Let’s set the scene… You’ve started a new semester and think to yourself, I really want to start a new hobby. Maybe you haven’t even had a hobby for as long as you can remember. As you’re going through the options, if you’re a busy college student or even graduate student looking for a new hobby, consider hobbies that will help with career skills. You’ll have fun learning a new skill, and it may even inspire you to consider different career paths! If this sounds like something you’re thinking about, read on to discover a few hobbies that are useful for your future career!
Coding
There’s a good chance, somewhere down the line, coding will be one of those hobbies that help you with career skills. Even if you want to just enter the medical field, many research studies are performed using code, and it helps to have an understanding.
Start with languages that your future area of focus uses. You can find this information online or by talking to professionals in your field of interest. Then, start off small with an app like Mimo. If you’re still interested in learning more, consider purchasing a course with DataCamp or take a course at school.
Learning a Language
Learning another language will never be a waste of your time. It’s a way to connect with people and those connections may lead to some unexpected opportunities down the road. It’s a great example of one of those hobbies that help you with career skills!
To get started, try out a new language on DuoLingo to see if you might like it. Then, invest more time and energy into it either by buying a course or subscription, like with Babbel, or by signing up for courses at your school.
Writing
Writing is an essential skill for many lines of work. Whether it’s creative or scientific writing, effectively communicating your thoughts is a major plus for future employers.
There are many ways to write, so choose something that inspires you. You can write in a journal for your eyes only or write in a school newspaper column on topics that interest you. A blog could be worth exploring too!
Volunteering
Volunteering your time helps you get experience in areas you’d like to explore without worrying about lacking years of prior experience. For example, if you’re interested in veterinary medicine, volunteering at an animal shelter is a great way to explore your interests and work with different kinds of people and animals.
Create a Side Business
Choose a side hustle that fits your interests. Do you like to paint and draw? Consider selling your artwork on Etsy. Do you like to create educational content? Consider making a Youtube channel that explores a topic on something you’re passionate in.Â
Who knows, you may even turn your hobbies that help you with career skills into a career itself!
