Top Tips for Graduating Techology Students (Hint: Start Now)
- Posted November 21st, 2007
- Filed under: Community, Events/Presentation, Social Media
Last month, Sean and I gave a presentation to some students from the Johnson & Wales University School of Technology that focused on helping graduating students find a job in the tech industry.
To follow up on our presentation, I wanted to share some tips we have for college tech students as they prepare to join the workforce. (Thanks to Sean & Michelle for pitching in.)
- Research the Companies You Are Interviewing With. Companies have information about their history, their products, their mission, and perhaps even blog posts about what the culture is like. There is no excuse for not being thoroughly prepared. Also, Google the people you are interviewing with. They’re Googling you. My interview with BatchBlue was actually quite casual and a big reason for this is that we already knew so much about each other.
- Self Learning is Key. What you learn in college is just the base and you must build on that. Read voraciously and make a goal to learn at least one new technology every year. Preferably something that will keep you competitive in the job market. It is your responsibilty to stay employable.
- Get Involved. Sean specifically told the J&W students that the first thing he does is Google a candidate’s name to take a look at their industry involvement (for example, if they’ve pitched into any open source projects). Read other blogs. Comment on them. Offer opinions. Offer code. Take part in the conversation. There are also local technology groups you join. In Providence, we have RINexus (an online community) and Providence Geeks (monthly meetups for burritos, drinks, a tech presentation, and great conversation).
- Start a Blog. I firmly believe that the blog is the new resume. It is incredibly handy to have a place to document your classwork, project work, technology-related ideas, and even everyday non-tech musings. Also, potential employers can now have a wealth of information about you to evaluate when making a hiring decision. The tough reality is that when you are just coming out of college, you tend to be light on experience. The blog is a great way to show them you know what you’re talking about.
- Get an Internship. Get internships at companies that interest you. It is by far the easiest path to getting a job offer and you get a chance to “interview” the potential employer on the job.
- Make Sure You Have Solid Writing Skills. Your first impression on an employer will not be face-to-face. It’ll be via a resume, email, or some other written medium. Present yourself well. Pick a tone that works well for you. Avoid typos.
- Be Nice. Your network of people is hugely important in your career and the more people you know, the better. Help people out when you can in work and in life and you’ll find that good karma coming back to you again and again.
