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Going to a US university gives you access to a powerful network, but the magic doesn't happen just by sitting in class. Think of your school as a giant toolbox.
Career fairs (how to work them correctly)
In the US, the goal of a career fair is to get a referral or an interview invite on the spot. Never go to your favorite company first. Go to three practice companies to warm up your pitch. Within 24 hours, message the recruiter on LinkedIn. Mention something specific you talked about. This moves you from 'random student' to 'serious candidate.'
Professors as references and advocates
In the US, a professor is more than just a teacher; they are a gateway to the industry. Many professors consult for big companies or sit on boards. Don't just be a face in the crowd. Go to Office Hours. When a company asks for a reference, you want your name to be first.
TA / RA roles (credibility + income)
Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) roles are the gold standard of on-campus jobs. They often pay better than cafeteria or library jobs. More importantly, they give you Expert Credibility. Being a TA shows you mastered a subject so well that the university trusts you to teach others.
Clubs, hackathons, competitions (signal vs noise)
Join clubs that do things. The Data Science Club that hosts a monthly hackathon is better than the International Students Social Club. Aim for a Leadership Role. Being the President or Treasurer of a club proves you can manage money, people, and events in the US.