Choosing the Pigman College of Engineering means gaining access to comprehensive career support, personalized guidance, and valuable resources that will empower you to navigate your career journey and achieve success. Join us to unlock your potential and secure a bright future in engineering and computer science.
WELCOME, PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS!
Your Career Journey Begins Here
Welcome to the Engineering Career and Co-op Center at the Pigman College of Engineering! Whether you’re just starting to explore your career options or are ready to dive into your professional journey, our office is here to support you every step of the way.
WHAT WE DO
Comprehensive Career Support
From your first day on campus to securing your dream job, we provide comprehensive career support tailored to your needs. Our services are designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate your career path successfully.
Personalized Guidance
We offer one-on-one appointments to help you with:
- Resumes and Cover Letters: Craft compelling documents that showcase your skills and experiences.
- Interview Preparation: Develop the skills to ace different types of interviews, including phone screenings, behavioral interviews, and technical challenges.
- Job Search Strategies: Learn effective strategies for finding internships, co-ops, and full-time positions.
- Offer Evaluation and Negotiation: Understand how to evaluate job offers and negotiate terms confidently.
Career Fairs and Networking
We host two major career fairs each academic year, providing you with opportunities to connect with top employers. Additionally, we organize various networking events, such as Recruiter in Residence sessions, to help you build professional relationships and explore career opportunities.
Workshops and Resources
Our center offers a wide range of workshops on topics like:
- General Career Development Strategies: Learn what our office does and how we can help you.
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Tips and best practices for creating effective resumes and cover letters.
- Interview Preparation: Strategies for preparing for and succeeding in interviews.
- Career Fair Preparation and Elevator Pitches: Guidance on how to prepare for career fairs and craft impactful elevator pitches.
- Leveraging LinkedIn and Networking: Techniques for utilizing LinkedIn and networking to advance your career.
- Job Search Strategies: Effective strategies for finding and securing job opportunities.
Career Strategies: Steps to Success – Year By Year Guide
We understand that planning your career development journey can be daunting, which is why we created the Career Strategies: Steps to Success – Year By Year Guide. This invaluable tool provides a roadmap from day one through graduation, offering an overview, detailed year-by-year guides, and a printable checklist. It’s designed to help you map out your career development journey, ensuring you stay on track and make the most of the resources available to you. We don’t expect you to navigate this journey alone, and our guide is here to assist you every step of the way.
WHY IT MATTERS
Gaining Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is crucial for engineering and computer science students. Internships, co-op programs, and project-based courses help you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, developing practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Building a Professional Network
Connecting with professionals in your field can open doors to future job opportunities and provide valuable mentorship. Our events and resources help you build a robust professional network.
Enhancing Your Resume
Practical experience and involvement in professional development activities enhance your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Including internships, project work, and co-op programs on your resume highlights your initiative and readiness to contribute effectively in a professional environment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Have to Get a Co-op?
Is it required? No. Is it expected by our office and employers? Yes. But you have the freedom to decide when you co-op. You have the freedom to seek co-op opportunities that interest you. We don’t place you in a co-op position, which means that you gain experience in learning how to search for opportunities, how to apply for opportunities, and how to earn opportunities.
Is There a List of Companies I Have to Choose From?
We do not have a list of “approved” companies. Our students can pursue opportunities with any company that offers co-op positions. If you pursue a company we don’t yet have a working relationship with, that’s not an impediment to your success. We’re here to assist you in the search and application process.
Join Us and Start Your Journey To Success
Choosing the Pigman College of Engineering means joining a community dedicated to your success. The Engineering Career and Co-op Center is here to ensure you have the resources, guidance, and opportunities to build a fulfilling and successful career. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
