Building Your Network Beyond the Hill
When you get to college, you’ll hear a lot about the importance of building community on campus. While finding your people at Tufts is absolutely crucial, there’s another layer of community that is just as important, especially for those of us studying computer science and engineering: your external network.
Taking the initiative to connect with national organizations has been one of the most defining parts of my educational journey. If you’re a prospective student wondering how to bridge the gap between your classes and your future career, here is a look at the network I’ve built along the way.
Growing with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
My connection with HSF actually started before I even set foot on the Tufts campus. I applied to be an HSF Scholar during my senior year of high school. That early engagement laid the groundwork for me to attend their National Leadership Conference (NLC) during the summer before my sophomore year. As a Hispanic student, stepping into a room full of driven, high-achieving peers who shared similar cultural backgrounds and understood the weight of our families’ journeys to the U.S. was incredibly empowering. HSF provided me with mentors and a network that constantly reminds me of the bigger picture behind my degree.
Leveling Up with CodePath
While Tufts gives me a rigorous foundation in computer science, I love using external platforms to rapidly build practical, industry-ready skills. CodePath has been amazing for this. They offer free, high-quality CS courses, and taking their classes in Technical Interview Prep, Cybersecurity, and Applied AI Engineering completely leveled up my technical toolkit.
During their Web Development course, I was able to take the concepts we were learning and immediately build full-stack portfolio projects, like a sneaker collection website and a fitness tracker app. Having a structured program like CodePath to supplement my Tufts coursework gave me the practice I needed to tackle personal side projects with confidence.
Community in Tech: Code2040 & ColorStack
Navigating the tech industry as a student of color can sometimes feel daunting, which is why organizations like Code2040 and ColorStack are absolute game-changers. They are dedicated to increasing the number of Black and Hispanic engineering students in tech and fostering a community where we can thrive.
Participating in the Code2040 Hackathon was a massive highlight for me. It was there that I developed a project called the “Income Equity & Affordability Analyzer.” Building that project alongside peers who shared my background and goals pushed my technical limits while reinforcing that the tech industry needs our perspectives. ColorStack similarly provides an incredible support system, offering everything from resume reviews to a massive Slack community of students cheering each other on.
The Takeaway
Your university is your home base, but your network should extend far beyond it. Engaging with organizations like HSF, CodePath, Code2040, and ColorStack hasn't just made me a better programmer. It has made me a more confident student and a more supported individual. When you get to college, don't be afraid to look beyond the Hill and build your own network!