Our Favorite Tech Career Resources for CUNY GC Students

Stepping into the technology field can feel like both an exciting and daunting journey. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s or PhD, there are an abundance of resources designed to help you thrive in your tech career. From interview prep and job boards to networking groups and upskilling opportunities, we’ve curated a selection of top-notch resources, which we learned about from our peers across the CUNYverse, to help you along the way.

Here’s a roundup of our favorite tech-related career tools, specifically for graduate students like you.

  1. Interviewing Resources

Mastering the art of technical interviews is crucial for landing your next role in tech. Here are some of the best resources to help you prepare:

  • CodePath: CodePath offers free, application-based courses, including one focused on technical interviews. These courses run three times a year, and once you’ve completed a course, you become part of the CodePath community. This opens up opportunities to apply for employer summits, mentorship programs, and more. Visit CodePath‘s web site for information. Also check out the CodePath Behavioral Interview Tip Sheet.
  • Girls Who Code Tech Interview Prep: For those looking to prepare for technical interviews, check out Girls Who Code for a free prep experience.
  • Careers on Air with Google: Google Careers also provides valuable resources for job seekers, including interview tips and career advice. Explore Google’s offerings to get started.
  • Additional Key Resources:
    • Leetcode: Perfect for practicing coding problems.
    • Pramp: A peer-to-peer platform for scheduling mock interviews.
    • AlgoExpert: A fee-based service offering in-depth explanations of coding problems.
    • Interviewing.io: Offers mock interviews with engineers from top companies, giving you real-world experience of what interviews are like.
    • Cracking the Coding Interview: A classic textbook for all aspiring tech professionals. This is available to borrow through our office at CP&PD.
    • Interview Cake: This resource helps you think critically about how to approach problems.
  1. Job Boards

Looking for a job in tech? These platforms are excellent starting points for discovering diverse opportunities:

  • All Hands: Focused on hiring, training, and retaining diverse talent, All Hands connects you to mission-driven organizations. Visit All Hands to explore open roles in impact.
  • BuiltIn NYC: For those based in New York, BuiltIn offers a robust listing of tech jobs in the city. Check out BuiltIn NYC for local job opportunities in small and mid-sized companies. There are sites for different cities and countries on the platform too.
  • Diversify Tech: Dedicated to fostering a more inclusive tech space, Diversify Tech connects underrepresented groups with job openings. Explore more at Diversify Tech.
  • People of Color in Tech: A job forum for all levels, focusing on job opportunities for people of color in tech. Visit People of Color in Tech for listings and resources.
  • PowerToFly: A platform especially those who are underrepresented in high-impact roles. Visit PowerToFly to explore.
  • Tech for Good: Find opportunities with mission-driven tech organizations in education, human rights, public infrastructure and more. Explore the board at Tech Jobs for Good.
  • All Tech is Human: A Responsible Tech board that highlights opportunities in Responsible AI, Trust & Safety, Tech & Democracy, Public Interest Technology, and Youth, Tech, and Well being. Check out the board here.
  • Progressive Data Jobs: If you’re looking for data, analytics, and tech jobs with a progressive focus, check out Progressive Data Jobs.
  1. Tech Communities & Networking Groups

Networking is a crucial part of your job search in the tech world. Here are some communities to join for support and mentorship:

  • All Tech is Human: A community dedicated to advancing human-centered technology. Visit All Tech is Human to explore their in person, online, and mentor program resources.
  • NYC Tech Slack: A large online community where NYC-based tech professionals gather to share knowledge, resources, and job leads. Join NYC Tech Slack to tap into this network.
  • TechWalk: A unique networking experience where professionals in the tech and SaaS industries meet for walks in the city. Register for a walk through TechWalk.
  • Merit: A networking platform designed to help you connect with mentors for your job search. Explore Merit to find industry leaders who can guide your career.
  1. Communities for Underrepresented Populations in Tech

You might want to find communities that specifically focus on supporting underrepresented groups in tech. Here are some options:

  • AnitaB.org: Provides women and nonbinary technologists with year-round opportunities to connect with and inspire one another, develop their professional skills, find mentors, and gain recognition. Visit AnitaB.org for more.
  • Baddies in Tech: A networking and professional development community focused on women of color in tech. Explore Baddies in Tech for more information.
  • Black Women Talk Tech: A conference designed for Black women tech entrepreneurs and technologists. Get involved at Black Women Talk Tech.
  • Rewriting the Code: This program supports graduate and early-career women in tech through mentorship and educational resources. Visit Rewriting the Code to learn more.
  • Techqueria: The largest global community of Latiné professionals in tech. Join the movement at Techqueria.
  1. Gaining Experience

Gaining hands-on experience is crucial to building your experience. In addition to sourcing opportunities on Handshake, company web sites, and through networking, here are some opportunities that enable you to put your skills into action:

  • Outreachy: Outreachy provides internships to people impacted by underrepresentation in tech. Visit Outreachy to apply for a paid internship that can help launch your career.
  • Forage: Explore free job simulations that allow you to gain experience in tech fields. Visit Forage to explore various opportunities.
  • Hack.Diversity: A fellows program offering training, mentorship and career opportunities to underrepresented groups in tech. Learn more at Hack.Diversity.
  1. Training & Upskilling

For graduate students looking to build or enhance their tech skills, these programs offer training:

  • CUNY Upskilling: A series of training opportunities offered by CUNY that focus on high-growth tech fields like cybersecurity and IoT. Visit CUNY Upskilling for information.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Gain free access through the New York Public Library system (cards are available if you study, live, or work in NYC). Learn more here.
  • Microsoft Learning: Gain digital skills through Microsoft’s extensive library of free online courses. Explore Microsoft Learning.
  1. Resources for Entrepreneurs

If you’re thinking of launching your own tech startup, these resources can help you along the way:

  • FastTrac TechVenture: A series of free multiple-session entrepreneurship bootcamps by the NYC Department of Small Business Services for aspiring tech entrepreneurs. Visit Fastback to learn more.
  • TechStars: Each year, TechStars chooses early-stage companies to join a 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerators, investing $120K and providing hands-on mentorship and access to the Techstars network. Learn more about how to apply here.
  • Google for Startups: On a mission to support thriving, diverse, and inclusive startup communities around the world, they connect startups with the right people, products, and best practices. Apply to academies and learn more on their site.

With these resources in hand, you’re well-equipped to take the next steps in your tech career. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your interview skills, expand your network, or gain hands-on experience, there’s a wealth of opportunities waiting for you. Explore these platforms, and start building the future you’ve envisioned in the tech industry.