Attending the SWE24 conference was nothing short of incredible—a whirlwind of energy, opportunity, and learning that gave me a firsthand glimpse into the world of tech, networking, and the potential pathways to my future career. With nearly 20,000 participants, it was easy to feel both thrilled and overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the event. Here’s a rundown of my experience, what I learned, and why, despite the crowds and long lines, I’m convinced conferences like these are well worth the effort.

Diving into the Crowd

When I first stepped into the venue, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. With so many companies and students, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and it was clear I was among a sea of passionate and talented individuals. I had heard about the impressive turnout—close to 20,000 people—and it was evident as I navigated through the packed halls. The number of participants was a bit overwhelming, and at times, I questioned if I’d even get a chance to speak with anyone. But I soon found out that a little patience and perseverance would pay off.

Exploring Big Tech and Beyond

One of the highlights of SWE24 was the chance to interact with representatives from some of the biggest names in tech. Companies like Walmart, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon had massive booths, often with long lines of eager students waiting to chat with recruiters. But beyond these well-known giants, I was excited to discover companies like Medtronic, Adobe, and others that showcased a range of opportunities across tech, healthcare, and innovation. I realized that, while big tech often grabs the headlines, there’s an expansive world of other companies that are just as committed to hiring talented individuals and fostering innovation.

Internships and Immediate Hires: Options Abound

I was initially concerned that, as a second-year student, I might not find many opportunities geared toward my timeline. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that many companies were open to discussing roles with different start dates, including my target of June 2025. Although a lot of the positions available were either internships or immediate hires, there was flexibility in some of the discussions I had. Some companies were even enthusiastic about discussing potential roles in product management, which I’m particularly passionate about.

Product Management: Finding My Path

One of my main goals for the conference was to explore roles in product management, like APM (Associate Product Manager) and RPM (Rotational Product Manager) positions. Product management has always fascinated me, given its blend of technical, strategic, and creative elements. Talking with recruiters and industry professionals gave me valuable insights into what these companies are looking for, from problem-solving skills to a strong understanding of user needs.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

With thousands of people trying to make meaningful connections, long lines were inevitable. At times, I felt frustrated, wondering if anyone would actually land a role amidst the competitive environment. The lines moved slowly, and waiting for my turn often felt like a test of patience. But as I learned from talking to other attendees and hearing their stories, people do find jobs and internships through these conferences. It’s not just about immediate results; it’s about building connections, gaining insights, and staying open to possibilities.

Key Takeaways

Reflecting on my time at SWE24, I came away with several valuable lessons:

1. Networking is More Than Just a Business Card Exchange: Making a genuine connection, even if brief, can be more impactful than handing out dozens of resumes.

2. Persistence Pays Off: Yes, the lines were long and the crowds large, but pushing through helped me speak to recruiters and learn about opportunities I didn’t expect.

3. Keep an Open Mind: While I went in hoping to find product management roles, I also explored adjacent fields and learned about companies and industries I hadn’t previously considered.