How to optimize career direction as a grad school student?

To clarify, did you complete your undergraduate degree here, and are you now pursuing graduate studies due to the current job market? I earned my master's degree here and received job offers in 2012 when the job market was strong. Here's my advice: focus on mastering the fundamentals during your time in school; they will serve you well throughout your career. For a full-stack role, you'll need expertise in both front-end and back-end development, which is quite extensive. Consider selecting two programming languages ( eg : Java / JavaScript) to specialize in, and it's also beneficial to learn Python for interviews. Begin searching for a high-quality internship with the hope that it may lead to a full-time position, as that's often the easiest route to secure permanent employment. Additionally, during your two years of grad school, make friends and create lasting memories; they can become valuable resources in the future.

Preferably in a non tech company

Curious why you have this as a criteria? (It's not wrong, genuinely curious)

If your grad school is 2 years, I'd spend the first few months working to secure an internship (Leetcode prep). Once you have that, you can build out personal projects near the end of your first year (helpful in the long term, not in short term).

Similar for the 2nd year.

Here's my advice:

• Figure out a tech stack you like. A great way to do this is to build side projects: [Taro Top 10] Building Impressive Side Projects
• Build up your network, which is naturally far easier when you're in school. You can also leverage the Taro community for that with Taro Networking. Check out this discussion to learn more: "How can I network effectively as a college student?"
• Use these playlist to help you find part-time work/internships:
  • [Taro Top 10] Finding A Tech Job
  • "How can I get more internships?"

Preferably in a non tech company example: Starbucks, Nike, H and M, Chase Bank etc.

I'm also curious about this. Is the idea that a non-tech company is more relaxed? I would actually strongly advise against this, because companies that don't have software at their core see engineers as a cost center (instead of a profit center) and treat them poorly as a result of that. The compensation will also be far lower.

Hey guys, I appreciate your detailed insight and will be checking out these resources too, to clarify the questions here.

Rashmi:

Yes, I did complete my Undergraduate here, I graduated in May 2021, started my OPT and just got hit by a lay off last November, my OPT unemployment dates start Feb which will be too late to enroll in Grad school, so I just went for it. I was barely able to land interviews in two months so did not want to risk my visa status.

Helpful Tarodactyl and Alex:

A few reasons and thank you for your perspectives. When I say non-tech, I am just referring to the current stage of life I am in, I am totally open to it in future.

1- My experience in the last two companies was quite amazing despite them being non tech compensation wise too maybe cuz I worked in the corporate office or just the job itself was fun. Just my general experience.

2- The few companies I specifically mentioned I am generally very passionate about their products.

3- I generally spent a lot of time during my college years, high school and my early career working and studying a lot, since I had to support myself, a part of me does want to experience life a little more, network, hobbies, etc. and I am currently 27. Looking back, I did miss out on a lot. Hence that is why I am looking for a more relaxed job, where yes, it is challenging but not super long hours for a long period of time (5 years+) for at least this phase of life. But I am definitely open to changing my mind after grad school, on this as I learn more about the tech industry. Preparation wise, I will prepare as if I am going to enter Big Tech, because I am sure as a Developer, I will learn a lot and be a strong candidate.