Career Resources

Are you wondering...

• ...if EECS is right for you?
• ...what to do with your EECS degree?
• ...about job opportunities in the field?
• ...if you're on track to reach your career goals?

We've assembled some resources on this page to help you find the answers (or at least start looking!) to those questions. If you're curious about how and when to start your career research, check the 4-year plan (below) to see what sorts of activities will help you get on the right track.

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RESOURCE for EECS Undergraduates: The EECS Faculty Career Mentor Program

What does the program entail? Each student will be assigned to a faculty member from his/her program. This faculty member will serve as a resource for assigned students with regard to general career guidance and advice about the engineering profession.

How do I find out who my Faculty Career Mentor is? Each semester, newly declared students will be assigned to the faculty. Currently, students may view their mentor online via Wolverine Access. The semesterly assignments will occur approximately one month into each new semester. If you have questions about this, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Office and we'll be happy to assist you.

What can I expect in the Career Mentor relationship? Career Mentors will be available to meet with you occasionally (once per semester at least) to discuss your general career plans. Each Career Mentor will likely initiate contact with you at some point during the semester to introduce him/herself, provide contact information, and let you know what to expect by way of meetings. Remember: each Career Mentor will undertake the role differently-- do not expect the same type or level of contact from each Mentor. The faculty is dedicated to providing guidance to undergraduates, but each professor will have his/her preferred method of communication. If you have questions about what to expect or how to contact your Faculty Career Mentor, please ask at the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Can I ask my Career Mentor questions about class selection? Career Mentors are NOT Academic Advisors: for specific questions about your degree progress and academic rules and policies, see the Undergraduate Advising Office. Career Mentors can and should give you general information about research areas and some ideas about possible classes to take, but these should be bigger picture discussions.

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EECS 4-Year Academic & Career Plan
Use this outline to help guide your career research

First Year: Discovery!

• Visit the University of Michigan Career Center and investigate career resources
• Develop a good GPA (Attend workshops on study skills and time management and be aware of the EECS grade policy)
• Meet regularly with a First Year Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering
• Become familiar with your College's Bulletin (CoE Bulletin, LS&A Bulletin)
• Utilize assessment tools to identify values, skills, and interests
• Start skill development and networking by joining a student organization
• Research and apply for study abroad and/or internship opportunities (Consider the International Minor!)
• Consider earning additional credit through the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning (learn more: CoE info.)
• Enroll in ENG 110 to learn more about engineering options
• Look into Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP)
• Declare your program through the Undergraduate Advising Office (consult an EECS Advisor)

Sophomore Year: Exploration!

• Meet with an EECS Advisor to confirm your choice of program and courses (Declare if not already done)
• Get to know faculty teaching in your program and their research interests and meet with your Faculty Career Mentor!
• Choose electives to enhance your skills in communication, analysis, and technology
• (Continue to) Research study abroad opportunities and the International Minor
• Maintain a good GPA
• Visit the Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC) to explore the resources available to you
• Develop / Update your resume
• Research internship and/or co-op opportunities in your field
• Join (or stay active!) in EECS student and professional organizations
• Attend EECS and College of Engineering events and programs
• (Continue to) Research UROP opportunities
• Utilize the EECS Alumni Career Network

Junior Year: Confirmation!

• Attend EECS and College of Engineering events & programs
• Explore graduate or professional school options and requirements
• Review degree requirements and confirm degree progress (Meet with your advisor!)
• Learn how to apply for full-time employment
• Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field
• Continue to review online internship postings / Seek additional internship or volunteer experiences
• Join professional organizations and attend professional meetings in your field
• Update and polish your resume
• Keep up to date & attend lectures or conferences related to your field
• Participate in job/internship fairs and workshops
• Meet with your Faculty Career Mentor and attend EECS career information sessions
• Meet with a CUGS or SGUS advisor to discuss University of Michigan graduate school

Senior Year: Implementation!

• Update and polish your resume
• Secure 3-5 references
• Participate in mock interviews at the Career Center
• Review job vacancies in HireME regularly
• Network at job/intership fairs and career events
• Develop a portfolio with examples of your work
• Apply for full-time positions or graduate school (see Additional Resources below)
• Explore college-to-work transition
• Inform the ECRC of your employment/graduate school decision
• Register with the EECS Alumni Society

... and into the Future:

• Continue to stay active and involved in your field: read and study whenever possible. Stay up-to-date on trends in the job world, and continue to explore!

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Additional Resources:

• IEEE (Institute of Elect. & Electronic Engineers)
• Employment Listings SPIE- The International Society for Optical Engineering Jobs
• ACM Career Opportunities
• Jobs In Engineering
• Engineering/Manufacturing Jobs Page
• National Technical Employment Services
• Engineering Job Source
• GraduatingEngineer.com
• ECRC's List of Related Links

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(Updated: 03/30/08)