The Smart Student’s Guide to a Successful Career (Win a Free Pass!)

Hey there!

In the U.S., professional opportunities for students are everywhere. You can join world-class student organizations, attend industry-leading conferences for free, and connect with professionals who could one day help you land your dream job. But here’s the secret: none of it happens by accident. You need a plan.

Here’s a simple game plan you can start this semester:

But First - Exclusive Roam Newsletter Giveaway!

We’re giving away 3 free All-Access Passes (worth $199) to the Open Atlas Summit, the largest event for tech immigrants in America, happening Aug 15th -16th in Milpitas, CA.

This isn’t just another conference - it’s the largest event for tech immigrants in America, bringing together 800+ ambitious professionals, founders, and visa experts for two days of career-changing connections.

At the summit, you’ll:

• Meet 20 top immigration lawyers offering free consults you can pre-book.

• Network with 850+ ambitious immigrants and industry leaders.

• Sessions on alternative visa pathways

• Access all workshops, career panels, lounges, and lifetime Unshackled community membership ($999 value).

How to Enter (Final Round):
Reply to this email with:
1. Your full name
2. Where you’re based
3. One sentence on why you want to attend

📅 Deadline: Wednesday, Aug 12th at 11:59 PM PT
🏆 Winner Announced: Wednesday morning (Aug 13th) - just in time for Day 1!

Want to skip the wait? Grab your ticket now for just $159 (20% off) with code “ROAM20” at checkout - limited to the first 50 redemptions.

1. Join (or Create!) Academic & Professional Organizations

One of the smartest moves you can make in college is getting involved in professional student organizations related to your field. These aren’t just “clubs” - they’re pipelines to mentorship, industry connections, and national-level exposure. You can even organize fundraisers or apply for university funding to travel to major conferences for free!

If you’re an engineering major, that might mean joining the Society for Women Engineers (SWE) or American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). If you’re in finance or business, it could be the Financial Management Association (FMA). Most of these organizations have campus chapters that connect directly to national parent organizations.

Here’s the real value:

• Conferences & Competitions - National events bring together recruiters, grad programs, and industry leaders. Attending can open doors to internships and job offers.

• Mentorship - Many have formal mentorship programs that pair you with alumni or professionals in your field.

• Scholarships & Awards - A lot of organizations offer funding and recognition for members.

Don’t see a chapter on your campus? Start one yourself. It might sound daunting, but universities are usually happy to support initiatives that give students professional opportunities.

Not a current international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

2. Level Up Your LinkedIn Presence

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your public career diary - a place to share your growth, highlight your skills, and make it easy for the right people to find you.

Beyond just filling in your education and work experience, use LinkedIn to:

• Share project updates - Finished a group project you’re proud of? Post about what you built, the challenges you solved, and the skills you used.

• Highlight new certifications - Whether it’s a Google Analytics certificate or a coding bootcamp, let people know you’re upskilling.

• Document your journey - Post reflections on what you’re learning in your field. This shows curiosity and commitment.

Pro tip: Post regularly. Even once a month is enough to keep your profile active and on people’s radar. The more you show your growth, the more likely a recruiter or future employer is to remember you.

3. Work with Professors on Research

If you want to stand out academically and professionally, being part of published research is a game-changer.

Approach professors early in the semester and ask if they have research projects you can contribute to. Even if you start with small tasks - data collection, literature review, editing - it shows initiative. Over time, you could:

• Co-author a paper.

• Present at a conference.

• Build expertise in a niche topic in your field.

Professors are more likely to take you on if they’ve seen your dedication in class. So participate actively, ask thoughtful questions, and then make your interest clear.

4. Build a Network Among Your Classmates

Don’t underestimate the power of your peers. Some of your classmates will go on to work at top companies, start their own businesses, or become leaders in their fields - and those early relationships matter.

• Stay in touch with the classmates who are sharp, motivated, and collaborative.

• In group projects, aim to work with those who push the team forward.

• Outside of class, keep in touch through coffee chats, study sessions, or even LinkedIn connections.

These relationships will help you maintain high standards for your own work - and one day, they might be the ones introducing you to your next big opportunity.

Your future career is a marathon, not a sprint - but the small steps you take now will make you unforgettable later. We’re rooting for your success!

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡