October 6, 2024

The Grace Hopper Celebration is happening this week, October 8-11, in Philadelphia. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket—congratulations! GHC is one of the most exciting tech events out there, packed with countless opportunities for attendees.

When I attended as a junior in college, I walked away with 5 interviews that turned into 5 internship offers. But I know how overwhelming it can feel to prepare as a student. That’s why I’m sharing my top 8 tips to help you make the most out of this incredible experience!

Upload Your Resume to the GHC Database

Don’t miss the chance to upload your resume to the GHC resume database. This exclusive database is accessible to all the companies attending the event, many of whom actively search through it to schedule interviews before and during the conference. By submitting your resume early, you increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers—so make sure to upload it as soon as possible for the best shot at landing an interview!

Apply to GHC-Specific Job Postings

Keep an eye out for Grace Hopper-specific job and internship postings from attending companies. Applying through these listings helps flag your application and can fast-track you to an interview during the conference. And don’t forget—if any application asks if you’ll be attending a conference, be sure to mention the Grace Hopper Celebration to boost your visibility!

Prioritize Your Company List for the Career Expo

With so many company booths at GHC, it’s impossible to visit them all. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your top-choice companies and make a plan to visit their booths on the very first day. Many companies will be scheduling interviews on-site during the conference, so getting in early can significantly boost your chances of securing a spot!

Prepare for On-the-Spot Interviews

You may be asked to do a technical interview on the spot at GHC, even if you don’t have anything pre-scheduled. To be ready, make sure to review your Data Structures and Algorithms and get some extra Leetcode practice in during the days leading up to the conference.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

When visiting company booths, you’ll be speaking with a lot of recruiters, so having your elevator pitch ready is key. Don’t get caught off guard when it’s your turn to talk. Your pitch should be a 30-45 second introduction that covers who you are, where you go to school, your background, and why you're excited to work at that specific company. Also, prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask each company (extra points if you’ve done your homework and can ask about their specific internship program!).

Keep a Digital Copy of Your Resume Handy

While it’s smart to bring physical copies of your resume (around 15 to be safe), most companies will ask you to fill out an online form and upload your resume digitally. To make the process smoother, have a copy of your resume easily accessible on your phone. This will save you time and ensure you're always prepared to submit your information on the spot.

Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes

I walked multiple miles when I went to GHC all while staying in the conference center. That being said, please wear comfortable shoes. If you have an interview, you can always bring a more formal pair to change into. Otherwise, no one will expect you to be wearing heels or flats. A nice pair of sneakers will be just fine. As for overall attire, business casual is a good guideline to follow

Bring an Extra Bag for Merch 

This is the fun part! Save room in your suitcase because there is a lot of free merch floating around at GHC. When I went to the conference, I got a blanket, t-shirts, jenga set, cotopaxi fanny pack, and more. 

Attend Company Events at Night

Some companies will host after parties near the conference center. So, be prepared to get invited to some fun events!

I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect at GHC! Most importantly, have fun and take the opportunity to connect with some amazing women in tech.