Six ways to explore new skills this summer?

Summer vacation is an important time for teenagers to rest, explore, and develop skills that will benefit them in their future studies and career. It provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development and can help teens have a positive impact on mental health, thereby, preparing them for the challenges of adulthood.

Summer vacations are a precious time and should be spent wisely.

Here are some ways to explore new skills this summer:

1. Identify your interests:

Start by identifying what interests you and what skills you would like to learn. This can help you narrow down your search for opportunities.

Take personality and career assessments: There are various tools and assessments used by career counsellors that can help you identify your interests and potential career paths. These assessments can provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and values, which can help you identify areas of interest.

Reflect on your hobbies and passions: Think about the activities you enjoy doing in your free time. These hobbies and passions can provide clues to your interests and potential career paths.

Pay attention to what excites you: Take note of the activities or topics that make you feel energized and engaged. These can be signs of interests that you may want to explore further.

Try new things: Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Trying new activities or experiences can help you discover new interests.

Research: Spend time researching different fields, industries, and careers that align with your interests. This can provide valuable information and help you narrow down your options. There are many new-age careers that have developed recently and prove to be lucrative side hustles.

2. Online courses:

There are a plethora of online courses available that cover a wide range of topics. Look for courses that align with your interests, and start learning at your own pace.

Some examples of online courses are:

Coursera: Offers courses from top universities and institutions around the world, covering a wide range of topics including business, technology, and social sciences.

Udemy: Provides courses on various topics such as programming, design, and marketing, with a focus on practical skills and job readiness.

Eddy: Offers courses from leading universities and institutions on subjects such as computer science, engineering, and humanities.

Code Academy: Offers interactive coding courses on a variety of programming languages and technologies.

Skillshare: Offers a wide range of creative courses, including photography, art, and writing, taught by industry professionals.

LinkedIn Learning: Provides courses on business, technology, and creative skills, with a focus on professional development and career advancement.

3. Join a community group:

Joining a community group or club that aligns with your interests is a great way to learn new skills and meet like-minded individuals. You can find groups through local community centres or online forums.

4. Attend workshops:

Look for workshops or seminars in your local area that align with your interests. This can be a great way to learn new skills, meet experts in the field, and connect with others who share your interests.

Some examples of workshops that teenagers can enrol in:

Writing Workshops: Many community centre, writing organizations, and schools offer workshops that focus on different forms of writing, such as creative writing, journalism, or academic writing.

Art Workshops: Art workshops can include classes on painting, drawing, photography, or other visual arts. These can be found at community centres, museums, and art schools.

Coding Workshops: With an increasing demand for computer programmers, coding workshops are becoming more popular. These workshops can teach teens how to code in a variety of programming languages and technologies.

Language Workshops: Teens can learn a new language or improve their skills in a language they are already learning through language workshops. These can be found at language schools, community centers, or online.

Entrepreneurship Workshops: For teens interested in starting their own business, entrepreneurship workshops can provide guidance on how to create a business plan, secure funding, and build a brand.

Leadership Workshops: Many organizations offer leadership workshops for teens, which can help develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

STEM Workshops: Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workshops can provide hands-on experience with topics such as robotics, 3D printing, and engineering design.

5. Read books and blogs:

Reading books and blogs related to your interests can also help you learn new skills. Look for recommended reading lists or search online for blogs related to your interests.

6. Take on a project:

Identify a project that aligns with your interests and challenges you to learn new skills. This can be a great way to put your new skills into practice and develop your expertise. There are many online platforms where one can find new projects. Websites such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe allow people to pitch their projects and seek funding from a community of backers. Additionally, platforms such as Instructables and Make: provide step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of projects.

Remember, exploring new skills is all about being curious and willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and ask questions along the way. With dedication and persistence, you can develop new skills that will benefit you for years to come.