ColorStack@VT Newsletter

About Us

Welcome to ColorStack@VT! ColorStack is a non-profit organization with the mission of “increasing the number of Black and Latinx computer science graduates who go on to have successful technical careers”. We're thrilled to announce the establishment of our new chapter, dedicated to amplifying the presence and success of Black and Latinx Hokies in the tech industry. As part of our vibrant chapter, you'll gain access to invaluable resources, mentorship opportunities, and the collective strength of students nationwide striving towards similar goals. Join us in making a meaningful impact!

For more details, you can visit the national ColorStack website: ColorStack

Upcoming General Board Meeting

Join us for our first General Board Meeting! It's the perfect opportunity to learn about our mission and explore various strategies to maximize your summer. During this session, we'll discuss the benefits of tasks like enrolling in summer courses, obtaining certifications, etc. This meeting is not just an opportunity to plan your summer but also a great way to connect with fellow members and meet the ColorStack board.

Resume Book

Add Your Resume to Our Exclusive Resume Book! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to share your resume with top companies. ColorStack@VT is compiling a resume book that will be shared with our network of corporate partners. These sponsors actively recruit from our resume book when they have openings for internships, co-ops, and full-time roles.

By submitting your resume, you'll gain access to job opportunities and networking connections that may not be widely advertised. Click below to add your resume to our Resume Book.

Professional Development Blueprint

Our mission extends beyond just academic support; we’re here to help you grow professionally too. Summer is a fantastic time to bolster your credentials and gear up for the Fall Recruiting Season. Here is a list of resources to help you do just that.

Coding Practice: The Daily Routine

Regular coding practice is crucial. Aim for 2-4 hours of practice daily, but remember to establish a study-break routine that keeps you balanced. Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, PluralSight, Udemy, Coursera, and Neetcode offer abundant resources. Click any of the links below to get started!

Earn Certifications

For those eyeing roles in cybersecurity or aiming to deepen their general CS knowledge, certifications can significantly broaden your knowledge base, while enhancing your resume. Consider exploring CompTIA ITF+, A+, and AWS certifications, just to name a few. To learn more, click the links below!

Networking

Sharpening your communication skills is vital. A well-crafted elevator pitch can captivate potential employers or mentors, making networking substantially more effective. LinkedIn Learning provides several courses on communication and networking strategies tailored for professionals, in addition to technical courses. Virginia Tech offers FREE LINKEDIN LEARNING 🖥️ to all Hokies so get started today!

Rest

While improving is important, decompressing and recharging are equally valuable. Use this time wisely to de-stress and relax.

Join our GroupMe!

Stay connected with all things ColorStack@VT! Our GroupMe is the place to catch real-time updates, share resources, and ask questions. Click below to join our GroupMe.