Breaks between academic terms provide students with a unique opportunity to grow—both personally and professionally.

At ESSEC Asia-Pacific, many students use this time not only to relax, but also to enrich their experiences and enhance their resumes in meaningful ways.

1. Take a Side Course
   Many students enrol in short-term courses during the holidays. Topics such as data analytics, digital marketing, or a new language are popular. These courses help students build practical skills that complement what they’re learning in class and often add value in job interviews or internship applications.
2. Volunteer with Purpose
   Several students choose to spend their breaks volunteering. Whether it’s teaching in underprivileged communities, participating in sustainability initiatives, or contributing to NGOs, these experiences foster empathy, leadership, and teamwork—traits that employers value. And they offer perspective, helping students grow beyond academics.
3. Travel with Intention
   Not all travel is just for fun. Many students plan trips that expose them to different cultures and business practices, such as participating in exchange programs, taking study tours, or visiting startup ecosystems in nearby countries. These experiences foster cross-cultural fluency and global awareness, both of which are essential for success in international careers.
4. Build Your Personal Brand
   Some students spend their break creating content, such as writing LinkedIn posts, launching a blog, or starting a podcast. It’s a great way to showcase what they’re learning, build a portfolio, and position themselves as thought leaders in their area of interest.
5. Plan Ahead, Not Just Catch Up
   Breaks are also ideal for reflection. Students often use this time to update their CVs, practice case interviews, or reach out to alumni and industry contacts for informational chats. These small steps can add up, especially when internship or full-time recruiting seasons begin.

Making Breaks Count

Holidays don’t need to be packed with activity, but a little intention goes a long way.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, giving back to the community, or simply getting inspired by new experiences, using breaks wisely helps students return refreshed and more ready than ever to take on what’s next.