ISU Electrical and Computer Engineering: Career Advice: Part 1

Career Advice: Part 1

What to Do Now to Get a Job When You Graduate

Iowa State computer engineering alumnus Chris Bloomquist (BSCpE '01), a technical recruiter for Robert Half Technology, and Roger Bentley, a manager with Iowa State's Engineering Career Services, provide insight on what you can do now to help you land a job when you graduate.

1. Distinguish yourself.

Chris: How are you different from the 50 other students applying for the position? If you’re applying at a video game company and you created your own video game as a hobby, put that on your resume. Join a local user group such as the Central Iowa Java Users Group or Iowa .NET User Group. Hiring managers in your area and their peers are in groups like these, so it’s a great way to network and even find out about jobs that aren’t even posted online yet.

Roger: It is important for students to take on project-oriented co-curricular and leaderships activities. Experiences such as doing hands-on work on the solar car or serving as president of your residence hall floor or a student organization will help set you apart. Also, keep your GPA high.

2. Learn how to market yourself.

Chris: This goes beyond having a good resume. Be aggressive in your job search. Make a list of 30 or more companies you want to work for, send them your resume, and follow up with a phone call. Don’t send out a resume and wait to hear back, following up is the number one thing you should do.

Roger: Make sure your resume 'pops.' It needs to stand out from everyone else. You can use simple resume building tools on the ISU CMS site to get started.

3. Practice interviewing.

Chris: Even if it’s just you and a friend sitting down and asking each other questions, this will help you polish your skills, so you know how to make eye contact and effectively present yourself.

Roger: Employers today tend use questions about behaviors, not your technical knowledge. About 85 percent of companies that recruit on campus use Behavioral Based Interviewing, which is a form of interviewing where you are asked questions about your past behaviors in professional environments. For example, they may ask:

Describe a project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities. What was your role?
Give two examples of things you've done in the past that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

4. Do an internship.

Chris: Internships give you a leg up. Pursue internships aggressively, even if you’re a freshman or sophomore.

Roger: About 90 percent of students have a job in hand when they graduate if they have had an internship. Doing an internship will greatly increase your chances of getting a job when you graduate, and it is something employers look for more and more today.