In my quest for exceptional talent, I've discovered that brilliance knows no bounds. While prestigious universities often deliver top-notch candidates, I've unearthed remarkable individuals from unexpected corners. Whether from a bustling city or a quiet town, it's the fire in their eyes and the hunger in their hearts that truly sets them apart. In the world of tech, it's not about where you come from, but the determination and innovation you bring to the table.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology One school that stands out for recruiting students for internships or early career technology jobs is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT consistently produces top-tier graduates with strong technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a passion for innovation. Its rigorous academic programs, hands-on approach to learning, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration produce graduates who are well-equipped to excel in the technology industry. MIT's extensive network of alumni and industry partnerships provides valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.
Founder, Realtor and Real Estate Attorney at The Farah Law Firm, P.C.
Answered a year ago
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of my favorite places to recruit students for internships and early career tech jobs. The university offers a range of cybersecurity and IT degrees through its Information Networking Institute and is consistently ranked among the top colleges in the U.S. It boasts a large campus that's particularly welcoming to out-of-state and international students. Pittsburgh is fast becoming a key employment hub for the tech industry, with major companies like Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook establishing a presence there. This environment makes it easier for students to transition into tech careers. Additionally, Carnegie Mellon is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security, which opens up significant employment opportunities in the government sector for its graduates.
When it comes to tech recruitment, I definitely favor the Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech's engineering and computing schools are some of the biggest in the nation. Their computing program features the "Threads" curriculum, which combines core computer science courses with specialized paths that students can tailor to their interests. Both the engineering and computing programs emphasize practical experience. For instance, a third of engineering students engage in research while studying, and over half have the opportunity to study abroad. Located in Atlanta, the school also provides students with easy access to internships and job opportunities at prominent companies.
Favoring local universities like Ohio State and the University of Cincinnati for recruiting internships and early-career technology roles. These schools produce talented grads with strong technical skills and a solid work ethic. Their programs emphasize practical experience, which aligns well with our hands-on approach, ensuring new hires can contribute effectively from day one.
Recruiting from Tulane University and LSU is a favorite strategy due to their strong tech programs and emphasis on practical experience. Students from these schools consistently demonstrate a solid technical foundation and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Their blend of academic excellence and real-world readiness makes them ideal candidates for internships and early career roles, contributing positively to our company's growth and innovation.
As a recruiter, I prioritise recruiting students from universities renowned for their technology and design programs, including those that stand out for their strong engineering and computer science internship programs such as web and graphic design developers, Android developers, SEO specialists, quality analysts and full-stack developers, include: Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) for its exceptionally talented computer science graduates. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for its top-tier tech talent. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) or their rigorous training and problem-solving sessions University of Waterloo for its skilled developers and co-programmers University of Tokyo and so many more.
The fact is, every business, big or small, would always need an in-house tech team (guy) to keep things going smoothly. During one of my internships as a college student, I had the pleasant opportunity to meet an MIT student who was also an intern at the company. Although I was and still have no interest in pursuing a career in science or technology, however, the experiences he shared with me of what college life was like for him, told the story of a hands-on learning experience and a collaborative learning environment, which was in no way like the very competitive learning culture I had always known. The truth is, even now, what charms me the most is the collaborative mindset the school imbibes in its students, which makes them adequately suited for today's workplace. This, in addition to their innovative efficiency, is why as a business owner, MIT has remained one of my favorite schools to recruit from when recruiting students for internships, or recent grads to occupy vacant Tech positions.
When recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early career technology jobs, I often prioritize candidates from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech is renowned for its rigorous engineering and computer science programs, which are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges. Additionally, Georgia Tech’s strong focus on research and innovation, coupled with its extensive network of industry partnerships, provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and collaborative projects. Graduates from Georgia Tech are known for their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and readiness to excel in dynamic tech environments.
I frequently recruit from Stanford University’s School of Engineering. Stanford is a leader in technology education, known for its innovative approach and close ties to Silicon Valley. The university offers a robust curriculum that combines cutting-edge research with hands-on experience, preparing students for the fast-paced tech industry. Stanford’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning encourages students to think creatively and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, the proximity to leading tech companies and startups provides unparalleled internship opportunities and exposure to industry trends. Stanford graduates are highly sought after for their strong technical skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to drive innovation in early career technology roles.
I highly recommend Kennesaw State University for hiring tech early career graduates. At KSU, students start their online BS in information technology with foundational classes in programming and computing. They then move on to core courses that delve into software and data management concepts, setting them up for more advanced topics. Students must choose from one of four advanced concentration options: enterprise systems, data analytics and technology, technology and innovation, or cyber operations security. KSU also offers the Double Owl Pathway, which allows students to pursue an online master's in information technology. This pathway lets learners take some graduate-level courses that count towards both their bachelor's and master's degrees, accelerating their education and expertise in tech, which makes them really good professionals when hired.
Students who graduated from Georgia Tech are among the favorites, whether for an internship or an entry-level job. Aside from schools like MIT and Stanford, where you can expect graduates to know the ins and outs of the tech industry, what stood out the most for me so far is that those from Georgia Tech can handle themselves overall. Most of the recruits I interviewed from this school have pleasing personalities, and their aura of confidence can be felt throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, most of them are really down to earth, and despite their confidence, they are very willing to be taught, which is one of the qualities we are looking for. It's hard to be teachable, especially when you're from a university that produces many good and skillful graduates, but what I observed is that they are practical, which is a very nice and refreshing sight to see.
Lehigh University is definitely one of the top picks for recruiting tech talent. Located in Bethlehem, PA, it's a highly competitive, premier research university with over 7,000 students. Lehigh has a variety of rigorous programs in information systems and technology. In the College of Business and Economics, students can pursue a BS in Business Information Systems, where they take courses in management information systems and business data management, along with classes on risk management, cloud computing, and software ventures. Lehigh also offers a BA in Science, Technology, and Society through its College of Arts and Sciences. This program delves into the social aspects of technological innovation and scientific research. For those interested in the educational applications of technology, Lehigh provides an MS in Instructional Technology and a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Technology.