896 Job Search Webinar

Job Search Overview

Emily Perry, associate director of professional development and networking with Penn Engineering, discusses essential aspects of job searching for engineering master's students. The presentation covers timelines, statistics, personal branding, networking, interview preparation, and effective job search tools.

Campus Recruiting Timeline

  • Key Seasons for Recruitment: Fall is critical for campus recruiting, as many employers engage with students during this time.

  • Preparation Over Summer: Students should use summer to prepare their resumes, cover letters, and practice interviews, ensuring they are ready for the September and October career fairs and information sessions.

  • Continued Recruitment in Winter: There is another peak in recruiting from January to March for full-time roles and summer internships.

  • General Hiring Seasons: While peak times are important, hiring occurs year-round, making ongoing preparation essential.

Job Search Milestones

  1. Beginning of Program: Focus on openness and curiosity. Network and set initial career goals by reviewing job postings.

  2. Midway Through Program: Update resumes and engage in targeted networking with professors and relevant employers.

  3. End of Program: Conduct intentional job searches, practice technical interviews, and have a polished resume and clear target company list.

Job Search Statistics

  • Job seekers spend an average of 11 hours weekly on job searches, exemplifying the dedication required.

  • The average hiring time for new employees was recorded at 39 days in 2016.

  • Talent is commonly sourced through company career sites, job boards, and internal referrals, while the utility of agencies declines.

  • Candidates can expect to undergo about five interviews before receiving a job offer, emphasizing the competitive nature of job searches.

Branding Your Master's Degree

Step 1: Highlight Immeasurable Qualities

  • Showcase initiative and resilience cultivated while navigating technical coursework.

  • Exhibit proactive behavior regarding career advancement and skill acquisition.

Step 2: Emphasize Transferable Skills

  • Discuss key skills related to project management, collaboration, analytics, and leadership developed in both previous work experiences and academic projects.

Step 3: Showcase Technical Skills

  • Promote relevant technical skills prominently in resumes.

  • Develop a personal professional profile aligning skills with employer needs, identifying how you can solve specific company problems.

Researching Employer Needs

  • Engage in thorough research to understand the company’s operations, key challenges, and the field's dynamics.

  • Use insights from corporate blogs, LinkedIn descriptions, and company websites to tailor application materials accordingly.

Networking Strategies

  • Building relationships is critical. Tap into connections through classmates, alumni, and relevant professionals.

  • Attend events, engage in recruiter outreach, and follow industry thought leaders online for valuable insights.

Cold Outreach Example

  • Introduce yourself with common connections, articulate your interest in the specific person or company, and include a clear call to action for further conversation.

Job Search Tools

  • Make use of various online platforms:

    • Company Career Websites

    • Handshake

    • LinkedIn

    • Glassdoor and Google for Jobs

    • Dice and Angel.co for startup opportunities

    • For International Students: Utilize resources like the 1st Destination Survey for insights and Going Global for visa sponsorship information.

Staying Organized

  • Maintain a detailed tracker for job applications to facilitate effective conversations during interviews. This aids in recalling relevant details about the position and previous interactions with contacts.

Immediate Actions

  • Students should actively browse Handshake for job postings and ensure their application trackers are updated as a preparatory step for future opportunities.