Some summers are not meant to be spent doing internships. They are meant for you to sit back, enjoy life, and…eventually get bored. There are several things you can do once the boredom sets in. We’ve made a list of skills you can pick up over the course of a summer, sitting at home. You might be interested in some or already an expert in others, but you will get ideas on what to do apart from catching up with TV shows:
1. Learn how to read faster: – Most people usually read at the speed of their inner voice. This speed can, however, be improved greatly. Try Spreeder.
Why learn this? You can cruise through books and papers at an incredible speed, with the same amount of comprehension, once you master this skill.
2. Graphic Design: – You do not even need to have an artistic side. Read basic design rulesand how colours affect people before you start learning Photoshop. For a free alternative, tryPaint.NET.
Why learn this? There are plenty of paid graphic design internships out there – these skills are in demand! You can even chip in with some volunteer work for NGOs.
3. Learn anything from the best: – Coursera brings together some of the best universities in the world with a collection of free courses that cover almost every topic in the world. Learn at your own pace through engaging video lectures and regular quizzes.
Why learn this? Who doesn’t want to know more about the world? Perhaps you can learn about Mathematical Biostatistics. Or Greek and Roman Mythology. Or Computational Neuroscience, or Psychology.
4. Learn a language: – If you’re good at picking up languages, this will be time well-spent. TryLive Mocha and Memrise for languages such as Spanish, French, German or even Morse Code.
Why learn this? It impresses the ladies. A whole new world of films and literature opens up to you!
5. Programming: – While you won’t become a boss programmer in two months, it is a fantastic start. If you find out it is for you, you’ll love it more every day! Try the Internshala Virtual Training Centre for a certified course.
Why learn this? Go to the Internships tab and see just how many programming internships there are.
6. Edit Wikipedia: – If you’re an expert (or fairly knowledgeable) in any topic at all in the world, why keep that knowledge to yourself? Do you know a lot about whales? Economics? Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi? Let the world know. Do make sure you make only necessary edits and write only about things you know.
Why do this? Remember the number of times Wikipedia has helped you with homework and random arguments? Pay it forward.
7. Solve a Rubik’s cube: — Solving a Rubik’s cube is quite easy once you master the algorithms. With some practice you can do it super-fast. Try this video.
Why learn this? Impress your friends. Or if they won’t be impressed, impress your younger cousins.
8. Improve your public speaking skills: — Read up about public speaking skills and tricks. For example, try not saying “Umm” during pauses. Practice! The mirror is your friend.
Why learn this? Powerpoint presentations will be the bane of your life. Might as well make them enjoyable.
9. Learn how to invest: — The earlier you start, the better! Find a good resource to learn the basics first (like Investopedia), and set aside a small amount of money to get started.
Why learn this? Apart from making money, of course, you’ll learn very valuable things about financial planning.
-Rakesh Shrivastav
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