Module 4: Career Readiness: Outreach & Networking + Resume

Understanding Networking

Networking involves actively engaging with others, whether in person or online, to build rapport, share information, and create opportunities for professional growth and development. It goes beyond mere socializing and encompasses activities such as:

• Attending industry events
• Joining professional organizations
• Participating in online communities
• Building connections with family, peers, mentors, clients, and industry leaders

Different Forms of Networking

Explore various networking approaches:

• In-person networking at events and meetups
• Online networking through platforms like LinkedIn
• Virtual events and webinars
• Industry-specific communities and forums

Finding Networking Opportunities

Discover where to find valuable networking connections:

• Industry conferences and events
• Local tech meetups and user groups
• Online platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow
• Alumni networks and professional associations

Benefits of Building a Network in Tech

Learn why networking is essential for your career:

• Access to hidden job opportunities (the "hidden job market")
• Industry insights and trend awareness
• Mentorship and professional guidance
• Collaborative partnerships and skill development

What is Outreach

Outreach is a strategic approach to building your professional network by initiating contact with individuals in your desired industry. It's a proactive way to create connections that can lead to informational interviews, mentorship, and job opportunities.

Warm Outreach

Master warm outreach techniques:

• Connecting with people you already know or have mutual connections with
• Utilizing second-degree connections on LinkedIn
• Referencing shared experiences or backgrounds
• Building on existing relationships

Cold Outreach

Develop effective cold outreach strategies:

• Researching individuals and companies before reaching out
• Crafting personalized and concise messages
• Providing clear value and specific requests
• Following up appropriately

Getting Started with Your Resume

Learn how to create a strong foundation for your professional resume:

• Understanding the purpose and importance of a resume
• Recognizing what recruiters look for in tech resumes
• Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• Structuring your resume effectively

Resume Template Set-up

Get started with a professional resume template:

• Download the Data Science Resume Template
• Make a copy: Go to "File" > "Make a copy"
• Name your resume using the format: Firstname_Lastname_Resume
• For now, leave the template content as a guide while you begin adding your information
• Choosing appropriate fonts and styling

Resume Sections

Learn how to craft each section of your resume:

• Heading: Contact information and professional profiles
• Skills: Highlighting technical and soft skills relevant to data science
• Education: Featuring your BloomTech education and other academic credentials
• Projects: Showcasing relevant work that demonstrates your abilities

Apply what you've learned with these practical activities:

• Create a LinkedIn profile or update your existing one
• Draft a warm outreach message to a connection
• Identify 3-5 professionals in your field to potentially contact
• Begin building your resume using the provided template
• Complete the heading, skills, and education sections of your resume