How do you balance career growth with the joys of the holiday season? Ashwini Pudasaini, MSBA’26, shares her plan to blend career growth with holiday cheer, turning the season into a productive and refreshing reset.
Sharpening My Analytical Edge over Winter Break
Winter break is here—a time for hot cocoa, holiday cheer, and some much-needed rest. But for me, it’s also the perfect time to hit pause, reflect, and realign with my career goals. Here’s how I plan to use this break wisely (while still enjoying it):
Reflect on My Progress
This past semester was a whirlwind of learning—SQL, R, Python—you name it. But it all went by so fast, I barely had time to process it. Over the break, I want to reflect on what I’ve learned, figure out what I’m good at, and make a note of what I need to work on.
Leverage Online Resources
Platforms like DataCamp and Coursera make it easy to explore new topics and deepen understanding of existing ones. Over break, I’ll use these resources to work on skills that can strengthen my portfolio and boost my confidence for future opportunities.
Network (Yes, Even at Holiday Parties!)
Holidays are perfect for reconnecting with family and making new connections. Casual chats can lead to unexpected opportunities, so I am planning to keep things light and friendly while planting seeds for the future.
If you’re thinking about networking too, these blogs might come in handy: The Power of Small Talk and Small Talk Topics to Avoid.
Update my resume and polish my portfolio
Let’s face it—resumes and portfolios are like digital handshakes, and a weak Handshake never leaves a good impression. This break, I’ll give them the attention they deserve by showcasing my recent accomplishments and presenting my skills in the best possible light.
Planning to update yours? Don’t miss the LinkedIn Guide by the LinkedIn Guys and the CSE Resume Master: Templates, Guides, and Resources for some invaluable tips and tools!
Practice Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation makes all the difference. This break, I’m focusing on mock interviews, refining my communication skills, and recording my responses to gather constructive feedback. Tools like BigInterview will be my trusted companion in this journey to ace every interview!
For me, this winter break is about more than rest—it’s about resetting with intention. By balancing reflection, skill-building, and fun, I’m setting myself up to start the new year stronger and more focused. Now, if you kindly excuse me, I shall commence my yearly Harry Potter marathon. Have a great holiday!
