Winter break career activities don’t have to be a hard sell. Let’s face it: students look forward to winter break as a time to relax, recharge, and binge-watch their favorite shows guilt-free. While rest is crucial, winter break also offers a golden opportunity for students to invest in their career development—without the pressure of looming deadlines and exams.

As a university career center, you can play a pivotal role in making career growth both productive and appealing during this downtime. The key? Meet students where they are—virtually, flexibly, and creatively. Below, we share five actionable ways to help your students engage in career development while still enjoying their winter break.

1. Encourage Participation in Virtual Case Challenges to Build Resume Skills

Winter break is the perfect time for students to explore real-world business problems through virtual Case Challenges or case competitions. These challenges simulate workplace scenarios, allowing students to showcase problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills—all highly valued by employers.

Encourage your students to join WeSolv’s Case Challenge Platform (we had to plug ourselves!) or other similar programs to gain hands-on experience while working remotely. To make it more enticing, consider sharing:

• Industry-specific challenges: For example, a marketing challenge for students interested in branding.
• Offering micro-incentives: Partner with local businesses or alumni to provide small prizes or gift cards.
• Sharing their wins: Post about participating students on your university’s LinkedIn page or career center blog to recognize their efforts and inspire others.

By the end of the break, students walk away with stronger resumes and tangible outcomes they can discuss during interviews.

2. Launch a Resume & LinkedIn Glow-Up Challenge

During the semester, students often scramble to update their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Winter break provides a quieter time to reflect on their achievements and refine these critical career tools.

Host a two-week “Resume Glow-Up Challenge” where students can:

• Submit their resumes for review: Use platforms like VMock or OptimalResume for automated feedback.
• Access guided tutorials: Provide step-by-step video or PDF guides tailored to various industries.
• Participate in live workshops: Invite alumni or recruiters to offer tips on creating compelling profiles.

Don’t forget to focus on LinkedIn! Show students how to optimize their profile headlines, write attention-grabbing summaries, and make meaningful connections. A study by LinkedIn reveals that students who list at least 5 skills on their profiles are 27 times more likely to be discovered by recruiters.

3. Set Up Virtual Networking Events with Alumni

One of the best winter break career activities is networking—made easier through virtual platforms. Alumni are often more accessible during the holiday season and willing to give back to their alma maters.

Organize a series of informal, industry-specific networking events where students can connect with alumni.

• Use breakout rooms for small group discussions: Allow for personalized conversations and reduce the intimidation factor.
• Make it festive: Incorporate a holiday theme, like “Career Cheer Chats” or “New Year, New Career Connections.”
• Provide conversation starters: Share a list of sample questions, such as “What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?”

Platforms like Hopin and Zoom are ideal for hosting these virtual sessions. Additionally, encourage students to follow up with alumni on LinkedIn to nurture these new connections.

4. Promote Self-Paced Online Learning for New Skills

Upskilling is a powerful way for students to stand out, and winter break offers the perfect window for completing self-paced online courses. These platforms make skill-building accessible and engaging:

• Coursera: Courses like “Data Analysis for Decision Making” or “Essentials of Project Management.”
• edX: Offers free or low-cost certifications in high-demand areas like coding and sustainability.
• LinkedIn Learning: Perfect for shorter, career-focused modules such as “Interviewing Skills” or “How to Lead Productive Meetings.”

Make it easy by curating a list of recommended courses based on trending industries or in-demand skills. Encourage students to share their certificates on LinkedIn, showcasing their commitment to professional growth during the break.

5. Offer a Goal-Setting Workshop for the New Year

Help students start the new year on the right foot by offering a goal-setting workshop. Career development isn’t just about securing jobs; it’s about strategic planning. Winter break is a natural time for reflection and forward thinking.

Structure the workshop around:

• Career Vision Boards: Use tools like Canva or traditional collage-making to map out career aspirations visually.
• SMART Goals: Teach students to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Peer Accountability: Pair students to share their goals and check in on each other’s progress.

To make it even more impactful, invite a motivational speaker—perhaps a high-achieving alum or an executive sponsor—to inspire students with actionable insights.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t let these efforts fade once students return to campus. Follow up with participants to share their outcomes and solicit feedback. Did they land an internship thanks to the networking event? Have they gained new skills from an online course? Highlight these stories to inspire others and build excitement for your next set of initiatives.

Additionally, create a downloadable guide or checklist summarizing your winter break career activities. This can serve as a resource for students to revisit throughout the year.

Planting the Seeds of Future Success

Winter break is a season of possibilities. By creatively engaging students in career development activities, you not only help them make the most of their downtime but also build their confidence, skills, and networks for the future. The right mix of fun, flexibility, and strategy can make these initiatives resonate—and ensure they’re eagerly awaiting what your career center has planned next.

Encourage your students to start small: whether they update their LinkedIn profile, attend a virtual event, or take a short course, every step matters. And remind them: career development doesn’t have to feel like work—it’s an investment in themselves.

For more tips and tools to keep students engaged, check out WeSolv’s Case Challenges or explore our other resources tailored for university partners. Together, we can make winter break a season of growth and achievement.