Best Practices for Professional Development Over Winter Break with Inclusive and Accessibility-Focused Resources

Winter break is here—a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy some well-deserved rest after finals. But while you’re binging your favorite shows or catching up on sleep, why not use part of your break to get ahead on your professional development? Taking small steps now can make a big difference when applying for internships, jobs, or even graduate programs! For many disabled students and students of color, navigating professional development can come with additional hurdles. Whether it’s facing systemic barriers or needing accessible resources, it’s important to find strategies and tools that work for you.

6 reasons professional development matters

1. Explore Inclusive Microcredentials and Certifications

Microcredentials are short, focused courses that let you learn new skills or enhance existing ones. They’re a great way to stand out in a competitive job market, especially if they align with your career goals.

Where to start:

Binghamton University related resources:

  • Binghamton University Microcredentials: Binghamton microcredentials have a clear purpose of preparing students for the workforce, helping students stand out to employers, bridging to larger credentials, supporting life-long learning opportunities for professionals, and enhancing professional skills through continuing education. However, only Harpur students can take these. If you wish to get started, click here!
  • Forage: Forage is an online resource which offers virtual experience programs designed by leading companies, including Citi, KPMG, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Accenture. Develop your skills and explore different roles and sectors by working through these self-paced modules, with tasks similar to those you would undertake during a traditional internship. Each project includes video instructions and materials created by the employer, assignments that reflect work real interns and employees are doing at the chosen organizations, and sample completed tasks to provide guidance and comparison. To get started, click here!

Accessible and Inclusive Platforms:

  • Skillshare and Udemy: Offer captioned and screen-reader-compatible courses.
  • Microsoft’s Accessibility Fundamentals Course: Learn about inclusive tech design, ideal for aspiring tech professionals.
  • Coursera Financial Aid: Apply for financial assistance to earn industry-recognized certificates.

2. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Winter break is a great time to refresh your professional materials. Whether you’ve completed a class project, joined a club, or had a part-time job, be sure to include these experiences.

Tips for updates:

  • Tailor your resume to highlight skills and accomplishments relevant to your field.
  • Add any new certifications, coursework, or leadership roles to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Emphasize leadership roles in cultural organizations or activism, such as Black Student Union, Latinx groups, or disability advocacy clubs.

3. Apply for Internships and Research Opportunities

Winter break is prime time to get a jumpstart on internship applications. Many employers and programs accept applications early in the year, so don’t wait until spring to start searching.

Application tips:

  • Research internships on platforms like Handshake or LinkedIn.
  • Tailor each application to the specific job or research opportunity by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

4. Practice Your Interview Skills

Preparing for interviews is crucial, especially if you’ll be applying for internships, jobs, or scholarships in the coming semester. Winter break offers the perfect time to practice and build confidence.

Tips for Practicing:

  1. Research Common Questions: Look up typical interview questions for your field and role. For instance: Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.”
  2. Record Yourself or Use Mock Interview Tools: Recording your practice answers can help you identify areas for improvement. Alternatively, try online tools like Big Interview, which Offers AI feedback and tailored practice questions.
  3. Incorporate Your Identity into Answers
    Highlight how your experiences as a disabled student or student of color have shaped your perspective and strengths. For example:
    • If you’ve advocated for accessibility, discuss how it developed your leadership skills.
    • Share how overcoming systemic barriers has enhanced your problem-solving abilities.
  4. Practice Virtual Interview Etiquette
    Many interviews are now virtual, so ensure you’re prepared:
    • Test your tech: Ensure your internet, webcam, and microphone work properly.
    • Find a quiet, distraction-free space.
  5. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
    End your practice sessions by drafting questions you can ask during an interview. For example:
    • “How does your company support diversity and inclusion?”
    • “What accommodations are available for disabled employees?”
  6. Simulate Stressful Situations
    Interviews can be nerve-wracking, so practice staying calm. Try simulating high-pressure environments by timing yourself or answering rapid-fire questions.

5. Volunteer or Gain Part-Time Work Experience

If you have extra time, consider volunteering or taking on a part-time job. These experiences can teach you valuable, transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Ideas for volunteering or work:

  • Look for local charities or non-profits needing help over the holidays.
  • Apply for seasonal positions to build customer service skills.
  • The Center for Civic Engagement: The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) cultivates partnerships that strengthen communities and develop active and engaged citizens. To look for available opportunities associated with the Center, click here now!

6. Utilize Scholarships, Grants, and Paid Opportunities

Winter break is an excellent time to search for funding opportunities that support your educational and professional goals.

Resources for funding:

7. Set Goals for the Next Semester

Use this quieter time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you want to achieve next semester. Setting clear goals can help you stay focused and motivated when classes resume.

How to plan:

  • Write down academic, personal, and professional goals.
  • Break them into smaller, actionable steps.

Winter break is a chance to rest, but it’s also an opportunity to plant seeds for your future. By dedicating even a small amount of time to professional development, you’ll enter the new semester feeling confident and prepared to tackle new challenges.

Take it one step at a time—and don’t forget to enjoy the holidays!

By Stacy Ramirez
Stacy Ramirez