At Artepreneur, we know that summer can seem like a time of pause in the professional world—everything slows down, and our inboxes are filled with “out of office” replies. But if you know how to use it strategically, it can become your greatest ally in preparing for your next career move. In the cultural sector, where many institutions pause during July and August, the summer months are the perfect time to review your goals, redefine your professional profile, and get ready to take a step toward a role with more responsibility (and salary).
Whether you’ve been feeling underchallenged in your current job or you’re looking for new challenges to keep growing, these next few weeks can make all the difference in your career.
Here are 5 tips to approach this transition with a strategy:
- Review your trajectory and define your next step clearly
Ask yourself: are you looking for a change of environment (company) or a change of level? It’s not the same to switch companies as it is to aim for a role with more autonomy, leadership, or impact.The first step is to identify the kind of growth you’re seeking. Do you want to lead a team? Have more decision-making power? Manage larger projects? Define your next role clearly so you can search for it—and communicate it—with focus. - Update your CV and LinkedIn profile
(If you don’t have one yet, create it. And if you’re dreading it, we’ll do it for you 👉 here)
Don’t just list tasks—show growth and achievements. Add impact metrics: budgets managed, teams led, successful project deliveries. Align your profile with where you want to go, not just what you’ve done. - Re-activate your professional network
Many people slow down in summer, but they’re still reachable. This is a great time to follow up on conversations. Share your plans with trusted peers, or attend cultural events that foster informal networking. The key is to stay visible—opportunities often come from those who already know your work. - Strengthen your leadership and management skills
If you’re aiming for a more senior role, your ability to lead is essential. Use the summer to read, take a course, or observe how other teams or institutions work. It’s not just about adding courses to your CV (although that can help if you’ve identified skill gaps). It is also about gaining strategic perspective and confidence. - Prepare your professional pitch
Get clear on what drives you, what you can contribute to a new company, and why you’re ready to make this leap. Practice articulating your evolution, strengths, and goals with confidence, clarity, and honesty.
Interviews go better when you’ve had time to prepare—and summer gives you that space.
Pursuing a career change—especially a promotion—requires planning, focus, and confidence. Summer is an excellent time to work on yourself and your positioning. At Artepreneur, we’re here to support you on this journey through our 1-to-1 career advisory sessions.
Ready to begin? You can book a session here