Comment Re:Learn the low level things. (Score 2, Informative) 587
As a student who is just about to graduate in 6 months and having secured a job with one company, with about 10 offers from other companies, I would agree that knowing C and memory management is of the upmost importance. For a technical background, knowing your data structures, object oriented principles, and algorithms are also important. I asked how to implement linked lists, tell them what the different parts of different languages' OO properties (i.e. Java vs. C++), and how many bytes some data structure would take up. You need a good understanding of the basic concepts, such as time complexity of almost every basic algorithm (search/sort/iterate) for most basic data structures (trees/graphs/arrays). Always be reading and learning new concepts, not just new tools. Books that will help you are going to be such items as Pragmatic Programmer, Code Complete, Joel on Software, Mythical Man Month, and almost any book these reference.
I think the most awarding experience that I have had during my time in college has been being involved in open source projects. They can teach you just as much about real world working as any co-op or internship can, if not do a better job of it. From my experience, open source projects usually have a much better development cycle then your ordinary company. Being able to talk about two solid projects that were not a trivial school assignment are important. And most open source projects will have politics to deal with, which go on at every aspect of every job.
Finally, think about the people aspect. Working in teams is important, VERY, VERY important! Every single company I went to wanted to know what _team_ projects I had worked on, and how I contributed to that team. Very often, I was asked about the different aspects of working on the team etc. Leadership is a big factor here, being a team leader or showing leadership capabilities is important. You need to be able to be the alpha dog in a pack, although they are going to hire you as a grunt to start.
I think the most awarding experience that I have had during my time in college has been being involved in open source projects. They can teach you just as much about real world working as any co-op or internship can, if not do a better job of it. From my experience, open source projects usually have a much better development cycle then your ordinary company. Being able to talk about two solid projects that were not a trivial school assignment are important. And most open source projects will have politics to deal with, which go on at every aspect of every job.
Finally, think about the people aspect. Working in teams is important, VERY, VERY important! Every single company I went to wanted to know what _team_ projects I had worked on, and how I contributed to that team. Very often, I was asked about the different aspects of working on the team etc. Leadership is a big factor here, being a team leader or showing leadership capabilities is important. You need to be able to be the alpha dog in a pack, although they are going to hire you as a grunt to start.
