Starting an Engineering Career

1. Starting an Engineering Career Mike Major, SPHR Director Office of Career Services Wickes Hall 270 www.svsu.edu/careers

2. What was the average salary of an Engineering major who graduated in May 2012 and did not complete an internship experience? $52,422 With an internship experience, that number jumps to $61,141!

3. The Purpose of a Résumé • Get you an interview

4. Value Proposition • What will you bring to the organization? • Do you have the education/skills necessary to do the work? • Do you have the experience that the organization desires?

5. Layout Primer • Eyes tracing • Down • From left to right • Use of bold • Use of italics • White space • Clear headings • No large text blocks • Use of bullets

6. Standard Résumé Headers • Name and Contact Information • Objective • Education • Related Experience / Relevant Coursework • Work Experience • Community Involvement, Accomplishments • References

7. Name and Contact Information Susan Student 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 (989) 222-2222 (Cell) / (989) 555-5555 (Home) or (989) 222-2222 careers@svsu.edu

8. Objective • What are you looking to do? • To apply my exceptional technical, creative and teamwork skills to gain experience through an Engineering Co-op position with Dow Corning Corporation. • Be sure to support your skills within your résumé!

9. Education • What is most important? • Standard format: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Anticipated: May 2013 (ABET Accredited)Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI Minor: Chemistry President’s List: Four semesters Deans’ List: Fall 2010 GPA: 3.55

10. Related Coursework • What is most important? • Use important courses within your curriculum, emphasis on electives RELEVANT COURSE WORK Computer Aided Design Manufacturing Processes & Systems Statistics Fluid Mechanics Circuits I Solid Mechanics

11. Work Experience • Match skill sets with new position • Example: Crew Member May 2008 – April 2010 McDonald’s Restaurant, Bay City, MI • Prepared 500 orders during the daily lunch hour • Effectively dealt with stressful situations in a team environment

12. Other Activities • Highlight appropriate accomplishments • Example: HONORS / AWARDS / ACTIVITIES Volunteer, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Midland May 2008 – Present Member, SVSU American Society of Mechanical Eng. Oct. 2009 – Present Recipient, SVSU Award for Excellence Scholarship Aug. 2006 – May 2008 Certified, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

13. References • Choose wisely • Acceptable format: Dr. John Johnson, Professor Department of Engineering Saginaw Valley State University 155 Pioneer Hall 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 (989) 964-4000 (Office) jzj@svsu.edu

14. Cover Letters • Will be read after résumé • Emphasize characteristics that are supported in résumé • K.I.S. • Guidelines at: www.svsu.edu/careers

15. In Closing… • Review, review, review! • Career Services • 964-4954 • careers@svsu.edu • Appointments with staff for review • SVSU Writing Center • Guidelines available: • http://www.svsu.edu/careers