By Nancy DahlbergIf you are a college student in computer science or a professional seeking your first role in tech, whether it is for an internship or full-time job, it’s never too early or too late to get your LinkedIn profile and resume primed to sell your best self, and to learn from the experts about how to ace your interview and build your personal brand, giving you a leg up in the job world.Experts gave incredible advice at Tech Talent Summits at Miami Dade College and Florida International University and the Tech Talent Fest held at FIU held this month. The three events weere supported by Miami Tech Works, a collaborative initiative funded by a $10 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration that is aimed at growing a sustainable and inclusive tech talent pipeline for our region. Students and community members were also able to attend multiple workshops and discussions, get one-on-one advice on their resume, network with employers, and perhaps even get their professional headshot taken. Hundreds of students and community members turned out for the events.If you weren’t able to attend, we’re here to share some of the best insights and tips for you.PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE: START WITH YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILEMiami Tech Works supported the South Florida Tech Hub and FIU to host the Tech Talent Fest on Nov. 18 on the FIU Campus. Training provider partners were in attendance including Miami Dade College, 4Geeks Academy, Florida Memorial University, OIC of South Florida.Donna Serdula led a session about optimizing your LinkedIn profile

By Krysten BrenllaSixteen years ago, Patricia Hernandez emigrated from Cuba to the United States with a single goal: to attend college and earn a degree. However, arriving in a new country without knowing the language and working to support herself made that dream seem increasingly out of reach.Despite the many obstacles she faced, Hernandez enrolled at Miami Dade College in 2013 when she was 24 years old.“When I was first starting, I remember that I would leave my house at 7 a.m., and I didn’t get back home until 11 p.m.,” Hernandez said. “It was really hard, but I didn’t give up.”At first, Hernandez aimed for a career as a pharmacy technician. But, when she began her studies, she discovered a passion for technology after taking courses in robotic pharmacy.“I realized that I really loved working with robots and everything that had to do with tech,” Hernandez said. “I started working closely with developers, suggesting new ideas to the team, and I realized that I really loved creating new things.”A few years later, in 2020, Hernandez received the life-changing news that she was pregnant.Her son, now 4-years-old, was her inspiration and motivation to continue her studies at college. She became one of 25 students to earn the Women of Color in Tech Google Scholarship (the only student from Florida), and landed a spot in Miami Dade College’s Rebooting through EmTech Programs (REP).Now, with a new passion for tech, Hernandez is studying Information System Technology with a concentration as a Software Engineer at MDC, with hopes of graduating with her bachelor’s degree next month month while participating in organizations like AnitaB and CodePath.With the support of MDC’s resources, like the Miami Codes initiative in partnership with Apple, which aims to equip minority students with iOS app development skills, and the Miami Tech Works‘ Miami Tech Talent Coalition, a collaboration of employers, academia and community organizations creating new tech pathways for residents, Hernandez this year secured several opportunities, including a 10-week internship with the City of Coral Gables, and now her first job as a junior software engineer at Datapro in Miami.“My first internship with the City of Coral Gables was something different, challenging, and new for me,” Hernandez said