Are interviewers more concerned with technical skills or general professional skills?
The short answer is both are needed to be a truly competitive candidate. If you are technically skilled but unable or unwilling to behave in a professional manager, you are not a candidate that is attractive…
View all answers »Why do employers value study abroad programs so highly? Do they value them more highly than on the job experience/internships?
The answer is it depends upon the company. If you are looking at a global company and/or one that is based outside of the United States, and the position(s) you are interested in are globally/internationally…
View all answers »How early in one's college career should they start looking at post-graduate opportunities (such as jobs or graduate schools)?
In order to ensure that you have an adequate amount of time to prepare, and/or recover from any missteps from your freshman year, you should have your plans made no later than the beginning of the last semester…
View all answers »Does an applicant's undergraduate major/minor matter or only that they possess a bachelor's degree?
The answer is it depends upon your field. If you are going into a field that requires a specific skill set and academic background then yes your major does matter as employers will not hire someone without…
View all answers »Employers feel that college isn't preparing students for employment. Involvement in what types of clubs/organizations/activities would indicate to them that students are ready for a real word job?
In order to be prepared for a real world job you need to actually work in the real world. During your academic studies this is accomplished by an internship or co-op in your field. Participation in clubs and…
View all answers »I am an undergraduate mechanical engineering student and currently considering whether I should pursue a higher degree upon graduation or enter the workforce. What are the benefits of obtaining a masters of engineering?
The question is really what do you want to do and where do you see yourself career wise? If you are in a program where it is structured in a 5 year format to complete your master's the benefit is to finishing…
View all answers »Is it more beneficial to intern twice with the same company, or to intern at multiple companies?
The answer is it depends. If you are really trying to get hired in with that particular company than repeated internships with that employer is more beneficial as they are able to have a greater depth of understanding…
View all answers »What should I do to figure out what is best for me career wise?
The first thing to do is ask yourself what you are passionate about and what you really like to do that will also pay you a salary to meet your financial needs. If the answer is "I don't know" there are…
View all answers »I've read several articles about the value of emotional intelligence in the work place. How do employers measure soft skills (communication, decision making skills) before hiring?
Often employers are moving to, and have been using for a long time, behavior based interview models. In this interview format, they ask you to describe examples from your own personal and/or professional…
View all answers »What co-curricular activities, other than internships, would be most effective in preparing college students for the workforce?
There are no particular organizations that are better than another necessarily. What is important is what you do and how well you do in the activities that you choose. First and foremost an internship…
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