Prepping for an internship, research position, summer classes or starting a job? Our peers with some pro experience chimed in at a panel discussion called What I Wish I Knew Before Summer Vacation in Lindley Hall on April 23rd. Eugene Siew was kind enough to record the session, stay tuned in May for the full scoop. GISA wants to know what you’re going to do to prep for summer. Please comment!

Our panelists, Rachel Bolton, Bobak Kechavarzi, Drew McKinney, Jay Steele and Rui Wang offered the following take home points.

• Take initiative. Whether you are in the workplace, in your classes or spending some time unemployed, take initiative. If you don’t have something formal to work on this summer, create a project for yourself and have something to show how you are learning and spending your time. Go ahead and take risks.
• Soak up the city. If you are traveling away, staying in Bloomington or going home, enjoy wherever you are. Take advantage of what is unique to where you are. Jay Steele affirmed Bloomington is truly a different place in the summer. Enjoy it. Rui made time to go mountain climbing in Seattle.
• Define expectations. What does your manager expect from you? Set up some times to get feedback and find out if you are doing a good job. Are you delivering what is expected? If you can, find out in advance what sort of thing you’ll be working on and what you need to know.
• Don’t get sick. Health insurance is a tricky thing. You may be able to extend your IU health package through the summer. It’s easier to live healthy and well.
• Make mistakes. Your employers know you are a graduate student. If you ask questions and be humble, they will be understanding that you are coming from an academic environment.
• Work as hard as you do the last week as you did the first week. People are watching. Get a review, request LinkedIn connections and  also work for a recommendation.
• Still looking for a job? Keep looking, don’t give up. All panelist unanimously agreed.

So share your tips with us. What do your classmates need to know to have a rockin summer?