1. Ready, Set…. Start Your Job Search!
Job Search Strategies
Ready, Set…. Start Your Job Search!
David McMahon ’69
Associate Director
HireAggies.com ♦ (979)
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

2. What Employers Value When Selecting Full-time Employees
TAMU National
Internships/Co-ops % 83%
Personality/Social Skills 97%
Creativity/Problem Solving 95%
Technical/Academic Skills %
GPA %
Leadership in Professional Organization 90% 69%
Leadership in Non-professional Organization 64% 48%
Part-time job %
Volunteer engagement % 46%
Senior Design Projects % 71%
AggiExternship %
Research with Faculty % 52%
Study Abroad % 38%
Work Abroad % 54%

3. Current Hiring Trends they are filled through networking (NACE, 2009)
80% of jobs/internships are never posted,
they are filled through networking (NACE, 2009)
57% of internships were converted into jobs in 2009 (Internships.com)
60% of students finish college with one internship, % finish with two (NACE, 2008)
85% of employers have said they only hire candidates who have had meaningful experiential learning opportunities (Gardner, 2009)
Of all 2009 US hires, 51% were internal promotions and 27% referrals (CareerXroads, 2010)

4. Job Search Strategies - Self Assessment, Identify Skills
Explore careers, gather information
Utilize ALL Career Resources
- Conducting the Search
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

5. The Job Search
Challenge: Decide what you want to do and where you want to work
Mission: Gain skills needed to effectively market yourself to employers
Result: Obtain the position you are excited about!!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

6. Co-ops and Internships
Typically multiple semesters
Always paid
Receive academic credit
Full-time student status
No Readmission
No loan payments
INTERNSHIPS
Usually one summer semester
Paid or volunteer
Academic credit decided by Department
May/may not retain FT student status
Student quotes:
“(Co-op) prepares you for a professional career. Treats you just as though you are an engineer and are there when you need help.”
“(A co-op is)…Able to work on many projects that involved a team approach. From every project I worked on, there was something to learn and a new concept to grasp.”
“This job is challenging and calls a co-op to use all of his/her scholastic knowledge and apply it in a hands on environment.”
“I was not given busy work, but jobs, task, and assignments that the company needed to function…This experience has also refined my expectations of the type of job I want after graduation and what skills I need to reach that job.”
O:\Career Center\General\1 Presentations & Workshops\COOP Orientations\2013 Fall Co-op Orientation

7. Why Work an Internship or Co-op Before Graduation
Major
Average Full-time Offer to Students Without Internships
Average Full-time Offer to Students With Internships
Social Science
$26,251
$32,487
Engineering
$51,862
$60,341
Computer Science
$45,000
$58,920
Business
$35,000
$41,654
Accounting
$43,217
$46,723
Overall
(NACE 2010 Student Survey)
$34,601
$41,580

8. How Employers “Grade” TAMU Students
common/1 Presentations/Employer Trng/Employers Grade Students Results
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

9. Know the Company
“If you won’t take the time to review our website before the interview, why should I take the time to interview you?”
A&M Recruiter
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

10. What Should Students Research at Company Websites
Feedback from Students Employers Company overview 80% 97% Products/Services 56% 77% Career Opportunity 75% 68% Location 46% 45% Financial 15% 13% Division 25% 6%

11. Career Direction
What brings that sparkle to your eye or fire in your belly?
What are the 3 to 5 things you see yourself doing with your degree for my company?
What in my job description excited you, that you see yourself doing?
Why are you the best person to fill my job, not just qualified to do my job?

12. Realistic Expectations Needing Improvement
Employers’ Feedback
72% Oral communications
71% Written communications
64% Entitlement attitude
63% Constructive criticism
42% >40 Hour work week
41% Pay for performance
41% Not automatic promotions
26% Professional dress

13. What are your Skills? Ag Research Technical skills skills
Job Search skills
Writing skills
Oral Communication and Presentation
skills Ag
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

14. Learning the Ropes... Register with Career Center
Complete Internship Assessment Worksheet
Walk-in or Individual Advising
Resume review and other questions
Discuss internship/job interests with your Academic Advisors, Professors, Family, Friends – Network!!
Do Informational Interviews to Explore Options
1. One on One Advising, and
2. Internet, job postings
3. Internet, library
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

15. What did you tell the Employer in the interview?
Interviewing Success
What did you tell the Employer in the interview?
WIIFM ….. Or ….. WIIFT

16. You have already paid for it!!!!!!
Career Center Resource
HireAggies.com
You have already paid for it!!!!!!
No charge to Employers!!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

17. HireAggies.com On Campus Recruiting You’ve already paid for it!!
3,500+ Companies
10,000 + Interview Schedules & Job Postings
On-campus interviews
16,000+ conducted …. Whoop!
Resume Drops
165,00+ submitted!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

18. HireAggies.com Online Resources
Career Development/Exploration Resources
Air Jobs Career Beam CareerSearch Career Shift
Eco Jobs Going Global Internships.com Internships USA Virtual Mock Interview Jobweb
Oil & Gas Journal SIGI3
Sports Job Board UniWorld
Vault WetFeet.com
Washington Information Directory
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

19. Utilize ALL Resources On Campus Interviewing Job Listing Career Fairs
Career Library Resources
Employer Info Sessions
Departmental Advisors/Faculty
Internet Job Search
Student Organizations
Former Students
Inside Contacts, Family, Friends
Former Employers
Targeted mailings
Classified Ads/Area Job Listings
Area Chambers of Commerce
Directories
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

20. Value of Job Search Tools
TAMU NACE
HireAggies.com job postings 91% 80%
Company website 87% 96%
Career fairs % 83%
Company representatives 84% 79%
Employer info presentations 82% 70%
Company website job postings 80% 89%
Networking % 89%
Commercial job search website 53% 77%
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

21. Value of Job Search Tools
TAMU NACE
Employer brochures 49% 67%
Professional association 38% 46%
Employment agencies 17% 52%
Newspaper ads 12% 51%
Company podcasts 9% 43%
Virtual career fair 9% 37%
Job search magazines 2% 53%
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

22. Least to Most Effective Ways to Find a Job Article by Danny Huffman
4% - Job Boards
4 - 7 % - Blasts
7% - Trade Journal Ads or Industry-Specific Websites
% - Local Newspaper Ads
% - Employment Agencies/Search Firms
47% - Knock on Doors of Employers of Interest
69% - Career Search in Un-Advertised Market
Research companies, look for jobs in business newspapers, attend networking events
84% - Consult with Team of Career Experts
Establish career plan, capture competitiveness on paper
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

23. Now What ?? 1. Define your objectives for job search
2. Research your interests in industries, job functions, companies, or locations
3. Utilize ALL resources available to you to generate contacts and job leads
4. Prepare Resume and Questions for Companies
5. Actively seek your job!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

24. How to “Work” the Engineering Career Fair
David McMahon ’69
Associate Director
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

25. Your Goals of the Career Fair
Increase exposure to potential employers
Gain insight into a company & its employees
Differentiate yourself from competition
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

26. Check Available Research
Utilize available resources
SEC Website
HireAggies.com job postings
Internet & web sites
Co-ops/Interns/Grads
working for company
Professors
Current events/projects
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

27. Why Should They Hire You??
What does their company do for a living?
What do you want to do with your degree?
How can you support their efforts?
Determine “match points”, where your experience fits company’s needs
Write down “match points” & questions
Remember, the companies are shopping for good buys
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

28. Decisions! Decisions! Decide which companies to visit beforehand
Prioritize companies
1st two visits, lower tier
Do homework on companies
Outlook for industry
Primary products of company
Hiring majors
Current events/projects
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

29. The Resume Game Make sure it is GOOD DO NOT automatically give out
Resume Zachry
Walk-in service
8:30 – 11 AM or 1:30 – 4 PM
DO NOT automatically give out
Some companies cannot take resumes
Business card?? Flash Drive??
End of conversation-ask if you can leave it with them
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

30. Dressing the Part Suit is not necessary, but... Don’t be too casual
– dress up a bit
Men-nice slacks, pressed shirt
Women-casual outfit or
simple dress
DON’T LOOK LIKE YOU JUST ROLLED OUT OF BED!!!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

31. Dressing the Part Check out how the Employers are dressed
They are “role models” for their company
Hair
Beards
Grooming
Piercings
Tatoos
Do you see yourself dressed that way to interview and/or work for the company?

32. The Booth Visit “Why did you stop by our booth?”
Expect visit of 2-10 minutes
See and Be Seen
Express interest in company
Meet a company rep
Leave resume
Differentiate yourself
Know questions you wish to ask
Use notes with company information & questions.
Share “match points”
Be prepared for company rep to ask
“Why did you stop by our booth?”
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

33. First Impressions SHOW ENTHUSIASM!! Introduce Yourself Shake Hands
Make eye contact
Don’t squirm/fidgit
SHOW ENTHUSIASM!!
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

34. Self Introduction Speak up! Well planned and concise
Name – first and last
Academics – what major and year
Employment aim – Co-op, Internship, or Full-time
Company insight – why you are interested
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

35. Handshakes – First Impression
Jellyfish
weak
Half a hand
maintains distance
Knuckle cruncher
power play
Two handed
familiar approach
Winner
firm handshake with eye contact
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

36. Things To Talk About... Make small talk
“First time at the career fair?”
“I see you’re an Aggie. What class are you?”
“How was your trip to A&M?”
Why you are interested in company
Researched information
Company website
Current events
What are typical job duties
for your major?
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

37. Things To Talk About... What kind of training program for
New Hire Engineers?
What is more important – M.S./P.E./MBA?
What locations/divisions are they
interviewing for?
What is company policy on
transferring to other
locations?
International assignments?
How do they evaluate Teamwork vs.
individual accomplishments?
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

38. Things To Talk About... Does your company encourage higher
education after you go to work?
Do you have plans for expansions and
opportunities in the future?
What personal skills, qualities,
or experience are you
seeking for this position?
How much travel is involved
in this position?
What is the normal career path
after this position?
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

39. It Is NOT a Good Idea to Ask About Salary at this Point
Things To Talk About...
What is hiring process for the company?
Do they post jobs and schedule interviews through HireAggies.com?
What is impact of Industry
trends on hiring and
career paths?
Don’t skirt GPA issue,
if you’re asked
It Is NOT a Good Idea to Ask About Salary at this Point
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

40. Standing Out In a Crowd If booth is crowded, come back later
Company can talk to
4-5 at a time
Attend at non-peak hours
Early morning
During classes
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

41. Avoid “Open Mouth – Insert Foot” Syndrome
What part of “No!” do you not understand? Move on!!
Be Discreet
Watch what you tell others about different companies
Be Consistent
Don’t tell different companies different things
Avoid “Aggiespeak”
Do you know how to say “Excuse me”?
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

42. Bargain Shopping 101
Don’t wander from booth to booth looking only for “freebies”
Talk to employers BEFORE you load up on goodies
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

43. ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS
LAST THOUGHTS .....
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

44. You Are Being Interviewed.... Informally or Formally
LAST THOUGHTS .....
You Are Being Interviewed....
Informally or Formally
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

45. Start at least 2 semesters before you want to go to work!
Final Thoughts …..
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” - Walt Disney
“The man who waits for just the right time to start never gets anywhere.” Roger W Babson, Business theorist  
Start at least 2 semesters before you want to go to work!

46. at Hire Aggies.com or (979) 845-5139
Go for it!!
Questions? contact the
Career Center
at Hire Aggies.com or (979)
CSCE Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc