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How can you build connections for computer science?
I am currently a senior and I'm interested in becoming a computer science major. However, I don't know how I might find connections and improve my social circle. Any tips? #computer-software #computer-science #technology
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Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
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Wayne’s Answer
Hi Simon,
Here are some networking tips to help get you started:
Build networking into your everyday routine. Your professors and classmates can be some of your most valuable assets when it comes to job hunting. Not only can your professors offer valuable industry insight and advice, they've also taught some bright students in the past — what are they up to now? Sometimes those former students will email professors links to job openings: “Graduation is coming up… know any promising students who could take on this role?” By actually talking to your professors, it keeps your name in the back of their minds when this question arises. Even your classmates can be great people to network with. One day they just might work at your dream company.
Get involved on campus. There are a number of benefits to getting involved on campus. You'll make friends, beef up your resume with college involvement, and, yes, build your network. There are a ton of ways to get involved on campus, including honor societies, professional clubs, social sororities and fraternities, jobs, student media, club spots — you name it. Not only will you be able to connect with a number of other students, you'll also be able to connect with speakers, advisers, and mentors. If your campus has an involvement or club fair, go! Or sign up for a campus email newsletter, peruse the bulletin boards in the study lounges or library, and talk to classmates and friends. As cheesy as it sounds, there's something out there for everyone.
Pay a visit to your campus career center. Chances are, your campus has a career center full of free resources. You might think: Do I really need these? Yes, yes you do! Find open internships or jobs posted by alumni, get tips on how to build your online presence, participate in a mock job interview, and learn about upcoming job fairs. Even if you aren't actively looking for a job right now, it can't hurt to stop by these job fairs. Shake hands with company representatives, pass your resume around, have conversations, learn what's going on in your industry, and see where your potential future lies.
Develop your online presence. If the idea of talking to strangers makes you a little sweaty, don't worry. You can also network from behind a screen — though not exclusively. Start by building your online presence. If you haven't already, create your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your industry, you might also want to make a website or start an online portfolio. Even if it's a little sparse right now, you're getting an awesome head start. You can also leverage social media, as long as your social profiles are cleaned up. Your school might even have an alumni group on Facebook, and these can be infinitely helpful. Alumni will often post job openings within their company, and if you're a fit, you can reach out to the poster to learn more. You already have one thing in common (ahem, where you went to school), so start a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the open position. They just might go to their manager on Monday morning and give you a glowing recommendation, putting you ahead of the pack.
Be open to new connections. Honestly, establishing a networking connection could happen anywhere. Maybe you're at your bus stop and overhear a professor talking and politely join in. Or you're in line at the local coffee shop and hear a fellow student chatting about the guest lecturer they're excited about.
Don't be afraid to make the first move when it comes to building your network. Confidence can go a long way! Our best small-talk tip? Be genuine. Don't treat networking like a game of who can make the most connections or how many resumes you can pass around. Instead, genuinely take interest in who you're talking to — who they are and what they do. Try to remember important information about them. If you have to, jot some notes down in your phone. If you're having trouble keeping a conversation flowing, start asking some thoughtful questions: “How did you become the CEO of your company?” “What does your day-to-day look like?” “Any advice for a young person who's looking to get into your industry?” “What are some important things I should look for when applying to jobs?” These are just some examples of what you could ask.
Maintain your networks. I can't emphasize enough that networking is more than collecting business cards, passing out resumes, and gaining LinkedIn connections. It's hard work, and you'll want to invest some time in maintaining your networks. If you meet someone at a job fair, for example, shoot them an email afterward. Even if they don't have your perfect job position open right now, let them know you appreciate the time they took to talk to you.
The importance of networking in college is very real. Now that you understand the benefits of networking in college, go ahead and get out there! If you're hesitant or shy, know it'll get better with some practice and time. Plus, the sooner you start networking, the better your chances are of connecting with someone who'll help give you a little job-search boost later on.
Good luck!
Here are some networking tips to help get you started:
Build networking into your everyday routine. Your professors and classmates can be some of your most valuable assets when it comes to job hunting. Not only can your professors offer valuable industry insight and advice, they've also taught some bright students in the past — what are they up to now? Sometimes those former students will email professors links to job openings: “Graduation is coming up… know any promising students who could take on this role?” By actually talking to your professors, it keeps your name in the back of their minds when this question arises. Even your classmates can be great people to network with. One day they just might work at your dream company.
Get involved on campus. There are a number of benefits to getting involved on campus. You'll make friends, beef up your resume with college involvement, and, yes, build your network. There are a ton of ways to get involved on campus, including honor societies, professional clubs, social sororities and fraternities, jobs, student media, club spots — you name it. Not only will you be able to connect with a number of other students, you'll also be able to connect with speakers, advisers, and mentors. If your campus has an involvement or club fair, go! Or sign up for a campus email newsletter, peruse the bulletin boards in the study lounges or library, and talk to classmates and friends. As cheesy as it sounds, there's something out there for everyone.
Pay a visit to your campus career center. Chances are, your campus has a career center full of free resources. You might think: Do I really need these? Yes, yes you do! Find open internships or jobs posted by alumni, get tips on how to build your online presence, participate in a mock job interview, and learn about upcoming job fairs. Even if you aren't actively looking for a job right now, it can't hurt to stop by these job fairs. Shake hands with company representatives, pass your resume around, have conversations, learn what's going on in your industry, and see where your potential future lies.
Develop your online presence. If the idea of talking to strangers makes you a little sweaty, don't worry. You can also network from behind a screen — though not exclusively. Start by building your online presence. If you haven't already, create your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your industry, you might also want to make a website or start an online portfolio. Even if it's a little sparse right now, you're getting an awesome head start. You can also leverage social media, as long as your social profiles are cleaned up. Your school might even have an alumni group on Facebook, and these can be infinitely helpful. Alumni will often post job openings within their company, and if you're a fit, you can reach out to the poster to learn more. You already have one thing in common (ahem, where you went to school), so start a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the open position. They just might go to their manager on Monday morning and give you a glowing recommendation, putting you ahead of the pack.
Be open to new connections. Honestly, establishing a networking connection could happen anywhere. Maybe you're at your bus stop and overhear a professor talking and politely join in. Or you're in line at the local coffee shop and hear a fellow student chatting about the guest lecturer they're excited about.
Don't be afraid to make the first move when it comes to building your network. Confidence can go a long way! Our best small-talk tip? Be genuine. Don't treat networking like a game of who can make the most connections or how many resumes you can pass around. Instead, genuinely take interest in who you're talking to — who they are and what they do. Try to remember important information about them. If you have to, jot some notes down in your phone. If you're having trouble keeping a conversation flowing, start asking some thoughtful questions: “How did you become the CEO of your company?” “What does your day-to-day look like?” “Any advice for a young person who's looking to get into your industry?” “What are some important things I should look for when applying to jobs?” These are just some examples of what you could ask.
Maintain your networks. I can't emphasize enough that networking is more than collecting business cards, passing out resumes, and gaining LinkedIn connections. It's hard work, and you'll want to invest some time in maintaining your networks. If you meet someone at a job fair, for example, shoot them an email afterward. Even if they don't have your perfect job position open right now, let them know you appreciate the time they took to talk to you.
The importance of networking in college is very real. Now that you understand the benefits of networking in college, go ahead and get out there! If you're hesitant or shy, know it'll get better with some practice and time. Plus, the sooner you start networking, the better your chances are of connecting with someone who'll help give you a little job-search boost later on.
Good luck!
Updated
Brendon’s Answer
Add potential mentors on social media, go to networking events (can cost money for membership), ask your friends if they can get you in touch with someone who has experience, seek out people in your workplace that can help you on your journey etc.
Updated
Lou’s Answer
I would start by signing up for LinkedIn
You can also go to user group meeting for various topics
You can also go to user group meeting for various topics
Updated
Heath’s Answer
Find local meetup groups for things that interest you. There are a lot for different technologies, languages, solutions, etc.
Leverage Coursera or other online systems to find common groups around learning specific topics that will be useful for you.
Start building your on-line presence - GitHub, LinkedIn, etc. LinkedIn is easy to get started and there are interest groups for all kinds of things. You can just see what people are posting about, like and ask thoughtful questions there. Similarly with Twitter. People look for different ways to drive engagement and you can learn a lot about the latest tech.
Start actively looking for internships / co-op / workstudy opportunities right away. These are the single greatest ways to start building professional relationships.
Best of luck.
Leverage Coursera or other online systems to find common groups around learning specific topics that will be useful for you.
Start building your on-line presence - GitHub, LinkedIn, etc. LinkedIn is easy to get started and there are interest groups for all kinds of things. You can just see what people are posting about, like and ask thoughtful questions there. Similarly with Twitter. People look for different ways to drive engagement and you can learn a lot about the latest tech.
Start actively looking for internships / co-op / workstudy opportunities right away. These are the single greatest ways to start building professional relationships.
Best of luck.