Rewriting the Code

Fall recruiting opens earlier than most people expect. Large tech companies begin accepting full-time and new-grad applications in August and September, with first-round interviews following shortly after. That means the time between now and applications opening is one of the highest-leverage windows of the year, whether or not you have an internship this summer. We put together a practical guide on exactly how to use it, built around what RTC members told us about the recruiting cycle. Get the full breakdown at https://teamrtc.co/4wHp3v9. It's worth bookmarking before the summer slips by.

Chinaza Chukwunweike realized software engineering was the right path for her when she stopped building projects for grades and started building for people. ✨ During her final year at university, she created a web-based freelancing platform designed to help people early in their freelancing careers find a softer landing into the industry. That experience shifted how she thinks about technology, not just as code or functionality, but as something that directly shapes how people navigate opportunities and solve problems. Today, that same mindset shows up in how she approaches performance, collaboration, and user experience, whether she’s optimizing systems behind the scenes or creating more accessible technical conversations through Tech Talks. Read Chinaza’s full story and get to know more of the community behind RTC: https://teamrtc.co/3RwSal6.

At some point in your career, someone will probably suggest management as your “next step.” Maybe your manager brings it up. Maybe you notice peers moving into lead roles. Maybe you start wondering whether staying on the Individual Contributor track means you’re somehow thinking too small. But in tech, management doesn't have to be your only option. Before you default to the path you think you’re supposed to want, let’s pause here and unpack one of the first major career decisions many women in tech face: choosing between the Individual Contributor and management tracks and figuring out which path actually aligns with the kind of work, impact, and career you want to build. Learn more and take a short quiz to help you think through what might fit you best: https://teamrtc.co/4dp3rMM.

The data is in, and our team is bringing it to #NACE26! 💪 We are proud to announce that Kate Dean-McKinney, Swadha Rai, and Jessica Mora will be presenting at the National Association of Colleges and Employers Annual Conference on Wednesday, June 10th. Their session, "From First Offer to First Anniversary: Retaining Gen Z Talent," tackles one of the most pressing challenges in early-career hiring right now: what actually keeps Gen Z engaged, committed, and growing within your organization. We'll only be on-site for the day on Wednesday, June 10th, so if you're attending NACE and want to connect, now is the time to lock in a meeting or plan to stop by and meet us in person. See you in Denver! 👋

Congratulations to the Spring Class of 2026. 🎓💐 Earning your degree while building skills, community, and a vision for your future in tech is no small feat, and this class did exactly that. We are proud to have walked alongside you through this chapter and even prouder to watch you step confidently into what comes next. To each graduate: your drive, your growth, and your presence in this community have made RTC stronger. As you transition into your careers, graduate programs, or wherever your path leads, know we are still in your corner and ready to support you in your next chapter. This is a milestone worth celebrating. Congratulations, Spring 2026! ♥️🧡

Something we see consistently in early-career recruiting: teams that only show up during hiring season spend more time rebuilding relationships than building them. The partners who see the strongest pipelines tend to stay present year-round, not with a huge lift, but with intentional, consistent touchpoints that keep candidates warm long before a role opens up. If your team is looking to get more out of your recruiting investments, this one's for you.

One of the core benefits of the Rewriting the Code community is direct access to opportunities from company partners invested in hiring tech talent. This month is for our Early Career members; new roles are now live on the teamRTC Job Board. If you're actively searching or just exploring, it's worth a look.

Sustainability in your career is just as important as ambition. We're inspired by the way the Rewriting the Code community continues to pursue their goals while protecting their energy, boundaries, and well-being. That's not a compromise, it's a strategy. What does balance look like for you right now? Share in the comments. 👇 Congratulations, Jangael Rosales, Mijgon Z., Sanjana, Snehdeep Kaur, Dianna Dimambro, and Zita Addy!

We know your time is limited, so making space for the right opportunities matters. We are hosting a range of events over the next few weeks designed to support you wherever you are right now. Whether you are focused on building skills, exploring what’s next, or simply looking to kick off the summer connecting with the community, there are options that fit into your schedule without adding pressure. All events are free for members and available through the teamRTC portal, making it easy to take a step forward on your own terms.

The semester is over. You survived the deadlines, the burnout, the emotional support fries, the discussion boards, and at least one completely unnecessary group project. Now what? Before you sprint into internships, summer classes, job applications, or pretending you’re “finally going to rest,” let’s take a second to celebrate making it through and dive into some funny, honest, and deeply necessary end-of-school-year advice from RTC’s Kristin Austin, Ed.D., Vice President of Culture & Social Impact, on wrapping up the semester the right way. (Yes, one of them is finally updating your RTC profile.)