Engineering Internship & Job Search Skills

Transcription

1 Engineering Internship & Job Search Skills Jason Bruns, BSME, MBA Director Presentation originally developed by and revised with permission from: Karina Clennon Assistant Director 209 Wigley Administration mnsu.edu/cdc

2 Engineering Center Vision and Mission Vision: Advancing Minnesota s engineering innovation and competitiveness by enhancing education, engaging industry and inspiring students. Mission: The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence facilitates relationships by engaging academic institutions with industry and provides educational outreach by inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These efforts shape the next generation of engineers who will solve real-world problems.

3 Current State Free Agent?

4 Current Job Growth in the Upper Midwest

5 Launch Your Career Steps Task Develop a general Resume & Cover Letter Develop a Linked-in Profile, Have these materials reviewed Business cards & Portfolio Research 5-10 companies Prepare For & Attend Job Fairs Prepare For & Attend Networking Events FULL JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCH Research companies & Positions Tailor each resume and cover letter to position Apply Time 3 10 Hours 5 10 Hours 3 5 Hours 1 2 Hours per Application

6 What Is Your Target? Location? Employers? Occupations?

7 Resumes Building it Discover your Passion Who am I? What do I like? What are my hobbies? What do people compliment me for? What do I know about my DISLIKES? Career Pathway End of the Rainbow Launch Your Career Passion meets skills + interests + values Previous experience, new experiences! Resume, Cover Letter, Interviews Networking Professionalism Develop your Skills and Experience Course work, group work, Senior projects Part-time jobs, Business tours Clubs, hobbies, volunteering Accomplishments, responsibilities INTERNSHIPS discover launch develop

8 Resumes Engineering Opportunities for items to discuss in your resume: Hard Skills Soft Skills Certifications

9 Resume: Things to Include Enough information to contact you Objective optional, be sure to update Education Experience keywords Campus and Community activities References Supervisors if possible

10 Develop Your Skills and Experience Part-time Jobs, Internships, and Unique Experiences What might set you apart from another candidate? What do you need more experience in? What are your personal attributes that would make you an ideal fit for an organization? Other sectors that might accent? ACTION

11 Networking at a Career Fair Who is there? Target your passion what are you looking for Do your research Questions to ask? Have you thought about what you might be asked? Do not forget about the little guy

12 Prepare Elevator Speech a.k.a., A professional introduction An elevator speech is a short (30-60 seconds) summary of who you are and what your goals are This is helpful at career fairs, conferences, and other professional (and social) events Your elevator speech should include: Name, major, career goal, timeline, PASSION, and a question

13 Preparing for an Interview Have a Plan What are the TOP companies in the field? What companies fit my nitch? Considering location and relocation size? Research Visit official websites Identify mission & goals What positions are open? What questions does this leave you with? 5-10 Hours Questions Are there gaps in your resume you need to explain? Unique positions Focused on a project that can answer standard questions

14 Professional Interview Confidence and Enthusiasm Passion Communicate your skills Provide examples Think out loud Record names and contact info of interviewers Practice Your Primary Goal in an interview: Communicate your skills and previous experiences and how they directly relate to the position description

15 Summary PASSION for the profession Portfolio to help you share experience Projects to break down Understand the job don t be lazy in the resume/cover letter Trigger words soft skills too.

16 THANK YOU! Jason Bruns, BSME, MBA Director Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence Minnesota State University, Mankato 131 Trafton Science Center North Mankato, MN Phone: Fax: Cell: Follow us Facebook!