Ask HN: How do I become the very best?

The Pokemon theme song goes:

> I wanna be the very best

> Like no one ever was

While I don't want to be the _very best_, I'd like to be pretty damn good.

I'm studying for my Integrated Master's degree in Software Engineering right now, 3rd year out of 5. Fortunately, there's no shortage of jobs where I am located (the EU). Academically, I'm doing well, too: I was a TA, have good grades and maintain very good relationships with my professors.

I love software development. It's the first thing I've been really good at. I think I'm a smart guy, too.

I have, however, very little to show for it, apart from Uni projects and good grades. All of my personal projects simple stuff that grows stale after I frantically hack on it for a couple of days.

Now, I'm trying to make amends: - I got a spot at a summer school/internship at a very prestigious research institute.

- I'm going to create a technical blog where I can at least talk about my quick hacks and record my thoughts on trends.

- I've been trying to always have something going apart from working towards my degree: this summer, I'll be teaching a summer course.

- I've been trying to get international experience. The internship is abroad. I'm also going to be studying at Germany for the next semester at a pretty good university.

I'd like to take advantage of HN's userbase to ask for help:

Do you have any recommendations for me?

How can I groom myself for the top companies?

How can I become the very best?

Thanks in advance.

(note: throwaway account)