Note that this note is only for CMU undergraduate students. If you are not a CMU undergraduate student, stop reading it.
Job Search Platform:
Internship Outcome Report: statistics, very useful
On-Campus Employment: campus jobs. Don't do it unless it is lab research.
CMUniverse: alumni networking for finding jobs, giving you trash emails
Handshake: CMU's partner for job search app
CareerShift: for particular industry
National Science Foundation: research outside of CMU
Research Opportunity: Some CMU professors choose to list their research opportunities in Handshake in the "on-campus employment" section of the job postings. Others may advertise through departmental emails or websites by letting academic advisors know about open positions. (Well, the best option, in my opinion, is to ask around for your friends to recommend you)
Workshops and Help:
Career Peer Mentors: workshops, appointments
Schedule Appointment with CPDC
CPDC Career Workshops: hear people about building resume and networking talks in public meetings
Big Interview: practice interview with AI feedback
Career Fairs and Information Sessions:
Internship Showcase: fall internship showcase conference.
Employer Info & Networking Sessions: companies' talk in CMU
Virtual Career Fair: fall 2022 only
Why attend a fair: - learn about companies' job, timeline, culture, and events - learn about companies' projects - learn what skills are needed - explore career options - make contacts - companies like to increase awareness and find good candidates
Format of Fair: - Handshake, CareerEco, and Brazen: 10 min one on one - HireVue: 30~3 min prepare and 2~4 min recording. Like TOEFL speaking tests. For batch interview. - GrayScale and JobVite: not common, text app for interview and network
Before Fair - develop an 1~2 elevator pitch - Who I Am: Name, Year, University, Major, Course - What I Have Done: Experiences, Skill with Evidence - Why I Am Here: interests, goal - What I Want: career goals - how does this position/company align with those? - research company - have a purpose
During Fair: - You: pitch, with professional outfit, give printed resume - They: tell you what jobs they have, ask you how you can contribute - You: respond, showoff, and ask questions - You: ask for contact info
After Fair: - send resume and questions, express excitement (Why, fuck it. I am not a dog?) - add recruiters on LinkedIn
Skills:
Programming Languages: Python, C++, Javascript, HTML, R, Ruby, SQL, MATLAB, Arduino, VBA
Software & Platforms: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, Minitab, Tableau, SPSS, LaTeX, Google Drive, Solid Works, Autodesk, Git, Mathcad, ANSYS, Lightroom, Unity, Audacity
Industry Knowledge: Web design, UX, financial modeling, data analysis, research, usability testing, robotics, version control, product design, storyboarding, advertising, drafting, photography, contextual inquiry
Tools: 3d Printer, Raspberry Pi, Mill, Drill Press, Arc Welder, Band Saw, Soldering, Laser Cutter, CNC Machine
Laboratory/Instruments: Spectrometry, Chromatography, Optical Microscope, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Titrimetric Analysis, DNA Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Gel Electrophoresis
Example of Pitch
Hi, my name is Seema. I am a junior at Carnegie Mellon studying Mechanical Engineering. My interests are in product design and testing specifically, which directly aligns with your Design Engineer Internship position. This summer, I engaged in an employer-led professional development series, where I learned skills in design thinking, project management and storytelling with data. This semester, I will be completing projects at CMU, including building kits for labs, remote test rig operation and consultations in courses such as Mechatronic Design, Structural Design and Manufacturing Design. The specialized equipment your company designs for construction work is clearly state of the art. Completing an internship for summer 2023 with your company, specifically in construction equipment design, would be an amazing opportunity. Could you tell me more about the recruiting timeline and process for this opportunity?
Example of Questions to End Your Term
Could you tell me more about your hiring goals and timeline?
What skills are imperative for me to have on my resume to get a job similar to yours?
What entry-level positions exist for young professionals in this industry?
Are there any projects that I mentioned previously that you'd like me to go into more detail about?
What is your favorite thing about working at ____________?
Who do you work with that inspires you to excel at your job the most?
For an alumnus of CMU: Were you involved in (a club, organization or society that you are a part of) while you were attending CMU?
Benefits could be negotiated:
Health/vision/dental insurance
401(k) retirement plans
Stock/equity in the company
Work-from-home allowances
PTO and sick days
Visa sponsorship
Sign-on bonus
Relocation allowance
Wellness stipend
Transportation stipend
After you sign your offer, you cannot negotiate anything. When accepting offer, make sure repeat major aspects of the offer to assure (hour rate, term, package)
Past or present co-workers, colleagues, managers, supervisors or employees
Past or present clients and customers
Alumni of your high school or undergraduate or graduate alma mater
Acquaintances you know from your personal life or through your family
People from your church, gym, yoga studio or community organization
Past or present teachers or professors
Anyone you meet and have a productive, professional conversation about your career path
Best networking event is: having food, walking on street.
Professional Interview:
Focused on you as a candidate
Is meant to lead to a professional position
Encompasses your skills and qualifications for a job
Informational Interview: 30min, 5~8 questions
Focused on the seasoned professional
Allows you to learn more about a job, company or position type
Involves you asking the questions, not the other way around
How did you get to where you are now?
What skills, both technical and professional, were necessary to be proficient to get into this role?
How do you see your industry changing over the next 5 and 10 years?
What do you like and dislike about working at ___________?
What didn’t you know about this industry that you wish someone would have told you before you dedicated your career to it?
What has been one of your biggest challenges at your job?
Do you have anyone else within your network that you think I’d benefit from speaking with?
Do you know of any opportunities that I might be a good fit for?
You don't need to do this with every single connection that you have on LinkedIn, but previous supervisors, mentors or people that you've looked up to in your industry are great contacts to start with.
What classes you're taking/took last semester
What sorts of opportunities you're looking for during the upcoming summer
What you've learned about your industry that excites you
What they could do for you, e.g. informational interview, finding contacts at a company, finding opportunities that you'd be a good fit for
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