CaPS Tips on…

Careers for Students in Engineering What do employers who hire Engineering graduates look for? During Summer 2002, CaPS conducted a survey of employers to find out about their practices and preferences related to the hiring process. One question we asked was "What are the five most important general traits or competencies looked for in potential employees?" Following is a list of responses provided by employers who hire Engineering graduates. • Communication • Teamwork • Interpersonal skills • Technical knowledge • Leadership • Initiative • Adaptability • Problem-solving • Fit with the organizational culture • Computer literacy • Project management • Work ethic • Ability to learn • Conflict-resolution • Customer service • Creativity, innovation

• Attitude • Organization • Ability to work under pressure • Adherence to safety and health policies • Reliability • Loyalty • Humble • Decision-making • Reasoning • Confidence • Appearance • Public relations • Willingness to be challenged • Passion for growth and change • Integrity • Intelligence

You can see from the list that strong communication skills - interpersonal, public speaking and writing - are key to succeeding in today's labour market. The ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others (customers and co-workers), to think and solve problems, and to manage one's workload are also very important. Think about what you can do apart from your academic studies to develop your skills; for example, volunteering, part-time and summer employment, and getting involved in extra-curricular activities (e.g. your student association). Think also about how you will communicate your skills to potential employers - verbally and in writing. CaPS offers workshops for Engineering students on resume writing and interview skills. Check our brochure, "Career Services for Engineering Students," or the CaPS web site for details.

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How have University of Alberta Engineering graduates put their degree to work? In 2000, CaPS conducted a survey of 1995 University of Alberta graduates. The following table lists some of the occupational groups that respondents with Engineering degrees were working in, along with a small sampling of job titles that fall within each group. The survey used the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to categorize occupational groups. For additional information about these occupations, or any others, consult the NOC Occupational Descriptions guide located in the CaPS Resource Centre. Not surprisingly, five years after graduation the majority of graduates from the Faculty of Engineering were working as Professional Engineers in a variety of industries. Others had moved into management positions. As you contemplate your career options, consider not only what you want to do shortly after graduation, but also what you would like to be doing five or even ten years later. Consider also, where you want to be working; for example, the type of organization and geographic location. Percentage of Respondents

NOC code and title for occupational group

Examples of job titles for occupational group (Note: This is a very small sampling.)

73.6% Professional Occupations in Natural and Applied Sciences - 21

Engineers of all types - for example, civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial and manufacturing, metallurgical and materials, mining, geological, petroleum, aerospace, computer; research scientists; engineering consultants; urban and land use planners

12.8% Middle and Other Management Occupations - 01-09

Facility operation managers; maintenance mangers; telecommunications managers; manufacturing managers; utilities managers; directors of engineering research and development; directors of management information systems; commissioned armed forces officers; construction managers; transportation managers; human resources managers

3.9% Professional Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Services and Religion - 41

Professors; college and vocational instructors; energy policy analysts; environmental impact analyst; natural and applied science program officers; transportation safety analysts

CaPS offers many services to assist you in identifying and researching your career options, including workshops, seminars, individual career advising consultations, and career forums. In addition to these services, you can access the Jackson Vocational Interest Survey (JVIS) through the CaPS web site. We also carry a number of key resources for career planning. Some of the resources are outlined on page 4. For more details, check our brochure, "Career Services for Engineering Students," or the CaPS web site (www.ualberta.ca/caps).

What is the most effective method for finding work with an Engineering degree? Most employers use more than one method to find qualified candidates; you, the work searcher, should apply the same strategy. What are the most effective methods for finding work? For the CaPS Employment Survey of University of Alberta Graduates of 1995, completed in 2000,, respondents stated that they used the following activities to find their main position (more than one response was allowed): Method Employed Respondents using Method Networking 60.2% Contacted employer without knowing of opening 32.4% Previous work experience with employer 27.8% On-campus job-posting 26.9% Responded to print advertising 25.9% Used resume databank 5.6% Used internet 4.6% Other 3.7% Had previous volunteer experience with employer 2.8% Used private employment agency 2.8% Used public employment office 0.9%

In Summer 2002, CaPS surveyed employers and asked, "How do most job seekers become aware of employment opportunities with your organization?" Their responses follow: Method Percentage of “Often” responses Job posting on the organization’s website 55% Job posting at CaPS 48% Advertisement in newspaper/ job bulletin 44% Personal referral 30% Career fairs 26% Cold call/unsolicited applications 26% Other Internet sources (other institutions, large resume

banks) 26%

Personnel agencies 4% Though more employers and work seekers use the Internet, the tried and true work search method is still networking. The results of both surveys support conventional wisdom: only about 20% of available jobs are advertised. This leaves 80% of available jobs that are not advertised because the employer already has a candidate who has worked for them in the past, was recommended to them by a colleague or applied before the position became available. Employers indicated that they used multiple methods to find candidates; work searchers indicated that they did the same to find work. CaPS offers many services and resources to help you develop effective work search skills and connect with employers, including seminars, career forums, career fairs and employer information sessions. For more details, check our brochure, "Career Services for Engineering Students," or the CaPS web site (www.ualberta.ca/caps).

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Career Resources: Engineering Following is just a small sample of some of the publications for Engineering students available for viewing in the CaPS Resource Centre. Visit us soon to learn about additional resources for Engineering students. Books Location: Careers in Engineering and IT FAC ENG ENG3 Engineering for You FAC ENG ENG2 Engineering Your Future FAC ENG ENG Focus on Engineering FAC ENG FOC Majoring in Engineering FAC ENG MAJ Opportunities in… Engineering Careers, Civil Engineering FAC ENG Careers Resumes for Engineering Careers CAR RES RES8 Directories Location: Alberta Oil and Gas Directory EMP ENG ALB AIAC Guide to Canada’s Aerospace Industry EMP ENG AER Canada Student Employment Guide EMP GEN CAN Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors EMP ENG CAN2 Career Directory 2002 EMP GEN CAR Consulting Engineers of Alberta 2002 Showcase EMP ENG CEA Corporate Directory Edmonton EMP GEN COR (on reserve) Directory of Advanced Technology Companies EMP SCI DIR Edmonton Engineering Directory 2002/2003 EMP ENG EDM Oilweek Magazine: Annual Petroleum Services EMP ENG OIL Association of Canada Supplier Capability Guide Western Canadian Aerospace Capabilities Guide EMP ENG WES2 Western Canadian Oilfield Work Directory EMP ENG WES Who’s Hiring 2002 EMP GEN WHO Job Bulletins Location: Alberta Government Bulletin Information Desk APEGGA Bulletin Information Desk Calgary Herald/Edmonton Journal/National Post Information Desk Canada Employment Weekly Information Desk Current Jobs International Information Desk Jobs Jobs Jobs Information Desk Note: To download a copy of the CaPS Employment Survey of University of Alberta Graduates of 1995 referred to on pages 2 and 3, visit the CaPS web site at www.ualberta.ca/caps.

Making your way from classroom to career: CaPS Works!

10/2002