STUDENTS IN ACTION! HOW TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER MORE PRODUCTIVE?
With the summer just around the corner, we are all focused on what to do during all those long hot summer days. We are all so focused on where to go for vacation, with whom, what deals do travel agencies offer, and the most important thing: where’s THE party this summer? In summer, it seems that all duties suddenly just disappear, and summer turns into a period of having fun, hanging out and caring about nothing, especially if you are young, or more specifically, a student.
However, even if you are in your 20s and you are still a student, it is probably a good idea to take advantage of the summer, at least part of it, and do something productive, especially because this period might be the biggest milestone in your life and the first step towards your future career.
This is another reason why it would be a good idea for you to invest in internship, summer courses and trainings with the aim of acquiring new skills and knowledge. These are only few of the plethora of options that universities and companies offer during the summer. They wouldn’t actually exist if they were not able to offer young potential employees ways and techniques to help them overcome obstacles that might stand in their way to employment.
Let’s start with the universities first. If you are student at a technical faculty, then you should think about some of the great opportunities offered by Best (Board of European Students of Technology). They organize summer academic courses that take place in various European cities, and the best part is that they are organized by students who are members of this student’s organization. The applications for the courses are already open, and this season offers exactly 60 events which will be taking place in the period between the 1st of June and the 7th of September.
Many private universities also offer internship/training options, and one of the most interesting events that is worth mentioning is certainly the FON University Summer School which will take place from the 1st to the 8th of July in Valencia, Spain. This Summer School is organized in cooperation with the University of Valencia, whose expert lecturers will focus on the implementation of new protocols in the area of good governance and public administration, democratic practices and professionalization mechanisms in the Macedonian society, all relying on European experiences.
When discussing internship, volunteering and trainings, we should definitely mention Aiesec, the renowned student’s organization operating within the Faculty of Economy. This summer, they will be organizing the Seventh International Summer School whose main topic this year will be “Make a difference – Become a young leader in dealing with new economic challenges on the path to the EU”. The topic has been defined in line with the burning issues and challenges faced by the countries in the region on their path towards full-fledged membership in the European Union, on one hand; and the burning issues and challenges faced by the Union in the aftermath of the last economic crisis, on the other. If you are interested, you can apply until the 15th of June. The Summer School will take place in Ohrid, from the 7th to the 13th of August.
In addition, Aiesec is regularly organizing other summer activities, such as research studies, student exchanges, volunteer programs, paid internships etc., all published on Aiesec’s Facebook page. Similarly, the Youth Educational Forum organizes many activities of this type, but it also organizes many workshops, career counselling, shows and all kinds of events.
Sometimes, all it takes is to be willing to engage, and all the rest will be sorted out. The lack of time, money or options, are all but excuses, because there is something for everybody out there. If you are a major in languages – no problem! The European Center for Modern Languages offers internship opportunities twice a year, and the application is open by the 31st of August this year. Additionally, if you want to improve your language skills, you can always opt for the popular work & travel placement programs, and let us not forget that Erasmus+ offers great summer internship opportunities throughout Europe.
There are so many options, so all you need to do is make up your mind. The School of Young Leaders, organized under the auspices of Dr. Gjorgje Ivanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia, will be organized this year for the eighth time and will take place from the 20th of August to the 1st of September in Ohrid. The application process is under way. Another good option is the Public Announcement published by the Employment Services Agency, which is intended for all young unemployed persons who wish to participate in the program called “Internship”. The selected candidates will get an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience and skills as interns within a maximal period of 3 months of practical training, which will take place in the premises of the employers, pursuant to the Training Program proposed by the employers.
When it comes to employers, companies offer many opportunities for internship and summer training designed for young people. Almost every major company would be pleased to get a helping hand during the summer, without even publishing an official online announcement. All you need to do is pick the company and the industry that you like the most, “pimp up” your resume, and apply! Many of the big companies, such as Pivara Skopje, have their own educational centers. One of the best Pivara Skopje’s practices related to investing in the community is surely the Pivara Skopje Educational Center which has been operational since 1997 and is still growing and developing to this day. Since its creation, the center has seen an evolution of its role and scope of operation.
The establishment of the Center was done with the aim of responding to the internal needs to develop different sets of skills in the employees of the company. Later on, it grew to open its doors to external participants, including young people and students. Some of the external participants were recognized as potential talents and were eventually recruited by Pivara Skopje. In fact, Pivara Skopje is an authentic story written by many generations of proud Pivarci, offering access to the best practical knowledge and experience, recognizing the good work that Company’s employees do, and finally, never failing to reward their talent.
At the end, whether it is Pivara or any other company or student’s organization, training or internship… The opportunities are at the fingertips of any student looking to invest in their future and thinking about taking advantage of the summer. After all, it is not such a big sacrifice. The summer is long and hot, there will always be parties, our friends will always be there for us, our favorite SKOPSKO will always be cold as ice, and there will always be another opportunity for another summer vacation… And yet, investing at least part of your free time into getting some personal development and progress will surely pay off big time. Students, in action!
