Summer is a great time to try new things. The pace is a little slower and many of us have more time on our hands. So if you’re not one for lazing away the hours by the pool or the beach, why not make your time count by learning a new skill?
Learn to Code
If there’s one skill that will give you the most bang for your buck, this is it. Knowing how to code opens doors to myriad opportunities, from building websites to developing apps. And the constant high demand often allows coders the ability to choose from jobs that are full-time or on a flexible, consultant basis.
Improve Your Design Skills
Whether or not you’re a graphic designer, it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of design. Design greatly influences everything we see and touch, from the packaging and appearance of what we buy or consume to the brand identity of the companies we know. Now’s a great time to brush up on your knowledge of fonts, color, space and more. This link gives a great overview.
Learn a New Language
Knowing more than one language is always an asset in life. And it can put you at an advantage when applying for certain jobs. In addition to the numerous language immersion programs available for adults in the summer, there are many websites and apps that offer extensive courses for free.
Write a Blog
A blog could be a very cool reflection of who you are, or it could be drudgery, for both you and the reader. The point is to write about things that excite you, while improving your writing skills. So think of things that interest you—surfing, movies, photography or fashion, for example—and write about one of them with gusto.
Learn Photoshop
Not only can this help make your blog look better, but it can also aid in the design of the new website you’re going to build with your aforementioned new coding skills. There are numerous online tutorials, but this is by far the funniest.
Take a Class
Maybe a class in business and finance will give you the edge you need in your field. Or perhaps, you’ve always wanted to take a class in calculus or painting. Summer is the best time to fill in any gaps you have in your education.
Invest in the Stock Market
Investing in the stock market is the best way to learn about the stock market. If you don’t want to lose your money, then you’re going to have to do your research. The good news is that having your own money at stake acts as a great motivation to learn as much as you can. And you don’t need to be Donald Trump either. Many mutual funds offer an initial investment of as little as $100.
Excel at Excel
Excel is one of those programs that some people seem to be really good at, while others are barely getting by. Somehow, the more you know of the mighty spreadsheet, the more powerful you feel.
Gain Basic Carpentry Skills
Many of us wish we were handier around the home, but few of us go beyond learning how to hang a picture (sometimes, even this is a stretch). Learning some basic carpentry not only helps you impress friends and family, it also gives you some skills that you can trade on the free market.
Learn Yoga
Say it with me: Ohmmmm… There, doesn’t that feel better? Well, that’s supposed to be the point anyway. Few things in life are more useful than knowing how to breathe. But yoga can teach you how to breathe correctly. Throw in some rigorous stretching, and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.
