Needless to say, stress is high right now. What’s an easy way to escape? Well, for a lot of us, we seek relaxation in mindless scrolling on social media. Professor Ong tells us in The Science of Well-being (HD 3490 — highly recommend!) that this habit actually has the opposite effect on our welfare. In fact, it’s best to take a break from examining others’ highlight reels to actively disconnect from stressors (both academic and social). Whether that relaxation comes from going on a walk, reading for pleasure, or hanging with friends, make sure to find that time and that activity that works for you — your body and mind needs to relax (just as much as it needs that second cup of coffee).
But while you do engage in those inevitable scrolls through social media, LinkedIn can be especially nerve-wracking. It is crucial to remember that while it seems like all of your peers are posting that they accepted an internship offer, that a). this is not everyone — all industries recruit on their own timelines, and b). they are NOT posting their rejections! So, as you peruse LinkedIn, try to keep on your blinders — that is, try not to compare yourself to others. As best you can, try to use the app as a means of networking, making connections, and learning about potential opportunities of interest, rather than as a reference point for yourself against others.
If you find it too hard to limit yourself from comparison on LinkedIn, but still want to surf for new internships and job opportunities, consider devoting some screen time to Handshake and CUeLINKS instead. You’ll extract the same benefit of gathering job openings of interest without the cost of social pressure through seeing your peers’ achievements. (Full disclosure: I probably spend almost as much time sifting through Handshake opportunities as I do Instagram nowadays — and I have a few interviews coming up thanks to this hobby!)
In addition to the opportunities you may find online, the CEC has just updated our major-specific internship guides — perfect for Summer 2022! Also, in mid-December, we will be releasing more summer opportunities from our Human Ecology Alumni Association, so keep an eye out for these roles next month. In all, keep working hard, but remember your body and mind need sleep and relaxation. We’re almost at Thanksgiving Break … you got this!!