I recently won a ticket to an exciting tech conference with many companies looking to hire. I'm a second-year computer science student who switched from a math specialization, and I don't have a portfolio yet; my experience is mostly from internships at big banks. I'm really eager to break into the tech field, not necessarily big tech, and I want to know what I should focus on this week to build my portfolio and impress potential employers. I know Python, Java, and R, and I'm open to learning new languages if needed.
3 Answers
Don't stress too much about having a polished portfolio. As a second-year student, employers will expect you to have basic projects rather than a fully-fledged portfolio. Consider doing some practice problems on LeetCode; it shows you're serious about coding, and it'll help you with interviews down the line.
Honestly, if you have the chance, just give the ticket to someone more experienced. But if you're determined to go, focus on networking and showcasing your enthusiasm for learning. The technical skills are important, but being personable and showing your passion can really set you apart when you meet recruiters.
Focus on your soft skills and make sure you can talk about your past internships and any relevant projects you have. And definitely try to learn whatever you can in the next week, but remember that it's about showing that you’re eager to grow and learn more than just the specific tools you know.
Totally agree. Companies are generally understanding that students are still learning. Just try to present yourself well and connect with people!