SUMMER OF TECH 2011

This is a guest post by Rebecca Ray:

First, some background (to give me some credibility!). I participated in Summer of Code in 2008 and 2009. The program has played a big role in improving and adding to my skills – and my confidence in them. I finished my degree at the end of 2009, and am currently working for a small open source company in Wellington.

Now, for the important part: Five Summer of Tech Tips:

1. Your Marks Aren’t All That Important
Companies will be paying more attention to your “soft skills” at this stage in the game than your marks or what industry-related skills you’ve gained. Focus your CV on your ability to learn, your commitment and determination, and the like. You’re being hired as an intern, the companies aren’t expecting 10 years experience and an expert in the field- they’re looking for someone who will be able to learn the material, who will contribute to the company, and who will work well with the team.

2. The Meet and Greet is the Most Important Part of the Process
The meet and greet is your best chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers and secure an interview. Do some research on the participating companies so you know who you most want to speak to – and be sure to search them out. If you don’t have a chance to speak to them on the night, contact them the next day. Make yourself memorable- there will be a lot more students than employers there- come up with something that will make an impression. Be it a funky (or geeky) piece of clothing, or an interesting story, find something to make yourself memorable. Just remember that being memorable means they’ll remember the bad as well as the good!

3. Remember You Only Have a Few Minutes in the Interviews
The one downside to Summer of Tech is the short interview times. You’ve made a good, lasting impression through your SoT profile, CV, and meet and greet- and now you only have a few minutes to seal the deal. Do some (more) research on the companies you have interviews with before the big day and think up some unique question. Be sure to get someone’s contact details at the end- and to follow up within the next day or two with any questions you have and a reaffirmation of your interest in the position.

4. Network, network, network
Getting a job is not the only point of Summer of Tech. The program is an excellent opportunity to meet people from all aspects of the industry and form professional relationships – regardless of whether you get placed in a job for the summer or not. The bootcamps, meet and greet, and summer seminars serve more than one purpose. Start conversations with as many people as you can. Who you know in the industry can go a long way in securing that “dream job”. Twitter, LinkedIn, etc are other resources you should take advantage of – you never know who you might get to know, or what you’ll be able to learn from them.

5. Be Yourself
Employers will be looking for people that will fit with their company’s vibe. Trying too hard to impress an employer will result only in them not having any sense of who you are or how you would work within the company. Add some personality to your Summer of Tech profile- give people a sense of who you are, what makes you unique. The same goes for the meet and greet and interviews. Wear clothes that you’re comfortable in (just not the ones with holes in the knees!) and start discussions on topics you’re comfortable with. It’s cliché, yes but “be yourself” is the most important thing you can do throughout Summer of Tech – not only will it ensure that employers get a sense of who you are, but it will make it much more likely that you will enjoy the job you get.

Good luck, everyone! Take advantage of the opportunities Summer of Tech is offering to you – they’re hard to beat.