What should i be doing to land a job in Technology?
I'm currently looking for any internships or even entry level job to help get my foot in the door. I want to be a data scientist, and I'm currently taking up some online courses and IT programs like Forage and PerScholas to help me. Im looking into doing some side projects on my own, but i just what the actually experience of working with a company. If anyone has any advice on getting started, I'm open to it.
8 answers
Adit’s Answer
Develop a Project Showcase: Design side projects that display your data science prowess, including data cleaning, analysis, and machine learning modeling. Showcasing these on GitHub or on a personal website will make it effortless for recruiters to assess your skills.
Accumulate Pertinent Experience: Seek internships, even unpaid ones, to acquire real-world experience. Consider platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to build your experience and develop client interaction skills. Participating in data science competitions on platforms like Kaggle, highly esteemed by employers, is also a great idea.
Forge Connections and Seek Guidance: Networking can pave the way for opportunities, especially on LinkedIn or at local tech gatherings and online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's data science groups. Engaging with professionals in data science or tech and seeking their advice or mentorship can offer valuable insights and possibly job leads.
Polish Your Job Application Resources: Customize your resume and LinkedIn to spotlight data science projects and pertinent coursework. Be sure to highlight your expertise in programming languages, statistical understanding, and any relevant coursework or certifications.
Following this strategy will help you acquire practical experience and make your profile appealing for entry-level and internship opportunities in data science. Best of luck!
Theophilus’s Answer
To land a job in technology, you’ve got to be proactive, bold, and committed. Start by building real, hands-on skills. Don’t just learn; create. Dive into projects that challenge you, even if it’s outside your comfort zone, and showcase your work publicly on platforms like GitHub.
Take every opportunity to learn from others in the field. Connect with people on LinkedIn, ask questions, and show genuine curiosity. Don’t be scared to reach out to them and let your message be thorough, straightforward and professional! Online programs like Forage and PerScholas are fantastic steps, but don’t stop there. Look for internships, entry-level roles, or even freelance projects that let you apply your skills in real-world settings. This experience is invaluable and will set you apart.
Remember, breaking into tech is a journey that rewards resilience and passion. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and keep making your voice heard. The industry is waiting for thinkers like you who are ready to make an impact.
You can reach out to me on LinkedIn if you need help with how to approach people on LinkedIn👍
Theophilus Mensah (check my profile pic)
Craig’s Answer
Dhiraj’s Answer
Here are some friendly suggestions for you:
1. Start by sprucing up your LinkedIn and GitHub profiles. Show off your skills, your areas of expertise, and the specific projects where you've put those skills to use. Kaggle is a great place to collaborate and solve exciting problems, which can really highlight your unique contributions.
2. Consider attending industry events and job fairs. Microsoft, for instance, has a portal where all open intern positions are posted.
Remember, from my own journey, I've learned that persistence truly pays off. It's quite common not to hear back right away from every role you apply for, but don't let that discourage you. Keep applying for internships and entry-level positions. Treat any rejections as opportunities to learn and refine your application materials.
Sending you all the best vibes for your journey.
Dhiraj recommends the following next steps:
Quantise’s Answer
I would take advantage of your career services; they would more than likely help you out. They will help you with your resume, cover letter, and prep for the interview. You may want to start brainstorming achievements and skills (you develop on previous jobs) or if you haven’t had a job before, achievements and skills develop (ex. What did you learn during a class project/paper
) during your academia. You want to stress to the company that you want to grow, learn and develop skills that you can apply in your career and that moves the company forward. That you want to make a significant impact through technology. They will understand, they want to see if you truly care about the company and that your passion fits with their culture. They will also understand your current status (student) and would provide tasks that revolve around learning and growth. Also, make sure you track your achievements, skills develop and strengths (measurable) during your internship (ex. develop a software patch that helped boost productivity and reduce expenses by 45 % ) or (Implemented SEO system which increased the company's brand, online traffic and sales by 30%). This will help you when you with your resume. When it comes your resume, you want to make sure it's strong (you stand out) and is updated. Also be aware of any weaknesses or challenges, try to work on them and learn from them. This is how you grow.
Also, you may look on some job board sites (Indeed, Linkedin, ziprecruiter, Monster). You can also try to reach out to your network (family/friends) and let them know you’re looking to pursue a career in technology and wish to be involved in an internship. They may inquire about their jobs or know someone where this is a perfect match. If you’re on social sites (ex. Linkedin), you may want to update your profile stressing what you're looking for. Recruiters are always on the lookout so, this can be a starting basis. Also, wherever you have a profile, make sure it is up to date because you want to stand out and be noticed.
You seem very bright and know you will land an internship, just reach out to all resources that you can. Good luck!
Alex’s Answer
Networking is crucial to gaining opportunities in tech. Join data science communities, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to learn about openings and build relationships that may lead to referrals. Highlight your problem-solving, programming (Python, R, SQL), and data visualization skills in your resume and interviews. Be persistent and proactive in your job search, and over time, your projects, learning, and networking will help you land the experience you’re looking for.