reflection of you or your abilities, but rather due to logistical constraints. Reach out to your advisors and ask for their help in approaching the situation. Also, be sure to connect with MCS advisors if you need help with your summer search. They can help you search for new programs; it is never too late to pursue a summer opportunity.