Introduction

When you think about the kind of company you’d like to work for, what comes to mind? Not just any job that pays the bills, but one you’d genuinely be excited about—a company in an industry or field you’re passionate about, where you can make a real impact.

Finding that clarity takes work. It means getting specific: narrowing down industries, identifying roles you’d thrive in, and even pinpointing specific companies where you’d like to apply. Once you know what’s possible for you, the next step is figuring out what they need to see to hire you.

We’ve laid out a default set of projects to guide you, but not everyone follows it exactly—and that’s okay. If you choose to go your own way, though, you’ll need a plan. What jobs do you want to pursue? What skills and projects will prove you’re ready? Without a clear path, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just doing stuff,” without knowing what it will amount to.

Identify what’s possible for you and get clear on the skills and evidence you’ll need to stand out to the companies you admire. Outline a concrete plan to align your efforts with their expectations. This video will show you how to document your plan effectively and provide examples to follow, so you can stay focused and intentional about your path forward.