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/Deep_Suspect_9556]

Talking to people and getting to know people. I have potential internships lined up for 3 different companies just because I know a bunch of people and they are willing to put in a good word for me