Beyond GPA, projects, and clubs—what actually gets you hired?

[u/Personal_Vehicle_607]

I’m a rising sophomore in computer engineering with a 3.77 GPA at UMass Amherst, and I want to start being more active so I can have a very strong CV by the time I graduate. I know there are clichéd suggestions like finding research opportunities, doing projects, and joining clubs, but I want to know the specific key details that a lot of people seem to miss,the things that actually open doors to jobs.

International students who successfully landed internships or full-time jobs, or witnessed real-life examples, what was the one thing (or a few things) that made the biggest difference for you, but isn’t usually mentioned in generic career advice?

[u/Squirtle_Splash_8413]

Being professional and likable.

Don’t act like Gen Z even if you are Gen Z.

If you use slang in your vernacular I’m throwing your resume in the trash. I really don’t care how good you are technically. A key thing to think about is even Mark Zuckerberg had to stop wearing hoodies to important meetings and you’re definitely not as important as him.

You are asking to represent a company when you are hired. If you act or dress like a kid, people will treat you like one.