Big career dreams? Use this summer to get your perf headstart. Whether you’re looking to be an actress, scientist or just want to have fun, GL’s got three things to try that will help you explore what you want to do.

Volunteering
Help others and build leadership skills. From running a summer camp to working at a local soup kitchen, giving others a hand can help you out too.

Try to volunteer at places that focus on things you’re interested in: a dance summer camp if you like performing, a library if you just love books, and so on. Be sure to ask any questions you have while working, these people have made a living doing the things you’re interested in. They can def give you ideas on what kind of job opportunities you’ll have someday and better yet, how to improve your craft.

P.S. Volunteering also gives you a li’l work experience so that you can pad up your resume!

Job Shadowing
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what truly goes on at your dream job. Ask a parent, relative or close neighbor who works in a field of your interest and if you cand “shadow” them for a day on the job.

Use your big day to learn about the kind of things they do, meet the people they work with and ask lots of questions. The big plus? You get to bond with that special someone too! So talk to your parents about going into work with them; some schools even excuse the absence if your parents send a note in explaining your motives.

Camp Exploration
Join different camps and activities this summer in areas you’re curious about. Like singing? Do a music camp. Way into science? Find a space camp or one that focuses on biology or chemistry experiments! By exploring your interests, not only will you have a lot of fun, meet new people who like the same things as you do and get to learn new skills, but you may find something you’d love to have a job in someday.

While college and work are years down the road, the biggest career stars are the ones who find what they truly love doing and pursue it—and there’s no better time to start than now!