🚀 Career Roadmap

Complete SQLZoo tutorials 0-9. Focus on SELECT basics, WHERE clauses, and JOINs. Take notes on syntax you've forgotten.

Complete Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial. Focus on analytical queries (GROUP BY, aggregations, window functions).

Install PostgreSQL and pgAdmin. Import sample database (Chinook or Northwind). Write 10 practice queries.

Complete 10 easy SQL problems on LeetCode. Focus on understanding patterns.

Choose a Kaggle dataset (e.g., e-commerce, finance, sports). Import to PostgreSQL. Write SQL queries to analyze. Create visualizations with Python (Matplotlib/Seaborn). Document findings in a Jupyter notebook. Push to GitHub.

Build an end-to-end ML project (classification or regression). Use scikit-learn/PyTorch. Document preprocessing, model selection, evaluation. Create a simple web interface (Streamlit or Flask). Push to GitHub.

Build a CRUD application with frontend (React/Angular) and backend (Node.js/Python Flask). Include database integration. Deploy to Heroku/Vercel. Push to GitHub.

Polish all project READMEs. Add profile README with intro, skills, projects. Include GIFs/screenshots of projects. Pin best 3-4 repos.

Add all 3 portfolio projects. Quantify achievements where possible. Update skills section with refreshed/new skills. Remove "Master" title and placeholder text.

Build Python script to generate custom resumes from master data. Create templates for: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Quant roles. Test output quality.

Set up professional LinkedIn. Add headshot. Write compelling summary addressing career gap positively. Add all projects with links. Connect with Columbia alumni, friends, former colleagues.

Write 3 base cover letters (Software Eng, Data Science, Analyst). Address career gap with growth narrative. Customize introduction and closing sections.

Craft honest, positive story about gap years. Practice delivery for interviews. Frame as: took time for family, self-improvement, skill building. Focus on what you learned and how you're ready to contribute.

Create target list: 50 companies in Stamford, CT; 50 in NYC; 25 in Philadelphia; 25 in Vero Beach. Focus on tech companies, finance firms, consulting. Prioritize those hiring entry-level/junior devs or analysts.

Create spreadsheet: Company, Role, Location, Date Applied, Status, Follow-up Date, Contact Info, Notes. Set up email filters for application responses.

Identify 20 Columbia alumni at target companies (use LinkedIn). Send personalized connection requests. Ask for informational interviews. Mention shared Columbia connection.

Apply to 20 positions in Stamford area. Customize each resume and cover letter. Focus on: entry-level software roles, data analyst positions, junior developer roles. Track in spreadsheet.

Apply to 20 positions in NYC. Same customization process. Include fintech and tech startups.

Complete 20 medium problems. Focus on: arrays, strings, hash tables, trees, dynamic programming. Practice explaining your thought process aloud.

Study system design fundamentals. Read "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" chapters 1-3. Watch YouTube videos on common designs (URL shortener, Twitter feed, etc.). Practice drawing architecture diagrams.

Prepare STAR stories for: challenging project, teamwork, conflict resolution, failure/learning, leadership. Practice answers addressing career gap. Record yourself and review.

Schedule 3-5 mock interviews with friends or use Pramp. Practice technical and behavioral. Get feedback. Adjust weak areas.

For each interview invitation: research company thoroughly, read recent news, understand their products, prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask, review your resume through lens of their job description.

Apply to 3-5 positions per day (Monday-Friday). Mix of locations. Quality over quantity - customize each application. Update tracking spreadsheet immediately.

Post once per week about projects, learning, or tech topics. Comment on posts from target companies and alumni. Send 5 new connection requests to people at target companies.

After 1 week of no response, send polite follow-up email to hiring manager or recruiter. Use LinkedIn to find contact info. Keep message brief and professional.

Join 2 virtual meetups or webinars per month. Focus on: data science, web development, or fintech topics. Network in chat. Connect with speakers on LinkedIn.

Continue 1 LeetCode problem per day. Add features to portfolio projects. Learn new relevant technologies (Docker, AWS basics, React, etc.). Document learning publicly (blog or LinkedIn).