Top 10 Career Tips for Computer Science and IT Folks

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Why it matters

Who doesn’t want to be a go-getter and laugh in the face of traditional wisdom?

If you want to make a name for yourself in Computer Science and Information Technology, you want to stay ahead of the game!

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If you don’t want to read the entire thing, get a quick summary from the following list

Stay current with the latest technology trends
Build a strong professional network
Develop a strong portfolio
Tailor your resume to the job
Practice your interview skills
Leverage your university’s career resources
Consider internships or co-op programs
Stay organized during your job search
Develop strong communication skills
Be professional and courteous

Here’s how you stay ahead of the game

1. Stay current with the latest technology trends

Since computer science and information technology continually evolve, staying up to date with the latest trends and crucial advancements is crucial.

You can follow industry publications such as Wired, TechCrunch, or IEEE Spectrum to stay informed.

Additionally, reading books like “Cracking the Tech Career” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell can offer a comprehensive guide to finding and landing your dream job in the tech industry.

2. Build a strong professional network

Networking is essential in any industry, and the tech sector is no different. Attend conferences and meetups or join professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), especially for students pursuing MS in CS and IT.

In addition, connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn to expand your network. It’s highly advisable to start networking on the following platforms if you’re just starting out.

Meetup: This website helps you find and connect with like-minded people in your area. You can join groups related to your field of study, attend events, and network with others.

3. Develop a strong portfolio

Creating a portfolio of projects can help showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. You can contribute to open-source projects or build projects to add to your portfolio.

Building a portfolio of projects can showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Consider contributing to open-source projects or creating projects to add to your portfolio.

GitHub: This platform allows software developers to share and collaborate on code. It’s a great place to showcase your coding skills and build a portfolio.
Behance: This platform allows creative professionals to showcase their work, connect with others, and find job opportunities.

4. Tailor your resume to the job

When applying for jobs, tailor your resume to the specific position and company you are applying to. Highlight your relevant skills and experience and use keywords from the job description.

You can look up different roles on job sites like Monster or Indeed to make relevant changes to your resume.

5. Practice your interview skills

Preparation is key to your interviews. Practice common interview questions and research the company beforehand. Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to improve your interviewing skills.

Sites like Gainlo, Pramp, and Interview Bit offer a range of mock interviews for various roles in the tech industry and provide personalized feedback to help you improve your interview skills.

In addition, many universities and coding boot camps also offer mock interview services for their students.

Research the company, prepare interview questions for the interviewer, and practice answering common questions such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

6. Leverage your university’s career resources

Many universities offer career resources for graduate students, including job boards, resume reviews, and career counseling. Utilize these resources to help you find job opportunities and improve your job search strategies.

Like for example, At the University of California, Berkeley, graduate students in computer science and related fields can access career resources through the Career Center for Graduate Students.

This includes job and internship listings, workshops on interviewing and networking, and one-on-one career counseling sessions.

Students can also attend career fairs and networking events, connect with alumni through the Berkeley Network, and use resources like InterviewStream for mock interviews.

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7. Consider internships or co-op programs

Internships and co-op programs can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you build professional connections. Look for opportunities through your university’s career centre or industry organizations.

For example, Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a variety of internships and co-op programs for their MS in CS and IT students. Their Global Projects Program allows students to work on real-world projects with organizations worldwide

They also have partnerships with companies such as IBM, Raytheon, and Intel, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field.

8. Stay organized during your job search

Keeping track of the jobs you’ve applied to, following up with potential employers, and sending thank-you notes after interviews can help you stay on top of your job search and increase your chances of success.

9. Develop strong communication skills

Along with technical skills, employers value strong communication skills. So practice your written and verbal communication skills, and consider taking courses or attending workshops to improve them.

10. Be professional and courteous

Finally, always be professional and courteous throughout your job search and career. Follow job interview etiquette, dress professionally, arrive on time, and thank the interviewer for their time afterward. Follow up with a thank-you note or email to show your appreciation.