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What is a great way to start a career in the Tech industry?
What tips can a freshmen college student like me can get to start a successful career in the tech industry, whether as a software developer or a computer engineer?
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11 answers
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Fred’s Answer
Take some CS classes. There are usually several 100 level classes that are "Intro to <whatever>". If you take some of those, they give you an idea of what that field is like. You can learn a language (Java, Python, or C++ are common ones you learn in college), learn about hardware and how pieces of a computer fit/work together, learn networking, security, and other topics.
See what classes your school offers. Take some, or maybe consider auditing one (if they allow it). Figure out which seems like what you like to do, and then take more. If you decide it is the thing for you, major in it.
Then, after your sophomore or junior year, apply for internships. They are a great way to make connections and get "real world" experience. Many companies use their internship as a pipeline to hire new employees.
Get onto LinkedIn and start making connections. Join some groups related to your interests and read what people are talking about. Sometimes there are local clubs that meet with professionals talking about various things. Or go to conferences and attend seminars, meet-n-greets, and so forth. The best way to find work is with connections, not by cold-calling or blind resume submissions.
See what classes your school offers. Take some, or maybe consider auditing one (if they allow it). Figure out which seems like what you like to do, and then take more. If you decide it is the thing for you, major in it.
Then, after your sophomore or junior year, apply for internships. They are a great way to make connections and get "real world" experience. Many companies use their internship as a pipeline to hire new employees.
Get onto LinkedIn and start making connections. Join some groups related to your interests and read what people are talking about. Sometimes there are local clubs that meet with professionals talking about various things. Or go to conferences and attend seminars, meet-n-greets, and so forth. The best way to find work is with connections, not by cold-calling or blind resume submissions.
This was super helpful, thank you!
ISIDORO
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Apply for intern in industries related to your career this will help to gain experience, integrate with others, made networking !
Thank you so much, Alejandra!
ISIDORO
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
I suggest taking as many summer internships as possible. Make yourself available for those things because it will help network yourself into a job once your graduate.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
ISIDORO
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Starting a career in the tech industry can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips for a college freshman interested in pursuing a career in tech - To succeed in the tech industry, you will need to develop technical skills. This may involve taking courses in computer science or software engineering, or learning programming languages on your own. Consider participating in coding competitions, hackathons, or joining coding clubs to hone your skills and build a portfolio of projects. Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the tech industry, such as internships or co-op programs. This can help you build your resume and network with professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, such as tech conferences or meetups, to network with professionals in the field. You can also join student organizations related to tech and attend career fairs to connect with potential employers. The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay informed about new technologies, tools, and trends. This can involve reading tech blogs, following industry leaders on social media, and attending tech events. In addition to technical skills, employers in the tech industry also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Look for opportunities to develop these skills through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership positions. Remember that building a career in the tech industry takes time and effort. Be persistent, continue to learn and develop your skills, and seek out opportunities to gain experience and build your network.
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Puneet’s Answer
you can start from small like join any professional course related to IT skills and start with good project.
Create a eye catching profile in LinkedIn and participate in community
create connection with professionals and able to understand latest IT trends and attend free Tech webinar
Create a eye catching profile in LinkedIn and participate in community
create connection with professionals and able to understand latest IT trends and attend free Tech webinar
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Shruti’s Answer
1) Get a degree if you can
2) Make sure you are actually interested and passionate about technology
3) Keep yourself update with the latest and greatest in tech
4) Hands on experience, projects, internships go a long way
5) Keep your spirits high because the competition could get overwhelming sometimes - but as long you focus and believe in yourself you should be fine. Be confident, be happy :)
2) Make sure you are actually interested and passionate about technology
3) Keep yourself update with the latest and greatest in tech
4) Hands on experience, projects, internships go a long way
5) Keep your spirits high because the competition could get overwhelming sometimes - but as long you focus and believe in yourself you should be fine. Be confident, be happy :)
Updated
Charanya’s Answer
In an Information Technology company there are different roles you can take up. Generally a team that builds software consists of Developers, Quality assurance engineers, Business analysts/Product managers, Data analysts, Project Manager. For each of these roles you will need a specific skill set.
For example if you choose to be a Developer then primarily you will be the person writing code to build the software using a set of programming languages like Java script, Java, C# dot net, python etc. Based on what the company uses the developer will be working on 1 or 2 programming language, for you to get started it would be good to start on some online courses for basic programming, Javascript and Java or C# dotnet as these are the most used languages once you get the hold of one of these courses and you understand your interests then you can join specific code bootcamps conducted by organizations like general assembly(not sponsored just an example) where u can learn more on the programming language , related tools and how u can use it in real time.
If you choose to be a Quality assurance engineer there are again online courses about what is software testing and automation testing , there are youtube videos for that take a look at them and if u think this is something you are interested in then again u can take up courses like Udemy and prepare for some Software testing certificates like ISTQB which is the certification for software testing https://www.istqb.org/
To be a Data analyst you will need to take up Data analysis / Data science courses offered by some universities, this is a growing industry and a great area to be working in.
For example if you choose to be a Developer then primarily you will be the person writing code to build the software using a set of programming languages like Java script, Java, C# dot net, python etc. Based on what the company uses the developer will be working on 1 or 2 programming language, for you to get started it would be good to start on some online courses for basic programming, Javascript and Java or C# dotnet as these are the most used languages once you get the hold of one of these courses and you understand your interests then you can join specific code bootcamps conducted by organizations like general assembly(not sponsored just an example) where u can learn more on the programming language , related tools and how u can use it in real time.
If you choose to be a Quality assurance engineer there are again online courses about what is software testing and automation testing , there are youtube videos for that take a look at them and if u think this is something you are interested in then again u can take up courses like Udemy and prepare for some Software testing certificates like ISTQB which is the certification for software testing https://www.istqb.org/
To be a Data analyst you will need to take up Data analysis / Data science courses offered by some universities, this is a growing industry and a great area to be working in.
Updated
Kylie’s Answer
We asked Chat GPT and definitely agree with the advice given above and what ChatGPT advises :)
1. Self-Assessment and Goal Setting:
- Identify your interests, strengths, and skills within the tech field. Do you enjoy programming, design, data analysis, project management, or something else?
- Set clear short-term and long-term career goals. This will help you focus your efforts and stay motivated.
2. Education and Skill Development:
- Obtain a relevant education, whether it's a formal degree (such as computer science, engineering, or related fields) or self-paced online courses.
Focus on developing core technical skills that are in demand, such as programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript, etc.), database management, cloud computing, and more.
- Consider specialized skills like machine learning, web development, cybersecurity, etc., based on your interests.
3. Projects and Portfolio Building:
- Work on personal or open-source projects to apply what you've learned and showcase your skills.
- Build a portfolio website to showcase your projects, skills, and any relevant achievements. This is a crucial tool when applying for jobs.
4. Networking:
- Attend tech meetups, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in the industry.
- Join online communities, forums, and social media groups related to your field of interest.
- Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.
5. Internships and Entry-Level Positions:
- Apply for internships or entry-level positions to gain real-world experience.
- Focus on learning and contributing to the team. Your performance during this phase can lead to recommendations and potential full-time offers.
6. Continuous Learning:
- The tech industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies by taking courses, reading articles, and following industry news.
7. Certifications:
- Obtain relevant certifications from reputable sources (such as Cisco, CompTIA, AWS, etc.) to validate your skills and knowledge.
8. Soft Skills:
- Develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are equally important in a tech career.
9. Job Applications and Interviews:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges and reviewing data structures and algorithms.
10. Lifelong Learning and Growth:
- Tech is a rapidly changing field. Stay curious and open to learning new technologies and approaches throughout your career.
- Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and it's okay to start small. Be persistent, adaptable, and proactive in seeking opportunities. Your passion and dedication will play a significant role in shaping your successful career in the tech industry.
1. Self-Assessment and Goal Setting:
- Identify your interests, strengths, and skills within the tech field. Do you enjoy programming, design, data analysis, project management, or something else?
- Set clear short-term and long-term career goals. This will help you focus your efforts and stay motivated.
2. Education and Skill Development:
- Obtain a relevant education, whether it's a formal degree (such as computer science, engineering, or related fields) or self-paced online courses.
Focus on developing core technical skills that are in demand, such as programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript, etc.), database management, cloud computing, and more.
- Consider specialized skills like machine learning, web development, cybersecurity, etc., based on your interests.
3. Projects and Portfolio Building:
- Work on personal or open-source projects to apply what you've learned and showcase your skills.
- Build a portfolio website to showcase your projects, skills, and any relevant achievements. This is a crucial tool when applying for jobs.
4. Networking:
- Attend tech meetups, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in the industry.
- Join online communities, forums, and social media groups related to your field of interest.
- Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.
5. Internships and Entry-Level Positions:
- Apply for internships or entry-level positions to gain real-world experience.
- Focus on learning and contributing to the team. Your performance during this phase can lead to recommendations and potential full-time offers.
6. Continuous Learning:
- The tech industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies by taking courses, reading articles, and following industry news.
7. Certifications:
- Obtain relevant certifications from reputable sources (such as Cisco, CompTIA, AWS, etc.) to validate your skills and knowledge.
8. Soft Skills:
- Develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are equally important in a tech career.
9. Job Applications and Interviews:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges and reviewing data structures and algorithms.
10. Lifelong Learning and Growth:
- Tech is a rapidly changing field. Stay curious and open to learning new technologies and approaches throughout your career.
- Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and it's okay to start small. Be persistent, adaptable, and proactive in seeking opportunities. Your passion and dedication will play a significant role in shaping your successful career in the tech industry.
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Lots of solid advice here. I would also suggest:
- Build stuff you're passionate about: Try building an app that solves a problem you care about. It's a fun way to learn and develop practical skills that'll impress future employers.
- Gain practical experience: Intern, freelance, or contribute to open-source projects. This gives you the opportunity to collaborate with others and build your portfolio.
- Network: Attend events, join clubs, and connect with professionals in the tech industry. Don't be shy about connecting with people in the job you would love to have. Ask them if you can speak to them on their own journey and what they wish they knew along the way. This can lead to job or internship opportunities, help you learn about new trends, and gain valuable insights.
I wish you the best of luck as you start your journey to get a career in tech!
- Build stuff you're passionate about: Try building an app that solves a problem you care about. It's a fun way to learn and develop practical skills that'll impress future employers.
- Gain practical experience: Intern, freelance, or contribute to open-source projects. This gives you the opportunity to collaborate with others and build your portfolio.
- Network: Attend events, join clubs, and connect with professionals in the tech industry. Don't be shy about connecting with people in the job you would love to have. Ask them if you can speak to them on their own journey and what they wish they knew along the way. This can lead to job or internship opportunities, help you learn about new trends, and gain valuable insights.
I wish you the best of luck as you start your journey to get a career in tech!
Updated
Louise’s Answer
I love all the advice above, and can definitely confirm all.
I would add: try, and try again.
A career in tech is absolutely great: it's an industry that is ever-changing, very challenging and I personally love it because I love helping my customers grow, and feel super-smart doing it.
However, it's also highly competitive, and you might not get your dream job on the first try. Interviewing is a skill, and one you can work on right now! Most companies use the STAR method for interviews: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Storytelling is everything here, and you should learn talk about your experiences in a way that everybody on the interviewing comity can understand: super simple, and to the point.
One example of a question that I had to answer in my interviews with HubSpot:
"Can you tell me about a time were you demonstrated leadership?"
Answer:
Situation: In my studies, I had the opportunity to work with P&G in a project with an international group of students.
Task: We had to research the best way to sell a P&G product to the Irish market, and propose an advertising plan for this product.
Action: Since we were an international group and I have experience managing those, I took on the leadership of the group, and made sure that we had a "How will we work together" session before actually starting the project. In the session, I asked every person to talk about their strengths and weaknesses working in a group, and friction points. We talked about solutions for when we will get frustrated with each other, and chose an emoji and a word that we can send in the group chat when we're feeling annoyed or frustrated.
Result: The group worked really well together, as we had a better understanding of each other, and diffused tension rapidly. P&G was happy about our work, and we got a great grade!
Every experience counts: internships, projects you managed in your classes, I even talked about my experience as Student Union President during my HubSpot interview :)
If you get a rejection, think "cool, now I get to have feedback and I will grow from it". And try again :)
Good luck!
I would add: try, and try again.
A career in tech is absolutely great: it's an industry that is ever-changing, very challenging and I personally love it because I love helping my customers grow, and feel super-smart doing it.
However, it's also highly competitive, and you might not get your dream job on the first try. Interviewing is a skill, and one you can work on right now! Most companies use the STAR method for interviews: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Storytelling is everything here, and you should learn talk about your experiences in a way that everybody on the interviewing comity can understand: super simple, and to the point.
One example of a question that I had to answer in my interviews with HubSpot:
"Can you tell me about a time were you demonstrated leadership?"
Answer:
Situation: In my studies, I had the opportunity to work with P&G in a project with an international group of students.
Task: We had to research the best way to sell a P&G product to the Irish market, and propose an advertising plan for this product.
Action: Since we were an international group and I have experience managing those, I took on the leadership of the group, and made sure that we had a "How will we work together" session before actually starting the project. In the session, I asked every person to talk about their strengths and weaknesses working in a group, and friction points. We talked about solutions for when we will get frustrated with each other, and chose an emoji and a word that we can send in the group chat when we're feeling annoyed or frustrated.
Result: The group worked really well together, as we had a better understanding of each other, and diffused tension rapidly. P&G was happy about our work, and we got a great grade!
Every experience counts: internships, projects you managed in your classes, I even talked about my experience as Student Union President during my HubSpot interview :)
If you get a rejection, think "cool, now I get to have feedback and I will grow from it". And try again :)
Good luck!
Updated
Devin’s Answer
You have some great advice here. I would also suggest getting in and playing around. If you want to get into programming, you can learn some coding and then start writing code for fun and trying to make it work. As you get better you can do more interesting stuff. Take apart a computer and put it back together to understand how it works. Start learning everything you can.
Thank you for giving me advice.
ISIDORO