Student Panel Blog

• • 2 min read

Proof of Attendance at Student Panel Blog

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Notes from the Student Panel:

  1. Introduce Yourself Concisely
    • Prepare a quick, clear introduction for interviews and networking.
  2. STEM Influence
    • Stay adaptable to industry changes.
  3. Focus on Experience
    • Experience matters, regardless of the source (internships, projects, etc.).
  4. Leverage Internships and GitHub
    • Gain hands-on learning and networking through internships.
    • Use GitHub to showcase your work and collaborate.
  5. Be Open-Minded
    • Accept the realities of the field; stay flexible and resilient.
  6. Develop Leadership and Independence
    • Be your own leader by taking initiative and responsibility.
  7. Explore Options Beyond Top Colleges
    • Success isn’t limited to the “best” school; find the right fit.
  8. Build Referrals and Connections
    • Network with peers, professors, and professionals.
  9. Highlight Projects and Skills
    • Emphasize practical skills and impactful projects on your resume.
  10. Talk to People
    • Engage with others for advice, mentorship, and collaboration.
  11. Use UML Diagrams for Problem-Solving
    • Utilize UML diagrams for organizing ideas and tackling issues.

Future Plans

Personal Development

  • Practice and refine a concise self-introduction for networking events and interviews.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in the STEM field to remain adaptable.
    • AI is a very fast growing field that I am interested in, and I will need to continue to learn about as it rapidly grows and changes

Gaining Experience

  • Actively seek internships to gain hands-on experience and expand professional networks.
  • Complete at least two new personal or group projects to strengthen practical skills.
    • Doesn’t even have to be professional, just something that I am interested in and can learn from and show what I can do
  • Regularly update and maintain a GitHub repository/ Linkedin showcasing completed projects and achievements.

Building Connections

  • Build relationships with professors and mentors for future referral opportunities.
  • Gain insights and adivce from people already in the field

Leadership and Independence

  • Identify areas for personal growth and set specific goals for self-leadership.
  • Take ownership of at least one team project to develop leadership and responsibility skills.
    • Could be even a project among friends

Education and Skills

  • Research and apply to educational programs or certifications aligned with career goals, not just “top” institutions.
    • Look and apply for programs that actually will help me and give me valuable experience, not ones that are just prestigious
  • Explore tools like UML diagrams to improve problem-solving and organizational abilities.
    • Great tool that I use in my AP CSA class that I will continue to use in the future
  • Regularly participate in hackathons or STEM competitions to apply knowledge in practical settings.

Resume and Portfolio

  • Update the resume to emphasize projects, internships, and key technical skills.
    • I already have an resume but regulary updating it will help me in the future
  • Develop a professional portfolio website that integrates GitHub repositories and showcases completed work.
    • I have always wanted to make a personal website displaying my projects, but never knew how good it looks in interviews

Mindset and Open-Mindedness

  • Stay flexible and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
  • Reflect on feedback from peers and mentors to continuously improve.