### How Creative Networking and Peer Support Fueled a Successful Career Pivot from Finance to Tech
Sreeja Apparaju’s journey from finance to tech highlights the power of strategic networking and collaborative support in navigating a competitive job market. Despite graduating from UC Berkeley with a double major in computer science and economics in 2022—a time marked by tech layoffs and economic uncertainty—Apparaju lacked tech internships, having previously interned at Deutsche Bank. Realizing finance wasn’t her passion, she leveraged a close-knit circle of friends also seeking software engineering roles. By sharing recruiter contacts and job leads, the group accelerated their searches, with Apparaju securing referrals and opportunities, such as an interview with Palantir. Though she didn’t land that role, the collective effort kept her motivated, demonstrating that collaboration, rather than competition, can streamline the job-hunting process.
When Apparaju applied for a software engineering position at Snap Inc. in early 2023, she combined referrals with inventive networking tactics to stand out. After a referral from a friend’s cousin at Snap, she proactively searched LinkedIn for recruiters specializing in new graduates. Without a Premium account, she bypassed character-limited messages by deducing the recruiter’s email format from her referral’s address—a clever guess that led to a successful outreach. This initiative resulted in a prompt response, launching her into a rigorous interview process that included technical assessments and multiple rounds of interviews. By March 2023, she accepted an offer, starting as a machine learning engineer at Snap that August, where she now enjoys greater autonomy in a smaller-company environment.
Apparaju’s experience offers valuable lessons for job seekers in any field. She emphasizes the importance of directly connecting with recruiters, thorough interview preparation—including mock interviews—and remaining open to roles that may not align perfectly with past experience. Most importantly, she advocates leaning on personal and professional networks, noting that many are willing to help in a challenging market. Her story underscores that pivoting careers requires resilience, creativity, and community support, proving that even in uncertain times, proactive networking and peer collaboration can turn aspirations into reality.
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