How to Build Your Résumé During Summer Break

Many college students look forward to a well-deserved break during the summer months. However, it’s also a perfect time to enhance your résumé with an internship, research experience, or summer employment.

Here’s a look at the summer experiences of two students in Lebanon Valley College’s Music Department.

Music major Ruby Torres ’28 completed an acting apprenticeship at nearby Gretna Theatre this past summer. She participated in masterclasses with acting professionals, collaborated on children’s musicals, and performed a cabaret.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity to branch out and audition outside of my comfort zone,” said Torres. “My favorite part was working with so many talented people and learning more about the performance industry throughout our vigorous rehearsals.”

Torres gained stage confidence in one of the lead roles in LVC Music Theater’s performance of 9 to 5: The Musical last spring.

“It taught me how to be responsible, independent, collaborative, and welcoming to others. I’m typically very shy so putting myself in these environments teaches me how to communicate better. Also, a big shout-out to Aural Skills for helping me be better at sightreading—it truly came in handy!”

Kennedy Cohen ’26, a Music Business major, worked as a ride operator at Hersheypark, controlling the processes of hundreds of ride cycles on attractions including Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, SooperDooperLooper, and others.

“Being a ride operator changed my perspective as I directly dealt with guests, worked with heavy machinery, and spent the majority of my shifts in 80 or 90-degree heat,” said Cohen. “Understanding the responsibilities of various job positions is vital to recognizing elements of business often overlooked in classrooms, unless one has already earned experience.”

Cohen’s summer internship complemented their LVC classes and activities that helped develop their musicianship and general knowledge in businesses, marketing, and operations.

“Even if it is not directly correlated with a student’s major, gaining any type of experiences outside of general collegiate life is crucial to learning life lessons and becoming accustomed to different jobs and situations,” said Cohen. “Internships also allow students to apply their knowledge from the classroom and other collegiate experiences through participation and active learning.”

Cohen will graduate in May 2026—a year early—and pursue a Master’s in Business Administration through LVC while hopefully working in a corporate role for an entertainment company.