Summer is a time for relaxation and fun with friends -- the break from school is always much needed by the time it rolls around! While it's important to unwind, summer can also be a great time to start putting together the building blocks you'll need to jump-start your career.

Before ramping up for your fall semester, it's a good idea to pause and think about planning for your job or internship search. Career events hosted by universities typically start in September, so sometimes it can be better to prepare now than when you are also faced with starting classes and meeting academic deadlines.

Here are a few tips for the summer months to ensure you're prepped and ready to go when searching in the fall!

Update Your Resume

The first step in preparing for your job search is to have an updated and well-written resume. Try to focus on using keywords related to your field and your skills to make your resume stand out from the crowd. Creative colors and fonts can get overwhelming for employers, so let your words paint a picture!

Employers are often looking for future leaders, so it's great to include details about leadership positions held in student organizations or clubs, sports teams, class projects, philanthropic efforts and previous employment. Once you have your resume written, make sure to use spell check and have it reviewed by someone in Career Services.

Build Your Professional Network

Next, start building your professional network by connecting with peers in your major, professors, professional references, work colleagues and recruiters. While LinkedIn is a great tool for professional networking online, nothing beats an old-fashioned, in-person meeting. Offer to grab lunch or a quick cup of coffee with people who work in the field you're interested in joining. Their advice can make all the difference in the world when you are forming your career plans.

Research Companies, Industries That Might Interest You

Researching specific industries and companies as part of your job search preparation will help you narrow down your options. Be sure to look at each company's culture and values as part of this research and ensure they align with your passions and career goals. Many companies provide employee resource groups that align with employee interests and offer volunteerism options to encourage employees to give back to the community.

Just remember: Summer is a great time to relax, but taking small steps to prepare for your future job search can make all the difference in the world. Being prepared will make you more confident and that confidence will help you reach for the stars!