Make this summer count for your future with our free 9-week career exploration checklist
Summer break doesn’t have to mean hitting pause on your future. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or somewhere in between, this summer is the perfect time to take small steps that can make a big difference in your career journey.
Why Summer Career Exploration?
Think about it: you have more flexibility in your schedule, less academic pressure, and time to actually reflect on what you want your future to look like. Plus, many of the experiences you’re having this summer—whether it’s a job, internship, volunteering, or even just having conversations with family and friends — are giving you insights into your interests, strengths, and career possibilities.
The challenge? Knowing where to start and how to make the most of this time without feeling overwhelmed.
Introducing Your Summer Career Adventure Checklist
We’ve created a flexible, no-pressure way to explore your career potential over the next nine weeks. Our Summer Career Adventure Checklist breaks career exploration into manageable, practical tasks that you can tackle at your own pace.
Here’s what makes this different:
- No strict deadlines – summer is about flexibility, and so is this checklist
- Start anywhere – pick the week that interests you most or follow along in order
- Real, practical tasks – everything connects to actual career development skills
- Free tools and resources – access to Tallo’s Career Navigator, resume builder, and more
- Community support – connect with other students on the same journey
Your 9-Week Journey Overview
Each week focuses on a different aspect of career development:
Week 1: Start Where You Are – Build your professional foundation and update your Tallo profile
Week 2: Discover Your Strengths – Identify and showcase your transferable skills
Week 3: Level Up – Develop new skills and practice your elevator pitch
Week 4: Show Your Professional Self – Build your professional online presence and create your first resume
Week 5: Discover What’s Possible – Deep dive into career exploration with Tallo’s Career Navigator
Week 6: Give and Grow – Build your network and give back to your community
Week 7: Build Interview Confidence – Practice interviews and build confidence in your abilities
Week 8: Find Your Next Step – Research internships and opportunities for fall
Week 9: Map Your Next Steps – Plan your fall goals and celebrate your summer growth
It’s Here When You’re Ready
The beauty of this approach? You can make it work for your life. Working 40 hours a week? Focus on the tasks that relate to your job experience. Taking a relaxed summer? Use the extra time to dive deep into career exploration. Somewhere in between? Pick and choose what fits your schedule.
Every task is designed to give you something valuable, whether you spend 15 minutes or an entire afternoon on it. The goal isn’t to complete everything perfectly — it’s to take meaningful steps forward from wherever you are right now.
Real Tools, Real Results
Throughout your adventure, you’ll get hands-on experience with tools that actually matter:
- Tallo’s Career Navigator to explore over 1,800 career paths with real labor market data
- Resume builder to create your first professional resume
- Scholarship search to find opportunities worth $1.6 billion
- Professional networking through our community platform
- Portfolio building to showcase your unique strengths
Join the Adventure
Ready to make this summer count for your future? Download your free Summer Career Adventure Checklist and start exploring your potential today.
Whether you complete every task or just a few that resonate with you, you’ll finish the summer with more clarity about your strengths, interests, and next steps. Plus, you’ll have practical tools and experiences that will serve you well as you head into fall.
Your career journey starts exactly where you are right now. Let’s see where this summer can take you.
Questions about the Summer Career Adventure? Join our Tallo Community to connect with other students and get support on your journey.
