How can I break into the tech job market as a student?

I used to oversee operations at one of the largest companies in the US. When I started, it was evident that many of the hires from prestigious universities struggled with actual coding skills. So, I focused on bringing in talent from trade schools where they concentrated on coding instead of just theoretical knowledge. My advice? Dive deep into coding. Don't aim for a wide array of knowledge; instead, become highly skilled in writing code. Only take the essential courses needed for graduation and prioritize practical coding skills that will help you hit the ground running in the workforce.

I've been writing code for over a decade, and just so you know, vibe coding isn't the way to go. It's often hard to maintain and create issues when things go wrong. You need to learn how to code well, not just rely on AI to get decent grades. Otherwise, your degree might not hold much value in the job market.

Don't just focus on random projects. It's all about the context and real-world applications. Work on things like improving an existing project or solving a genuine problem instead of just creating demo apps. That's what stands out to employers!

Co-op experiences can be super valuable, so definitely keep pursuing those opportunities, even when it feels tough. Remember, most of what you learn in class is just to demonstrate your ability to learn, not necessarily the day-to-day skills for a job.