4) Projects & Proof of Skill
What counts as a real project
A real project is not a tutorial you followed on YouTube where you just copied code. If 10,000 other students have the same 'Weather App' or 'To-Do List' on their resume, it's not a project, it's homework. A real project solves a specific problem. If you had to make a decision or fix a bug that wasn't in a tutorial, it's a real project.
If you do this right, you might get two or three offers. This is exciting, but you have to be a professional.
- In the US, if you say "Yes" to Company A, you cannot change your mind later and go to Company B just because they offer more money. This is called "reneging," and it can ruin your reputation.
- Once you pick an offer, you get an Offer Letter. You take that to your school. They update your I-20 form. You cannot start working not even for one hour until the start date on which I-20 has arrived.
Free Resource: How to Negotiate and Accept Your First US Job Offer
4) Projects & Proof of Skill
In the US job market, saying "I know how to do this" is worthless. You have to prove it. Employers are tired of looking at resumes that all look the same. They want to see "Proof of Skill." Think of your projects as your digital shadow. They follow you everywhere and show your true shape. Let's look at how to build projects that actually make a recruiter stop scrolling.
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.