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As an incoming college freshman planning to work in tech industry, what should I do over the next few years to prepare?

Ex: types of skills to learn, types of internships to get, people to reach out and connect

business technology computer-science programming tech entrepreneur
Thank you comment icon You mentioned tech industry. Is it computer science or IT? Chiranjib Mazumdar
Thank you comment icon never mind, I see your tags now. Chiranjib Mazumdar
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Darren’s Answer

Hi Kang,

I'm not actually in the tech industry, but I do have some knowledge as I attended a nationally ranked (25) STEM high school, completed 4 years of computer science/engineering curriculum, and have friends who work in Big Tech. I planned to continue CS, however, I wanted to differentiate from my siblings and business piqued my interest. It's good that you're already inquiring about the best methods to prepare and learn.

In short, I'd say to keep advancing your technical skills in various programming languages. You should focus on a few programming languages to master, while dabbling around in others that may not be very popular but are used in industry. Popular languages are Java, C++, and Python. Utilize platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, scour Youtube for videos, and search Google for narrative explanations.

Also, play around with Github and VS studio code. These are great platforms to be knowledgeable around. To show your understanding, I would recommend you create side projects. Your projects should increase in difficulty, but don't worry if they aren't extremely advanced. You're learning. As long as you get better, that's all that matters.

Do your best to get internships, but if you can't, side projects are a great way to show for it. Another bit would networking as much as possible - perhaps even contacting companies and professionals for internships and opportunities. Hope this helps!

Darren
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Darren! Kang
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Angelique’s Answer

It is very important to start utilizing the college's career office resources your first year. Strengthen your resume and interviewing skills which the career office and your college mentor can help you do. You also want to have summer internships with the tech companies you are interested in beginning your freshman year. You want to start building those networking relationships with the tech companies and participate in respective job fairs to build relationships with the interviewers. These internships will be helpful in getting a full time job with the tech company after graduation.
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Kang
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Ying’s Answer

It's a group answer. We have two members who're working as software developers.
Here's the thing that we think you can do to jump into the tech industry:

1. Courses
Talk to people and reach out to your alumni, trying to figure out what roles you want to work in in the tech industry. There're many different roles in a tech company -- such as software developers, product managers, QA engineers, and UI designers, etc. Maybe there are one or two roles that you're interested in, and then you can take courses related to that area.
For instance, if you want to work as a software developer, you can register some coding courses or take a computer science major/minor. If you're interested in product management, take courses related to business, HCI, and people management.

2. Skills
For instance, if you want a software engineer job. Get knowledge about basic programming skills like variables, loops, functions, etc
- Learn about Object-Oriented Paradigm

3. Projects
After learning various skills and doing courses, pick a good project to get hands-on with all the skills you have learned. Try to participate in any related hackathons, and collaborate with other people having similar interests.
For example, software developers can build any mobile application or website.

4. Networking
You can try to expand your network by getting in touch with your college seniors or your college alumni. For this, you can try to make up a group of people with similar interests and try to make an alumni association that can work on the behalf of the college and it can have sessions for the students so that the students can get an idea of how they can move further in any specific field.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Kang
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Madison’s Answer

It might sound silly, but I truly feel like one of the bests things you can do right now is to watch YouTube videos on coding and UI/UX. These are 2 big up and coming fields so looking into these to help you decide what you want to actually pursue because the tech industry is so big! Watch videos on what these people actually do on a day to day and if you enjoy any of the areas, download the apps they suggest and start playing around with it!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Kang
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Brandon’s Answer

I definitely agree with some of the other professionals in that one primary focus should really be to get a feel for maybe what type of technology you're interested in, and then try to get an idea of in what field you'd want to engage in that way. There are deeply technology-centric roles in tons of fields, even those that historically may have been less technically-oriented. I noticed one of your tags is 'programming', and that is something that can be done freelance or full/part time, and applies to a huge amount of businesses across the globe. A great deal of that type of work is becoming very heavily freelanced/contracted, so that is something to keep in mind if that's not the type of lifestyle you're interested in. That isn't to say everything will go that way, but in my industry that is increasingly the trend.

Beyond that, another thing I would highlight that is becoming increasingly common is a need for core business acumen, which is generally transferrable from company to company in certain ways. All the technical knowledge you could possibly have does very little if the foundation of how/where/when to apply it is unstable. Sometimes developing that business/domain specific acumen has to be done within and it's simply better acquired on the job at an organization vs. something you can train/learn. There are also times where you can get hired off the street directly into something you really want to do, but I see that as generally less common in the tech industry these days. Sometimes a good option is to start at a more entry-level position and work your way into a side of the business you're more interested in.(that could be where your internship idea could kick in) It's a simple example, but getting a basic role at a business can allow you to understand the business and allow you to bring additional value to the table if you applied to another area at that same company for a more technical role.

Lastly, I would give some thought to your core expectations of a job/career, and what you want to get out of it. For example, do you want to work at an office or do you want to work at your home? What level of compensation do you want to work towards? Where do you physically want to be located? All of those things will help you narrow down options and what types of things might be a good thing to focus on.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Brandon, this was lots of great information! Kang
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Sydney’s Answer

Hi Kang,

My name is Sydney and I'm a product marketing intern at Cisco/Duo Security. I'm not sure if you're looking to break into tech with a technical or non-technical role. Regardless of that, I'm happy to give you some general advice. First, I think that you have to be building connections - your friends, classmates, and professors can be very good resources for you. If you're intimidated by the prospect of reaching to new people, this will definitely help you make those professional connections (just with people you know). I'm sure these people will be willing to provide support, point you in the right direction, or even refer you for a position. Additionally, it's super important to be curious and ask questions. Not only with this show people that you're proactive but this will enable you to learn so much more. For example, I connected with several people at the company I'm working at now and asked many questions. This showed that I was genuinely interested and allowed me to gain valuable information about the opportunity that I would not have known. This may not be the case in all industries, but a lot of people in tech are more than happy to help! The fact that you're asking questions here already shows that you have the desire to learn and that you're heading in the right direction :)
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Phani’s Answer

First you need to be strong on fundamentals like OS, network, Programming languages like C, C++ or Java, searching and sorting algorithms, time complexity and space complexity, Data Structures, RDBMS, HTML, CSS etc.,

Once you become very strong then you can choose career path from below.

1. UI/UX developer - HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular or React
2. Could Architect - AWS, GCP, Azure
3. Full Stack- Java or .Net, Oracle or SQL server, Mongo DB, Cloud knowledge, Microservices, Node Js etc.,
4. Data Science
5. Artificial Intelligence

Please note that you will be successful any career path if you are strong in fundamentals
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Kang
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Chiranjib’s Answer

Types of skills you should focus on -
1. Cloud
2. Cyber-security
3. Data science
4. Artificial Intelligence
5. Internet of things
6. Learn at least one programming language very well

In addition to this, work on projects of your interest. Create a portfolio on Github to showcase to prospective employers.
Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to reach out to industry veterans and experts.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Kang
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Ellie’s Answer

There are lots of ways to get started in the industry! Here are a few general suggestions:

Explore different areas of interest to narrow down your tech focus.
Explore more within that specific area.
Develop common technical skills such as using GitHub, programming languages common to the area you are interested in.
For software engineering - practice coding interviews and technical interviews to make sure you are well prepared for future interviews so you can showcase technical knowledge and skills.
Developing general professional skills (scheduling, networking, reaching out to recruiters).
Go to career fairs to network.
Enjoy your college experience, make friends (networking) - you never know how those friends can help later.
Participate in technical groups at universities.
Try out different types of internships to learn more about different areas of tech/areas of interest, and network in those internships.
Freelance/do personal projects to get experience on resume/portfolio.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Kang
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Kyu Seo’s Answer

It is important to define area that you wanted to be and develop such languages like C++, Java etc.
I highly recommend that try to develop something by yourself(ex. app) which can be part of resume as a starter.
Build something from scratch will bring your skills up and valuable experience in future. All the best!
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Kang
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Andrew’s Answer

Look into internships that align with your career path and the type of culture you see yourself in long term.
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Juan’s Answer

The tech industry is a great area for growth and one industry that will continue to trend upward. It’s important to identify specially what about the “tech industry” you’re interested in. The term tech is very broad and can encompass many areas from IT dept to Network Ops to Front End or Back end coding. There are other areas that are perhaps more customer or product focused such as product manager or product expert. These might require less day to day hands on with actual lines of code but the knowledge is still highly recommended. Play to your strengths and you’ll do great

Juan recommends the following next steps:

Create a LinkedIn profile and align with companies or areas of interest
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Ashley’s Answer

Hey!
Congrats on starting college! I agree with most people who answered here, but I'll give some advice of my own.

Firstly, always work hard in your classes. It's important to understand the theoretical aspect of cs topics. Of course, the industry won't be like class, but at least you understand how to write code and the theories of it. Build relationships with your professors for when you need help or even a recommendation letter. They have a lot to offer and some professors are one of the kindest and resourceful people you'll ever meet. You should also emphasize data structures a lot. Depending on your future aspirations, I would suggest knowing your basic data structures and using leetcode, code signal, and hacker rank to prepare for technical interviews.

Now technical interviews aren't always the most important thing. You also need to prepare on behavioral. A lot of people in tech always complain that cs majors (and related majors) are like robots. Make sure you're friendly and kind, but also know your audience. You can have an interview with a non tech recruiter and explaining things thoroughly would help them a lot.

If you don't know how to code yet, I would say start off with python or what your primary language would be at school. I was learning python before I started college, but my school primarily uses java so I was forced to switch my focus. In terms of skills, learn your languages and start exploring different areas in tech. Some areas are AI/Machine learning, cloud, data science, etc.

Now in terms of getting content on your resume as a freshman, I would say put yourself out there. Try anything and everything. I would suggest join some tech related clubs and try to obtain leadership positions. Also, see what leadership/professional development your school has to offer. First step would be looking into the career center. It would give you a lot of great experience about leadership and make you stand out along with clubs. Like I said before, try anything and everything possible. I did that as a freshman and joined different clubs and hackathons. Hackathons are super important and they allow you to stand out especially if you place. I love hackathons and they help you learn how to work on a team, under pressure, build connections, and stand out.

Networking is super important in a field like this. Like I mentioned before, try joining tech related clubs and you'll build your network with your peers. In addition, try going to conferences and such. You'll meet a lot of amazing people from different parts of the country/world and create life long relationships. Not only that, but you can meet recruiters from different companies and connect with them on LinkedIn. Sometimes they'll help push your resume for a job posting or give you some great advice. As well, you can look at company websites and go to any info sessions, summits, etc. It will show that you have an interest in them and really care.

Lastly, I would suggest looking at internships/programs that are geared for freshman and sophomores. A lot of companies have programs like that to help first and second years get experience and break into tech. It's extremely helpful if you continue to grow your career there or move somewhere else. Some programs are Facebook university, Google STEP, Twitter Academy, etc.


I hope all of this helps and good luck! :)
Thank you comment icon Ashley, thank you! Kang
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Divya’s Answer

Hello!
It is really good you are thinking about this topic now that you are starting to enter college. My name is Divya and I am now a senior in college. I was also in your position a couple years ago and I wish I had someone to guide me and give me advice like this. My top pieces of advice would be to 1) Take a lot of internships. This is really good if you want to build practical skills because there is so much more to learn other than what you are being taught at school. Employers really value practical skills over someone with a really high GPA, so don't worry if you aren't getting the best grades. Also if you aren't able to get an internship as a freshman, a great way to still gain relevant experience is to do passion projects. 2) Networking is really powerful. They say most people get jobs through knowing other people. I would suggest getting mentors, hackathons, or career conferences to meet others and establish a relationship with them. 3) Create a LinkedIn! This is a very powerful and useful tool to network, establish yourself, and find jobs! I use it all the time and it has been very helpful. Overall, good job for thinking about this topic right now. These are pieces of advice that I have learned over the years through networking and researching. I hope it helps and I wish you best of luck in the future.
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Kunal’s Answer

Hello Kang,

I am a rising senior in university studying Computer Science and currently interning at Cisco. I was in your shoes a few years ago and was very confused on how to develop my interests in Computer Science. What helped me a lot was attending meetings of Computer Science/tech focused clubs on campus. They usually already have a community already and a lot of them are students advanced in this area. I talked to seniors at these clubs to get advice and mentorship. They helped me with Resume Reviews, classes, and also got me involved in organizing/participating in hackathons which are a great way to work on projects. I am still in touch with them and they are a great network for advice and future job opportunities.

You should connect with your University career services for help in finding internships and advice. They usually already have a list of companies that students from your University typically go to (mostly local, unless you are studying at a big university). These are useful for internships in the Summer after 1st/2nd year. They also help you to understand what aspects of Computer Science you like and don't like. After you get some experience, you can start applying to bigger companies or companies you want to really work at, in your final years.

Some skills that are in demand rn are: Blockchain, AI/Machine Learning, Cloud, etc.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Kang
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Shweta’s Answer

I will suggest the following:
- Always remember, GPA matters but skills matter more
- Learn by implementing - Making projects
- Apply for internships, trainings, workshops
- Start using competitive sites like GeeksforGeeks, Hacker Rank, Leet Code, Code Chef, and Code Forces
- Work on your communication skills

Hope this helps!
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Alyssa’s Answer

Hi Kang,
Depending on what part of the tech industry you are most interested in, I would recommend that you focus your internships (during college) on figuring that out. You can explore User Design, UX Research, Product Management, Product Marketing, Marketing, Data Analytics or a myriad of other roles. You might want to explore additional project management certifications as well, which would help to supplement what you are learning in school, and prepare you for after-school roles. I would also look at the larger companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc - all run very established internship programs that are rotational in nature and can expose you to a variety of career opportunities within in tech so that you can narrow your focus.
Thanks,
Alyssa
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Jahnavi’s Answer

Another role and space that I'd recommend you check out is product management! It can be both technical and non-technical based on what kind of product you're working on, and can allow you to be curious and detail oriented if those are attributes you enjoy having in your day. In order to prepare for jobs like this, I'd push you to think about why you are interested in this role and what kinds of tasks you like doing in your day to day at school. My push for one/ two hard skills would be to learn how to think logically and to tell a story to all types of audiences. I am a PM and my work involves a lot of context shifting and helping engineers build cool products. In order to help different people make that happen, I have to put myself in different people's shoes and think about both the internal team and the end consumer. Best of luck!
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