Ready, Set…. Start Your Job Search! Job Search Strategies Ready, Set…. Start Your Job Search! David McMahon ’69 Associate Director HireAggies.com ♦ (979) 845-5139 CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

What Employers Value When Selecting Full-time Employees TAMU National Internships/Co-ops 100% 83% Personality/Social Skills 97% Creativity/Problem Solving 95% Technical/Academic Skills 92% GPA 92% Leadership in Professional Organization 90% 69% Leadership in Non-professional Organization 64% 48% Part-time job 54% Volunteer engagement 45% 46% Senior Design Projects 40% 71% AggiExternship 26% Research with Faculty 19% 52% Study Abroad 15% 38% Work Abroad 11% 54%

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, 30% 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)

Job Search Strategies - Self Assessment, Identify Skills Explore careers, gather information Utilize ALL Career Resources - Conducting the Search CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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

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

How Employers “Grade” TAMU Students common/1 Presentations/Employer Trng/Employers Grade Students Results CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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%

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?

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

What are your Skills? Ag Research Technical skills skills Job Search skills Writing skills Oral Communication and Presentation skills Ag CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 advisor@cctr.tamu.edu 2. Internet, job postings 3. Internet, library CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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

You have already paid for it!!!!!! Career Center Resource HireAggies.com You have already paid for it!!!!!! No charge to Employers!! CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Value of Job Search Tools TAMU NACE HireAggies.com job postings 91% 80% Company website 87% 96% Career fairs 85% 83% Company representatives 84% 79% Employer info presentations 82% 70% Company website job postings 80% 89% Networking 77% 89% Commercial job search website 53% 77% CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Least to Most Effective Ways to Find a Job Article by Danny Huffman 4% - Job Boards 4 - 7 % - Email Blasts 7% - Trade Journal Ads or Industry-Specific Websites 7 - 12 % - Local Newspaper Ads 5 - 28 % - 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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Now What ?? 1. Define your objectives for job search 2. Research your interests in 5 - 10 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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

How to “Work” the Engineering Career Fair David McMahon ’69 Associate Director CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Your Goals of the Career Fair Increase exposure to potential employers Gain insight into a company & its employees Differentiate yourself from competition CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Check Available Research Utilize available resources SEC Website http://sec.tamu.edu/ HireAggies.com job postings http://careercenter.tamu.edu/ Internet & web sites Co-ops/Interns/Grads working for company Professors Current events/projects http://finance.yahoo.com/ CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 http://finance.yahoo.com/ CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

The Resume Game Make sure it is GOOD DO NOT automatically give out Resume Reviews @ 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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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?

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

First Impressions SHOW ENTHUSIASM!! Introduce Yourself Shake Hands Make eye contact Don’t squirm/fidgit SHOW ENTHUSIASM!! CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 http://finance.yahoo.com/ What are typical job duties for your major? CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

Bargain Shopping 101 Don’t wander from booth to booth looking only for “freebies” Talk to employers BEFORE you load up on goodies CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS LAST THOUGHTS ..... FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

You Are Being Interviewed.... Informally or Formally LAST THOUGHTS ..... You Are Being Interviewed.... Informally or Formally CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc

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!

at Hire Aggies.com or (979) 845-5139 Go for it!! Questions? contact the Career Center at Hire Aggies.com or (979) 845-5139 CSCE 181 2013 Fall Finding Internships - CF Prep - JDMc