Engineering Internship &Job Search SkillsJason Bruns, BSME, MBA | Director

Presentation originally developed by and revised with permission from:

Karina ClennonAssistant Director209 Wigley Administrationmnsu.edu/CDC

Engineering Center Vision and Mission

Vision: Advancing Minnesota’s engineering innovation and competitiveness by enhancing education, engaging industry and inspiring students.

Mission: The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence facilitates relationships by engaging academic institutions with industry and provides educational outreach by inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These efforts shape the next generation of engineers who will solve real-world problems.

Current State – “Free Agent”?

Current Job Growth in the Upper Midwest

Launch Your Career

Steps Task Time

1Develop a general Resume & Cover LetterDevelop a Linked-in Profile, Have these materials reviewedBusiness cards & Portfolio

3 – 10 Hours

2 Research 5-10 companies 5 – 10 Hours

3 Prepare For & Attend Job FairsPrepare For & Attend Networking Events

3 – 5 Hours

4

FULL JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCH• Research companies & Positions• Tailor each resume and cover letter to position• Apply

1 – 2 Hours per Application

What Is Your Target?

• Location?

• Employers?

• Occupations?

Resumes – Building it

develop

launch

discover

Discover your Passion • Who am I? What do I like?

• What are my hobbies?

• What do people compliment me for?

• What do I know about my DISLIKES?

• Career Pathway – End of the Rainbow

Develop your Skills and Experience• Course work, group work, Senior projects

• Part-time jobs, Business tours

• Clubs, hobbies, volunteering

• Accomplishments, responsibilities

• INTERNSHIPS

Launch Your Career• Passion meets skills + interests + values

• Previous experience, new experiences!

• Resume, Cover Letter, Interviews

• Networking

• Professionalism

Resumes – Engineering

Opportunities for items to discuss in your resume:

• Hard Skills

• Soft Skills

• Certifications

Resume: Things to Include

• Enough information to contact you

• Objective – optional, be sure to update

• Education

• Experience – keywords

• Campus and Community activities

• References – Supervisors if possible

ACTION

Develop Your Skills and Experience

• Part-time Jobs, Internships, and Unique Experiences

• What might set you apart from another candidate?

• What do you need more experience in?

• What are your personal attributes that would make you an ideal fit for an organization?

• Other sectors that might accent?

Networking at a Career Fair

• Who is there?

• Target your passion – what are you looking for

• Do your research… Questions to ask?

• Have you thought about what you might be asked?

• Do not forget about the “little guy”

• a.k.a., A professional introduction

• An elevator speech is a short (30-60 seconds) summary of who you are and what your goals are

• This is helpful at career fairs, conferences, and other professional (and social) events

• Your elevator speech should include: Name, major, career goal, timeline, PASSION, and a question

Prepare Elevator Speech

5-10 Hours

Have a Plan• What are the TOP

companies in the field?

• What companies fit my “nitch”?

• Considering location and relocation – size?

Research• Visit official websites• Identify mission &

goals• What positions are

open?• What questions does

this leave you with?

Questions• Are there gaps in your

resume you need to explain?

• Unique positions• Focused on a project

that can answer standard questions

Preparing for an Interview

Professional Interview

• Confidence and Enthusiasm –Passion

• Communicate your skills

• Provide examples

• Think out loud

• Record names and contact info of interviewers

• Practice

Your Primary Goal in an interview:

• Communicate your skills and previous experiences and how they directly relate to the position description

Summary

• PASSION for the profession

• Portfolio to help you share experience

• Projects to break down

• Understand the job – don’t be lazy in the resume/cover letter

• Trigger words – soft skills too….

THANK YOU!Jason Bruns, BSME, MBA | Director

Minnesota State Engineering Center of ExcellenceMinnesota State University, Mankato

131 Trafton Science Center North | Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1309 | Fax: 507-389-1095 | Cell: 507-380-0423http://mnceme.mnsu.edu/

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