Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Student Survey April - May 2020 

KU Engineering Career Center 

Q: How do I develop my network while face-to-face interaction is lacking?

A: We are all relying more heavily on virtual tools these days, so make sure your professional profiles are up-to-date. Two places to start: LinkedIn and KU Mentoring. Make sure you have a good strong profile, including a professional photo, and that your headline conveys who you are or what you are looking to do.  

LinkedIn & KU Mentoring 

  • Begin posting thoughtful content and connecting strategically.
  • Use the platform to build relationships, research companies, and connect to ask career exploration questions in an informational interview.
  • Join groups and connect.
  • Search for jobs and watch for other opportunities to offer help.
  • For additional tips, watch, “Getting the Most out of LinkedIn” and “The Art of Informational Interviewing” at the Engineering Career Center.

Other Steps

  • Network with your peers! Many employers will host meet-ups (virtual or in-person) for their interns. See this as an opportunity to connect with others. It may lead to an opportunity to conduct an informational interview with another supervisor in the company.
  • Look for online meet-ups and coffee chats where you can engage with employers. Check professional association websites and community group websites. The ECC has a list at explore careers.

Q: How do I make a positive impression during a remote work experience? 

A: Check out our presentation, Pointers for Starting your Job or Internship, at Engineering Career Center. This includes tips for success in both on-site and virtual experiences. Here are a few highlights: 

  • Communicate. Know your employer’s expectations, and check in regularly.
  • Be flexible.
  • Ask specific questions, and understand its level of urgency.
  • Dress appropriately and maintain hygiene and grooming.
  • Designate a workspace with minimal distractions.
  • Start each day on time with all the proper tools.
  • Be prepared, organized, self-motivated, and professional
  • Learn the necessary technology.
  • Keep a list of your activities and think about how to convey your work-from-home learning on your resume.

Q: How do I find out about new job and internship postings?  

A: The ECC’s full range of services is available to you in the virtual space! Here are some quick links to explore:

  • Visit hirejayhawks regularly for updated job and internship postings. Pro Tips: Update your career interests and profile so you receive accurate job suggestions.
  • Watch your email for targeted job announcements, plus announcements from the ECC regarding upcoming opportunities to connect with employers. Pro Tip: Check your email & notification settings in hirejayhawks to opt-in to receiving email communication from our office. 
  • Check out the Quick Job Search feature on kansasworks for recent engineer and computer related postings.  This website is free for both job seekers and employers to use (since funded with federal dollars) – so check back regularly for new postings.
  • Consider starting your career at a start-up.  Area startup companies often list open positions at startland news
  • Visit BioKansas for bio-related positions in the KC area.
  • Visit the ECC website for links to employers offering micro-internships, project work and freelance work.
  • Virtual job and internship links are also available on the ECC website.

Q: Would like more virtual Career Fairs. 

A: These are a few upcoming virtual career fairs that we have seen, although we are not familiar with all of the organizations hosting career fairs.  Remember to use caution in today’s environment and avoid sharing private information (such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, etc.).

Q: Which companies have cancelled internships?  It would be helpful to know that I am not alone in losing a great opportunity. 

A: The Engineering Career Center received emails or letters from a number of employers who had regretfully cancelled internships.  Often, these organizations stated that once they began hiring again for internships or new full-time positions, they would give preference to students who had previously been offered a position. 

The KU Engineering Career Center survey respondents included graduating seniors, undergraduate students continuing their education, and graduate level students: 

  • Over 16% of the students who responded to the KU Engineering Career Center survey noted that their internship / research offer had been revoked or cancelled.  That was the highest number of responses for any of the choices offered.
  • The next highest selection was ~ 15% of students, stating that they had not yet finalized plans for after the spring 2020 semester.
  • For perspective, approximately 10% of students responding had accepted an internship or research position and had not heard any changes from their employers.
  • Approximately 7% noted their internship / research would now be virtual and about 6% had the start date of their internship / research position delayed.

Q: What can I be doing now until I have found a job / internship or during the time before my internship or job starts? A: Five suggestions noted below: 

  1. Gain skills – look for free online courses to build knowledge and skills
    • LinkedIn Learning - offers a free month
    • Coursera.org - free courses during Covid-19
    • Harvard Online Classes
    • EdX
  2. If you have already finalized your plans and have a delayed start date – consider reaching out to your new supervisor to see if there are projects or preparation steps that would be helpful to complete before the actual start date.
  3. Look for mini-internships – see Job Search and Recruiting Resources During COVID-19
  4. Complete independent engineering or computing projects related to your major and interest areas.
  5. Volunteer through a community service organization - preferably one somewhat related to your major.  For example, Habitat for Humanity might align well with a Civil Engineering student. Or choose one that will help you develop a skill set that employers tend to value (such as teamwork, communication, leadership skills).

Q: What do employers look for in their student interns that affects whether to offer the intern a full-time position? A: An intern’s skills and fit with the organization are being evaluated throughout a summer internship. 

  • According to an article by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) on March 19, 2018, one employer comments about interns, “We want to see them approach challenges with enthusiasm, not afraid to make mistakes, but rather willing to share their perspective as that is precisely the reason we hired them.”
  • According to another employer in a NACE article on August 16, 2017, a company will be looking at the intern’s ability to demonstrate skills obtained through school and bring them into the working world.  “Teamwork and collaboration skills will ensure that a student stands out”.  How effective is the intern working in a diverse and global work force?
  • Participation in networking opportunities and social events provided by the company (even if virtual) can help an intern build presence within a company and learn more about the culture.
  • Effective listening to feedback throughout the summer or during performance reviews can help interns ensure they are taking steps to improve or develop the skills needed for the job.
  • Thorough preparation for project showcases or poster sessions that companies may host at the end of the internship may help an intern highlight contributions as well as network with company management.
  • Also, check out the “Pointers for Starting your Job or Internship” from the Career Tip Tuesdays section of the ECC homepage – Engineering Career Center

Q: How do I get a virtual resume review? A: You can get your resume reviewed by: 

  • Emailing it to ecc@ku.edu. Please allow at least three business days for a response.
  • Scheduling a virtual appointment (see below for ways to do that).
  • Connect with an alum in the KU Mentoring platform who has indicated they are willing to help with resume reviews in their profile.

Q: Can the ECC share my resume with potential employers within the KU network? 

A: The Engineering Career Center can facilitate employer access to resumes at their request, and sometimes invites students to submit their resume to send to employers who opt-in to receiving them. We will keep students apprised of these activities as they happen, so keep watching your email!

Pro Tips: Check your privacy settings in hirejayhawks to make sure you have opted in to being included in resume books and promotion to employers. It is also a good idea to make sure your most recent resume is uploaded and selected as the default. 

Q: I’m just looking for some advice… how do I access career center resources? 

A: There are many ways to get advice from the Engineering Career Center. We offer resume reviews, interviewing tips and practice, career exploration, job search tips, information on applying to graduate school, and much, much more!

  • Schedule an appointment through hirejayhawks, by emailing ecc@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-3891. We may be working remotely, but we are still available for appointments via phone or video chat, and will be throughout the summer.
  • Explore the many topics and resources available at Engineering Career Center.
  • Watch the Career Tip Tuesday presentations at Engineering Career Center to learn more about many job search topics, including networking via LinkedIn, evaluating offers, negotiating salary, conducting informational interviews, and considering graduate school.