Building Experience – Internships, Research & Campus Involvement

Beyond the Classroom: Developing Your Professional Identity

Your sophomore year is the optimal time to begin building professional experiences that complement your academic work. Employers and graduate schools value candidates who demonstrate skills beyond coursework.

Internship Planning: Starting Early

The most competitive tech internships recruit a full year in advance:

• Fall semester: Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
• October-November: Apply for summer internships at large tech companies
• January-March: Apply for opportunities with mid-sized companies and startups
• Preparation: Develop technical interview skills and work on portfolio projects

Remember that your first internship is often the hardest to secure—persistence pays off, and each experience builds toward your next opportunity.

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

Working with faculty on research projects provides valuable experience, especially if you’re considering graduate school:

• How to find opportunities:
  • Explore faculty research interests on the Luddy website
  • Attend department colloquia and research showcases
  • Connect with professors teaching your favorite courses
• Formal programs: Consider applying for LSAMP, STEM Summer Scholars, or Luddy’s Undergraduate Research Program

Research experiences can lead to conference presentations, publications, and strong letters of recommendation.

Getting Involved in Luddy Student Organizations

Student organizations offer leadership experience, skill development, and valuable connections:

• Technical organizations: ACM, Women in Computing, Game Development Club
• Professional groups: Luddy Ambassadors, Students and Technology in Academia, Research, and Service (STARS)
• Special interest groups: Cyber Security Club, AI Club, VR Club

Active participation demonstrates passion and commitment to potential employers and helps you build your professional network.

Luddy Career Services: Your Partner in Professional Development

The Luddy Career Services team offers specialized support for students in technology fields:

• Resume reviews and interview preparation
• Industry-specific career advising
• Employer connections and recruitment events
• Skills workshops and professional development programming