There’s about one month left until the end of spring semester, which means on top of everything else it’s time to start thinking about what to do this summer. Applications for research positions at your university, internships at local businesses, and businesses looking for summer help are likely to give a handful of extra weight to those folks who start talking to them this week, rather than this time in May or even June.

But consider using your skills to start your own summer project – something related to your desired profession that capitalizes on a skill you already have and will make you look different from all the other kids when interview and application time rolls around next year, or for grad school.

I personally believe that every student should start a business over a summer, if only to learn something outside the rigid confines of school and your major.

There’s a great article by Ramit Sethi that points out a simple fact – everyone knows something they can leverage for profit. Just imagine how impressive is it if you take something you already know how to do, make a business out of it and get to add “entreprenuer” or “business owner” to your resume?

As a college student, it would be fairly easy to tutor highschool kids algebra, biology or physics. Hate teaching? Try another route – web kids can run their own development company, while artists could start an Etsy store. Just do whatever will take advantage of what you’re already good at.