GHC24 Checklist to Land Your Dream Job

Are you attending #GHC24? 🎉

💼 Looking to land an internship or a full-time role?

😰 Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to focus your energy?

If that sounds like you, then keep reading!

The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world’s largest gathering of women and nonbinary technologists, bringing together more than 30,000 people to learn, network, and celebrate. It’s an amazing opportunity, but with so much going on, it can feel like a lot to navigate.

As someone who has attended GHC numerous times (7!), spoken there on topics like returnships and apprenticeship programs, and led the planning for a major tech company’s GHC presence, I’ve learned a lot about how to maximize this experience—especially when your goal is to land an internship or full-time role. The great news?

Companies at GHC are there because they want to meet and hire talented people like you!

To help you get the most out of this unique opportunity, I’ve put together a checklist of key steps to set you up for success.

✅ Your GHC24 Checklist: Preparing to Land Your Dream Job

1️⃣ Update Your Resume

Make sure your resume reflects your most recent experiences, focusing on measurable outcomes. If you’re a student, include your graduation date and whether you’re seeking an internship or a full-time position. Also include:

• Contact info (email, phone)

• LinkedIn profile (shortened URL)

• Skills (both technical and soft skills)

• Organizations, awards, and relevant experience (e.g., research, volunteering)

• Links to projects or portfolios

2️⃣ Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile should match your resume and be fully updated with:

• A clear, professional photo

• Contact information

• An optimized headline (e.g., "CS @ [University] | Seeking Full-Time SWE Role | #GHC24")

• A summary that tells your story and highlights your value

3️⃣ Define Your “Job Search Zip Code”

You don’t need to know your exact dream job, but having some parameters will help you focus. Consider:

• Internship or full-time?

• Functional area (software engineering, product management, etc.)

• Preferred location or work style (in-person, hybrid, remote)

• Type of company (startup, large enterprise)

• Industry and/or dream companies

4️⃣ Research Companies & Opportunities

Start by reviewing the list of companies attending GHC24. Research their career pages to learn about available roles, their products, values, and company culture. Having this background will give you an edge when talking to recruiters and hiring managers at GHC.

5️⃣ Apply to Roles Before the Conference

Submit your applications to target companies via their career sites or the AnitaB.org job board. That way, when you meet with recruiters and hiring managers, you’ll already be in their system.

6️⃣ Craft Your Elevator Pitch

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet people at GHC—whether at the Career Fair, in Breakout Sessions, or even in the hallways. Have a 30-second pitch ready to confidently introduce yourself and make a lasting impression.

7️⃣ Plan Your Time

To get the most out of GHC24, create a schedule for yourself. Plan how to divide your time between the breakout sessions, and the Career Fair & Expo. The GHC app is usually a great tool for this, and you may even be able to pre-register for sessions.

I’ll be cheering you on at GHC24! Remember to enjoy the experience, take advantage of the networking opportunities, and go after the roles that excite you. You’ve got this! 💪

Ready to take your GHC experience to the next level?

If you found these tips helpful, I’d love to hear from you!

Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or feel free to reach out if you have any questions. And if you’re looking for more career guidance, sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive tips and resources straight to your inbox.

Know someone attending GHC24? Share this post with them—they might appreciate the insights as they prepare for the conference!