CS Career Development and Networking Tips

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it���s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

Yesterday I had a call with a former employee of mine who is struggling because she has nobody to mentor her at her current company. This is a topic near and dear to my heart: the undeniable power of external networking and mentorship, especially when internal guidance might be scarce. We've all been there – new to a role, or perhaps in a company where formal leadership development or mentorship programs aren't a priority. It's easy to feel like you're adrift, wondering how to best develop your skills and advance your career. My biggest piece of advice? Don't limit your growth to the confines of your current organization. Actively seek out mentors and build a robust network outside your company. These external connections can provide: Diverse Perspectives: Unbiased insights and different ways of thinking about challenges. Skill Development: Guidance on areas your current role might not expose you to. Career Navigation: Advice on potential paths and opportunities you might not have considered. Confidence Boost: A sounding board and encouragement when you need it most. Your professional development is ultimately in your hands. Be proactive, reach out, and invest in building those invaluable external relationships. They can truly be the secret sauce for accelerated growth and long-term success. Share your thoughts and tips below. Let's empower each other to grow, no matter our internal circumstances.

During my undergrad, I did 5 solid paid machine learning internships in places like NTU Singapore, University of Michigan and Microsoft. I wasn't from a top-tier college and majored in Electronics. 😅 These internships were key to getting into my CS master's at Carnegie Mellon. Here are some lesser-known tips for landing internships: 🚩 Endorse: Don't hesitate to showcase your work boldly, no matter how small! We're living in a competitive world, it's super important to toot your own horn! Whether it's your GitHub or Kaggle projects, personal website, or blogs, endorsing your work on public platforms can bring visibility and explain how you'd add value as an intern. 🚩Focus on creating reusable assets: Whether it's a code snippet, research paper, or literature review, sharing something useful online boosts your credibility. Even while interning, document your contributions, such as through a research paper or blog post (with permission of course!). 🚩Have realistic cold-email expectations: Reaching out to professors and industry professionals can open doors. However, remember, only a small fraction of these emails will be read (3-4% in my experience), let alone responded to. But one positive reply can make all the difference. To improve your chances, tailor your message to show familiarity with their work. Avoid generic emails. 🚩Piggyback like a pro: Landing your first internship may be tough, but use it as a stepping stone. During your internship, explore resources and contacts that could help you secure future positions. Performing well often leads to referrals for new opportunities. 🚩Develop lasting, mutual relationships: "Networking" is a loaded term and is talked about a lot, but shallow connections don't offer much help. Connect with people who share your goals and match your thought process, be open to support them when needed. Share your skills and think beyond immediate gains. 🚩Your college matters... and doesn't: Sure, coming from an IIT might help get your foot in the door, but to keep moving up, you have to consistently keep working. The world isn’t always fair, and we can't change that. What truly matters is how you create your own leverage. Use the tips given above to move ahead, focusing on doing your best with what you've got. 🚩There's no single formula: Take advice, including mine, with a grain of salt. Success comes in many forms. Find the path that works best for you. I'll soon be sharing some resources around securing internships with The LevelUp Org members. Let me know if you want to be added to the email list in the comments below! #machinelearning #internships

I get a lot of requests for coffee chats and referrals, and I've noticed some recurring mistakes in how people reach out. I want to share the strategies that have helped me achieve a 70% response rate. LinkedIn is incredible for connecting, and with thoughtful outreach and content, you can increase your outreach response results. The Don'ts (Vague): 🚫 "Hi there, I'm graduating in May and open to positions at [Insert Company Name]." Why this doesn't work? - It's too generic. No one person knows every open role. - It shows a lack of research. - You're shifting the work onto the recipient. The Do's (Specific & Intentional): ✅ "Hi [Insert Name], I noticed you're a Program Manager at [Insert Company]. I'm interested in the Program Manager role [Insert Job Link] and would love to connect for a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - Your interview process - Your day-to-day schedule - Your top challenges and how you overcome them - Any tips you can share Key Strategies for Success: - Targeted Job Titles: If you want an engineering role, connect with engineers. For data analysis, reach out to data analysts. Keep it relevant! - Experience Alignment: Aim for individuals with career tenures closer to your desired level. New grad? Connect with those 2-3 years into their journey. - The Follow-Up is Crucial: After a successful coffee chat, send a personalized THANK YOU. Include 1-2 specific points you discussed to show you were engaged. Strategic and intentional outreach is crucial, especially with so many people looking for jobs right now. It's all about thoughtful research and making it easy for the person you're contacting. What are your favorite outreach tips or questions? Let's connect and share! 👇 #LinkedInNetworking #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #StrategicOutreach #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #CoffeeChat #JobHunting #CareerStrategy #NoCeilings #CoffeeChatStrategy #NetworkWithIntention

𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱? Discussing the value of visibility with a talented manager led to her taking on a personal development challenge. The results? She took part in an exciting transformational project with exposure to internal and external stakeholders, she received an unsolicited job offer from one of the project partners and ultimately got a nice promotion that recognized her contributions and potential.. Actively sharing highlights online also helped grow her LinkedIn presence and following. Networking benefits both career development and personal lives. Whether we are managing relationships, leading others or growing further as individuals, staying positively engaged can make a big difference. Here are a few DOs and DON'Ts to help: ✅ 𝗗𝗼 build authentic relationships – Networking is not about collecting connections; it’s about fostering meaningful conversations and offering value. ✅ 𝗗𝗼 follow up – A quick check-in with someone or a thoughtful message can turn some casual connections into lasting relationships or friendships. ✅ 𝗗𝗼 stay engaged – Attending industry events, being on panels, commenting on digital posts, sharing insights, and visiting in person regularly are great steps to take. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 reach out only when you need something – A dormant network is not ideal. This is a long-term investment, not a last-minute afterthought or short-term fix. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 underestimate weaker connections – Opportunities sometimes come from acquaintances rather than from close contacts. Keeping a broad network active is helpful. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 neglect your digital presence – A stale or out-of-date digital profile and the lack of active engagement can make you invisible to your cyber-community when opportunities arise. Most of us can do better relationships. Since exiting my CEO role several weeks ago, I have taken some time to reconnect with a few and I still owe many a chat. Happy networking and good luck everyone. #PersonalDevelopment #Relationships #Networking #Gratitude

𝗧𝗵𝗲 7 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 if I lost my job as a CSM tomorrow. 1. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁:  Ask yourself what your definition of "reset" is. What does your mind and body need to lean into this break? Maybe it's 2 days, maybe 2 weeks, or for some, it's 2 months if you can afford it. You might not get this time back in the future and you need it to be "strategic" in your search. 2. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗦:  • Obtain a CS certification (Won't land you the job, but will build your knowledge base).  • Listen to CS podcasts (like Gain, Grow, Retain) so you know how to speak the language of CS.  • Follow and engage with CS industry leaders on LinkedIn (like, comment, follow posts). 3. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲:  • Identify ONE specific role rather than casting a wide net.  • Create a data-driven summary and keep it concise (highlight your strengths/experience).  • Include quantifiable impact for each role you were in and show how you made them successful. 4. 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻:  • Use your profile header to have a buttoned-up summary of your experience or how you want to be seen for the targeted roles you are looking for.  • Update your keywords for current and past jobs (You can now add 100 instead of 50 last year).  • Turn on the "Open to Work" badge (the stigma has been gone for years!). 5. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: • Contact recruiters or companies that have reached out to you in the last 12 months.  • Connect with past coworkers, managers, alumni, or previous customers.  • Reach out to peers, recruiters, leaders, and hiring managers you've identified at your target companies. 6. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆:   Using the 3 medals approach: • Bronze Jobs: Less effort, higher volume.  • Silver Jobs: Mid effort, some personalization, mid volume. Gold Jobs:  • High effort, highly personalized, low volume. 7. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴: • Create STAR examples for each major responsibility.  • Make sure to include what you did, why you did it, and the impact you created.  • Record your calls using AI, find out what you missed, and practice your tone, delivery, and brevity. 8. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁:  • Control what you can control. Ignore the doom and gloom about the market and how bad it is.  • Focus on the process, not the prize.  • Daily activity on your focused goal becomes your day job—the rest will fall into place. Resume not working? Exhausted your network? Can't close the final interview?  DM me "LAND" to learn how a Career Coach can "collapse time." #CareerTransition #JobSearchStrategy #CustomerSuccess

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠? We all know that networking is key to career growth. But let’s be real—some people treat it like a transactional game rather than building meaningful relationships. When I first started networking, I thought it was all about connecting with big names and sending cold DMs. Turns out, that’s not how real relationships are built. Here’s what I’ve learned about networking with integrity and respect: 🔹 𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 🚫 We’ve all seen it—someone connects with you today and asks for a favor tomorrow. ✔ Instead, build relationships before you need them. ✔ Offer value before asking for help. ✔ Engage genuinely—not just when you need something. 🔹𝟮. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 🤝 Want someone to remember you? Help them first. ✔ Share an opportunity. ✔ Introduce them to someone useful. ✔ Engage with their work meaningfully. Networking is a two-way street. If you only show up when you need a job or referral, people will notice—and avoid you. 🔹 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️ There’s a difference between showcasing your work and shameless bragging. ✔ Focus on sharing insights, not just achievements. ✔ Celebrate others’ success, not just your own. ✔ Be someone people want to associate with. 🔹 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 🚦 ✔ Cold messaging? Make it personalized, not copy-paste. ✔ Asking for a coffee chat? Be clear about your intent. ✔ Got a ‘No’ or no response? Move on, don’t chase. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚: 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. #Networking #CareerGrowth #BuildingRelationships

Most career opportunities are never advertised. And yet, many professionals still spend hours sending CVs into the void, hoping for a response. Early in my career, I made the same mistake. I believed that the harder I worked on tailoring my applications, the better my chances. Don't get me wrong, it works to a degree but it isn't the whole package. What I didn’t realise was that I was competing with hundreds of others for the same few roles. The breakthrough came when I shifted my focus from job boards to people. I remember reaching out to someone in an organisation I admired, asking for a short conversation. That 15 minutes changed everything. Not only did I get insights into the role, but I built a relationship that eventually led to an opportunity I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Here’s what I’ve learned about creating opportunities through connection: 👉🏿 Curate your environment – Surround yourself with professionals, mentors, and peers who align with your career goals. Follow their work, learn from their insights, and engage genuinely. 👉🏿 Converse with purpose Don’t lead with “I need a job.” Instead, ask thoughtful questions, share your perspective, and show curiosity. Conversations should feel like two-way learning. 👉🏿 Demonstrate value Be ready to share clear examples of the problems you’ve solved, the actions you’ve taken, and the results you’ve produced. Stories matter more than bullet points. 👉🏿 Expand your community After meaningful conversations, ask who else they recommend you speak with. One introduction often leads to another. 👉🏿 Prioritise relationships over transactions People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. Build trust, not just contacts. The lesson is simple: your next opportunity is more likely to come through connection than competition. How are you building meaningful professional relationships this year? Comment below 👇🏿 Join my ‘Consultant Mindset’ newsletter here 👉🏿 ⁠https://lnkd.in/eHyiwsmj #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingStrategies

Career Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me Early On After years of observing careers flourish and falter, one pattern stands out clearly: emotional intelligence matters more than you think. I've watched promising careers derail not because of technical incompetence, but emotional tone deafness. Too many talented professionals win battles but lose wars, focusing on short-term victories while burning bridges that would have supported their long-term success. For those starting their professional journey, here's what I've learned: The Hidden Currency of Success 1. Be genuinely kind to everyone. The security guard, the executive assistant, the intern - they all have institutional knowledge and influence that isn't reflected in org charts. 2. Approach networking as giving, not taking. Share an interesting article with someone simply because it aligns with their interests. Make introductions that benefit others without expectation of return. 3. Under-promise and over-deliver. Consistently. This builds a reputation that opens doors without you having to knock. 4. Cultivate emotional evenness. In a crisis-driven workplace, the person who maintains composure becomes the natural leader others gravitate toward. 5. Choose collaboration over competition. The workplace isn't a zero-sum game - your colleagues' success doesn't diminish your own. The most successful professionals I know aren't just technically proficient - they're known for consistency, reliability, and emotional maturity. They've built careers on relationships that survive the inevitable ups and downs of business cycles. What's your experience? What relationship-based advice would you add for those just starting their careers? #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #Networking