1. Career Center Abdullah Abdul Kader Career Advisor for Graduate Students in Engineering

2. Internships/Jobs: Where are they & how do I get one?!?

3. Quick Overview Timeline of the job search Networking Basics
Elevator Speech
Interviews
Resume
Resources

4. Job Search Timeline
* The job search is a full time job! Be patient- be prepared

5. How do I begin?
Begin gathering information 9-10 months in advance (Fall for Summer internships!) Network!
Generate leads from professors, friends, and more senior classmates in your program (where did they do their internship last summer?) Network!
Don’t limit yourself to posted positions only. Write s to hiring managers inquiring about possible opportunities at their companies. You may need to create your own internship!! Network!
What do you hope to gain from this internship? Ask yourself: what are my ultimate career goals? Are there any knowledge gaps in my profile that I need to build in order to get there?
First semester of your graduate program
Study hard, make good grades, get a good GPA- after all, you’re in school to learn something! Establish a good GPA so you can say you have knowledge in the field
Register on AggieNetwork.com and hireaggies.com - Linked IN
Join organizations in your field of study (think both local and national)
Be involved in the classroom as well!!! Know your professors, your classmates, former students, people that are in your area of specialty network!
Practice your “elevator speech”, have professional looking business cards, research opportunities in your field, research companies and potential employees.
Attend career fairs- research the companies before you get there- network!! Keep an open mind when you are searching
Perform self-assessments to see what companies, positions and environments work best for you!
Maintain up to date resumes (ready to be passed out) complete version for internships and funding and a one page resume for employers at a fair

6. Networking Basics

7. How Do I Network? Career Fair/ informational sessions LinkedIn.com
HireAggies.com
Careershift
Ask Professors
Contact Former Students
Explore Undergraduate Alumni Lists
Attend Conferences and Career Fairs
Stay in Touch (“remember me from the Career Fair 3 years ago?” does NOT work)

8. How Do I Write a Networking Email?
Dear Ms./Mr. ___________ My name is ____________. I am a student at Texas A&M, graduating with a bachelor’s/master’s/PhD in My Major in August 20xx. I am considering pursuing a career in (industry / job type). [or “I am currently seeking a job/internship in the ____ industry.”] I found your contact information in the Aggie Network online directory. I was wondering if you would have a moment to share with me any advice, ideas, leads or contacts. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Name Phone #

9. Do NOT ask: Do you have a job for me
Do NOT ask: Do you have a job for me?/ Do you have any open positions at your company?
Only 2 answer options are:
No.
Maybe. Here’s a link to our HR site….
Dead-end question!

10. What Should I Ask? 1. How did you get to where you are today?
2. What essential characteristics/skills make for a good _______?
3. How would you describe the culture of your organization?
4. If you were starting your career today, what would you do differently?
5. What can I do to make myself marketable for this career?
6. Any myths you want to shatter for me?
7. Where do you see opportunity areas, needs?
8. Who else does this? What other companies? Whom else should I contact?
9. What advice do you have for someone like me?
10. How can I increase my chances in finding this job?
Remember, during an informational interview DO NOT ASK FOR AVAILABLE POSITIONS OR JOB OPENINGS. You requested their help with advice and ideas; they didn’t agree to serve as your agent. Asking if they know someone that needs help is less demanding and doesn’t limit opportunities to particular job titles. Make sure you take detailed notes with each contact.

11. Where to begin?
Every company looking for your major at last career fair
Every student in your department (undergrads too!)
Every professor in your department
Professional organizations
Job search in CareerShift (from HireAggies.com)
Every Aggie who works at these companies
Every Aggie who is retired from these companies
Every Aggie who lives within 50 miles of these companies
Everyone from your undergrad institution who…..etc. etc.
Be confident
Do your research
Remember you are the expert on yourself
Focus on how you can contribute to their success- how will you make their life better?

12. Informational / Networking event
Use LinkedIn and AggieNetwork.com’s “Find an Aggie” function to find connections at these companies. Ask them questions…find out more about what this company is like and the qualities they look for in employees.
Look at recent job postings from these companies. Use these to formulate your “Elevator Speech”
Make a “cheat sheet” of company facts and which qualities and skills you will highlight when you speak to that company’s recruiter.
Invest in your professional self:
Well-fitted Suit (tamucareercloset.com)
Resume Paper
Business/Networking Cards

13. Two Things You Need To Know
The Organization/Company/Clinic/Hospital
What do they do?
Where?
How long?
Goals/Mission Statement?
You
What do you want to do?
What are you good at?
Why are you interested in them?
What area of work are you considering?
What do you have to offer that they need?
Be confident
Do your research
Remember you are the expert on yourself
Focus on how you can contribute to their success- how will you make their life better?

14. The Elevator Speech

15. The Elevator Speech AKA: 30 sec – 1 min introduction
You must appear calm and confident.
Are you speaking to HR or tech staff?
Include:
Who you are (incl. why you’re different!)
Why you are approaching/ ing/calling them
What you want (more info about _____)
Be straightforward
Be direct
Remember- push hard for referrals
Read it and practice it until it sounds natural

16. Get to know yourself Academic Professional Personal/Hobbies/Interests
Education/ Minor/ Certificate
Study Abroad
Research/ Conference/ Project
Professional
Past work
Recognition/ Professional accomplishment
Interesting part time/ full time job
Personal/Hobbies/Interests
Language/ travel/ sports/ Public speaking

17. Elevator Speech example:
Hello, I am _______, I am a Ph.D./Master’s student in ____, with a specialization on ____. I expect to graduate in (month year). I have coursework and experience in the areas of ___ and ____.
Previously, I graduated with ________ and worked for___________
My ultimate goal would be to work in the areas of _______ or _________ at a _________ company. My unique _________ means that I can _________ at (company name). Through my research/interaction with__________ I found your company___________ and I wonder if you could tell me more about _______.

18. Interview Preparation

19. What our Employers say…
Learn about the company through basic research
Stay current on company news such as product launches, acquisitions etc
Be prepared to demonstrate your fit by providing specific examples regarding your interest
“I enjoy solving problems” or “ I like your company culture” will not make the cut

20. And….
“Some candidates had trouble answering some basic questions” like
What do you feel are your strengths?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Even if it is your first interview, you have no excuses for not being able to answer the above questions

21. Things to Know Before Interview
Know the organization
Research their history, projects, mission/values
Look at their website
Know why you want to work there
Know yourself
What are your skills and experiences?
How can you use these to fulfill my needs?
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Know your Resume inside out!

22. Company Knowledge The job often goes to the most PREPARED
What do they sell, make, or service provided?
Who are their customers?
How are their financials?
What divisions do they have and which ones are you interested in?
What products excite you (know their names)?
Annual Report is typically on the “Investor” tab for public companies

23. Interview prep summary
Identify the expectations from employer, review job description carefully
Get insider information by networking with a former student
Mock interview/ practice
Send a thank you note
Follow up
Always negotiate an offer

24. Interview Checklist Game plan (make your own Checklist)
Resume Error Free & enough copies in Folder
Researched company and have questions ready
Make a Great first impression
Elevator Pitch about FIT smooth & casual
Have your stories and STAR method rehearsed
“Close” like a pro!

25. RESUME

26. Contact Info
Name (should stand out) – Bigger font size
First name “nickname” Last name (Randall “Ricky” Smith)
Address, phone,
NO personal demographics. It is illegal for U.S. employers to consider your: age, gender, marital status, nationality, etc.
NO picture
Website and/or LinkedIn profile link is optional
Use a professional (and permanent) address
Use a professional voic greeting
YES:
NO: goingcrazy12, kegkilla, footballfan14, kingtokesalot420,

27. Do I need an Objective? The objective is OPTIONAL
3 assumptions employers make (full time career in major field beginning after graduation)
When applying online, that JOB is assumed to be the objective.
However, you should use an objective if your resume might be passed around to various people…like at a career fair
Summary of Qualifications also OPTIONAL
Use this section to tailor to specific job (not really necessary for career fair)

28. Education List degrees in reverse chronological order
Do NOT list high school
List graduation dates only (not “Jan xxxx – present”), unless it is transfer credit/study abroad without degree.
List the future expected graduation date for your current degree.
Include:
Complete school name and location (city, state/country)
Complete name of degree (no “BS”) and major
i.e. “Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering”
Overall GPA for TAMU.
If 1st semester, say “GPA: 1st semester student”
If listing GPA for non-U.S. schools, convert to 4.0 scale or give also “top X%” or class rank.

29. Relevant Experience
The main section, the primary focus of the entire resume!!!
Does NOT have to be paid work experience. Relevance is more important than $$ or hours/week.
So, can include course projects, unpaid internships and volunteer work, extracurricular activities, etc.
Don’t forget to include your thesis/dissertation!
Use reverse chronological order & inclusive “month year—month year” dates
Use present-tense verbs for current work & past-tense verbs for past work
Include:
Employer name (or course name), and location (or school)
Your job title (or name of project)
3-4 bullet points: action verbs, quantitative results, what YOU did

30. Relevant Experience, cont
NO:
Findings were calculated and measured
Responsible for day to day operations
Helped with project
Worked as part of manufacturing team
YES:
Calculated and measured effect of XYZ on ABC using QRP software.
Decreased client processing time up to 20% by implementing XYZ
Collaborated with team of 8 to analyze XYZ data and optimized …..
Achieved an efficiency of 97% through…….
Hint: use different verbs to highlight different skill sets.
“Collaborated with team of 8 to analyze data and write report”
OR “Analyzed data and wrote report with team of 8 using ____ software”
OR “Utilized ____ software to analyze data and write report with team”
Choose the right words!!

31. Leadership and Activities
Format like experience
organization title & school location as “employer”
position within org as “job title”
use inclusive dates
Use detailed action verb bullets for any leadership roles
Note: not necessary if just “member”
“Member” entries should be one line only
Rugby Club, TAMU August 2013-present
Chemistry Society, ABCU June 2010-May2013

32. Skills Technical / Software Laboratory techniques / Fieldwork skills
Language skills
“soft skills” (best incorporated in experience)
Level of proficiency: “Proficient in X, Y, and Z; Intermediate knowledge of A, B, and C; Currently learning Q” (Subjective)

33. Other Optional Categories
Other Experience (anything unrelated to position you’re seeking, but can still demonstrate “people” skills)
Honors & Awards
Relevant Coursework (but listing course projects as experience is always preferable!)
Publications and Presentations
Note: Unless the job is in R&D, and the publication or presentation is directly related to what you will be doing, these aren’t as important as experience!!
Hands-on experience and skills that led to this publication are the priority in industry jobs & internships.

34. Common Resume Mistakes
Formatting inconsistencies: font, spacing, alignment
Verbs in bullets: past v present tense, no variety (“worked” x 20)
Categories in order of relevance to YOU rather than relevance to company
Elaborating/exaggerating skills or experience
Overdetailing project rather than what YOU did on project
Too many abbreviations/technical slang
No need to include references or even “available upon request”

35. Typos matter! Proofread!!
What did these students mean to say??
Attention to derail
Meth lab assistant
Experienced pubic speaker
Excellent people kills
4 years of experience in hoe design
**Hint: all of these are spelled correctly! Spell check doesn’t catch stupid!**

36. Career Center can help you with…
Resume / Cover Letters
Business communication
How to Job Search / Identifying employers
Networking / Small talk
Make the most out of LinkedIn / branding
Interview preparation
Salary Negotiation / Extending deadlines with employers
I got the job.. now what?

37. Resources HireAggies.com / job portal GoinGlobal Careershift
Myvisajobs.com
Aggienetwork.com
Virtual Mock Interview

38. Get involved!!

39. Career Advisor for Graduate students in Engineering
Thanks & Gig ‘em!
Abdullah Abdul Kader
Career Advisor for Graduate students in Engineering
Appointments (call )
Graduate Walk-Ins:
Mon & Fri: 8:30-11:00am; Wed 1:30-4:00pm
209 Koldus Building

40. APPENDIX

41. Source: Job Outlook 2017, National Association of Colleges and Employers

42. Employers rate career readiness
recent grads
Competencies
Weighted Average Rating
Critical thinking/ Problem solving
4.58
Professionalism/ Work Ethic
4.56
Oral/ Written Communications
4.43
Teamwork/ Collaboration
Leadership
3.86
Digital Technology
3.78
Career Management
3.47
Global/ Intercultural Fluency
2.85
Competencies
Weighted Average Rating
Teamwork/ Collaboration
3.96
Digital Technology
3.92
Critical thinking/ Problem solving
3.59
Professionalism/ Work Ethic
3.43
Oral/ Written Communications
3.41
Leadership
3.38
Career Management
3.09
Global/ Intercultural Fluency
2.93
Based on a 5-point scale where 1=Not essential; 5=Absolutely essential.
Source: Job Outlook 2017, National Association of Colleges and Employers