Broaden Your Search
If you’re interested in a tech-heavy job, look outside of “tech companies.” If you need help identifying your transferable skills or experiences, feel free to make an appointment and we can help brainstorm. A little research on sites like Built In’s amazing “Tech Topics” page can give you info on trends and areas to explore that you may not have considered before.
Gain Additional Skills
Are you seeing the same type of soft or tech skills highlighted for certain industries or positions? Consider an online certification or class! These can be anything from a 1 hour to several month commitment and can be added to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Of course, there are places like Udemy and Coursera and others, but…did you know that as an IU student you have an automatics access to the awesome library of LinkedIn Learning?
Network
Networking is often the best way to hear of opportunities. Reach out to former faculty, classmates, and your university’s career services office!
Identify Soft Skills
advertised in position descriptions that interest you. Are they looking for someone with communication skills, multitasking or project management experience, initiative, ability to work without supervision, etc.? To help you answer interview questions in the future, take notes about which of your school, work, volunteer, personal experiences could demonstrate your abilities with these skills.
Make Notes
on your previous course material. What were the technologies you used? If there were group projects, what was your role in each project? Add relevant academic projects to your resume and think about how the projects could help you answer some of those interview questions about team and project work.
Consider Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get experience if you are having difficulty finding a job or internship. It can also be invaluable in helping you build up skills you may be missing: Groups like VolunteerMatch exist to connect you to nonprofits needing tech help in all kinds of areas. (Current international students, please don’t forget to check with OIS before volunteering in your field of study - - CPT may be recommended even if the position is not paid.)
Practice Interviewing
Do you know how to identify the types of questions an employer might ask? Do you know how to answer them effectively? Do you know what to do when you’re asked a
question about something you haven’t done yet? Luddy Career Services is here for you even after graduation and there are organizations like Pramp which offer mock interview practice and courses in LOTS of Luddy relevant areas! Check them out (and note their current $12 annual membership rate!)