The most powerful lesson I’ve learned during my first semester in college may be the greatest leap to take when trying to break into tech. I realized that working hard isn’t the most efficient way to stand out in the field, but networking is. Referrals, connections, and networking should be one of your main priorities.

Why Networking is the key component for breaking into tech

Like I’ve heard several Senior Software Engineers say, hard work is often just rewarded with more hard work. When you’re building a project you have to talk about it before, during, and after you have completed it. Don’t be afraid or shy out, instead speak up about your accomplishments. Being a natural introvert like many computer enthusiasts doing this isn’t easy, however, doing so routinely and righteously will make you stand out like many great engineers. It's something I often don't do myself because I've grown into a culture where "bragging" is frowned upon, but currently its important to market your brand. Now there is also a fine line between one who says nothing and one who says too much, it is important to stay in that middle space, just continue to market yourself at a professional level. Building your brand this way will make you have a greater network and by having more connections this is the way to climb the ladder, by either job hopping or internally having others that recognize you for your charisma and work-ethic is vital. Do this everywhere you go as a college student; through faculty, other students, higher administration, reach out to people in linkedin, publish your projects on instagram, let your professors know what you did, tell clubs about what you’ve accomplished, this all matters and are components to consider. Good luck.