The Communicator

With the end of the semester approaching, a variety of summer plans await COM students. If you’re a COM student wondering how to spend your time this summer, look no further. With internships, travel, and newfound free time, students utilize their time outside of the academic year to grow personally, professionally, and academically through a wide range of summer activities. 

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Results:

If you answered mostly A: Work Experience

Students in the College of Communication are well-aware of COM’s emphasis on student internships. Summer is a great time to pursue internships related to your field of study. Internships allow students to gain valuable experience for their future careers and take on new challenges and responsibilities.

If you answered mostly B: Travel and Exploration

If you’ve had enough work during the academic year, summer is a great time to explore travel destinations if you have the opportunity. Travel can supplement your education by broadening your perspective, or simply be a nice way to relax.

If you answered mostly C: More School

Want to spend the summer in Boston and get ahead on your course credits? BU summer courses may be for you. Taking summer courses is a great way to provide structure and routine into your break. There is a variety of COM classes to choose from like Business Fundamentals for Public Relations (CM442), Media Money Trail (FT518), or Race and Gender in the News Media (JO505) to fulfill major requirements; or, use this opportunity to pursue classes outside of the College of Communication that you may not otherwise get to take: “Questrom courses offered can also provide knowledge and skills that complement students coursework in COM,” said Jewel Cash, International Programs & Student Engagement Manager for BU Summer Term.

“Summer is a fantastic time to be in Boston! With dozens of festivals and other outdoor activities (many of them free), students have the opportunity to experience the best that Boston has to offer, with fewer students around the city to compete with than during the Fall and Spring semesters,” said Cash.

If you answered mostly D: Relaxation 

Still feeling pressure over how to spend your free time this summer? Try this: nothing. Summer may offer an increased sense of mindfulness in the absence of academic pressures. Take advantage of your newfound freedom and the warmer weather by spending time outdoors, exploring new hobbies, or volunteering. 

Amidst these bustling activities, sometimes, doing “nothing” can be the most enriching experience, allowing for introspection, new hobbies, and a deeper connection with oneself.

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Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience; travel and exploration broaden horizons and foster personal growth. For those opting to continue their studies through summer courses, summer term offers the opportunity to delve into specialized topics or fulfill major requirements while enjoying Boston’s vibrant summer scene.

As COM students navigate their summer plans, embracing a balance of work, travel, classes, and relaxation can create a well-rounded experience, shaping not only their immediate summer but also paving the way for a fulfilling and successful future. In the words of Jewel Cash, a student’s summer plans “helps them stand out from the crowd and/or show cross-disciplinary skills to future employers.”