So you've worked on some really cool stuff here, in Capstone Senior Design, or as an REU student or other position in a research lab. What's that you say? You're hoping to keep doing this as a hobby? What??? No way. Get a job doing what you really like doing!

You're going to be spending lots of time doing a job. It better be interesting. To you. Otherwise, its going to be a drag.

A job is something you are going to be doing for a long time. Each job you take is a step to the next one. Make sure your steps are going in the right direction. For you!

Believe in yourself.

Go outside the lines, beyond the job fair, beyond monster.com. Be strategic. Be creative.
Here are some tips.

1. Develop really cool projects now, as part of your education. Cool to you. Build stuff you like. Develop cutting edge skills. In the right parts of the job market, these are really strategic.
2. Build a portfolio of cool projects. iPhone, iPad, Android apps are nice, because you can provision them for people's devices when you interview (Try to get phone ids you need from the important people you'll meet. The technical people, not HR.). HTML 5 is also pretty portable. Windows and Mac applications can also work. Show off!
3. Shoot and edit powerful video of your work. Post the video to YouTube. Push people to watch.
4. In your resume, give more detail on the things you've done that you want to do in the future. All resumes must be edited tightly. You control where the focus is.
5. To identify target companies, read the news feeds of tech blogs and the tech part of the financial section every day. You've been doing hot, cutting edge work. Look for companies that are doing this kind of work, too. They need you!
   Here are some example news feeds:
   • engadget
   • cnet
   • AppleInsider
   • new york times technology
   • new york times dealbook
   Find the companies in the right businesses. Go to their web sites. Find their jobs listings. Pursue.
6. Most of these companies are in Sillicon Valley or New York, or who knows where. Be open to moving wherever the best opportunity is for you. Best does not mean the most money. It means the most interesting.
7. Be persistent! Believe in the value of what you like to do.