Career Development for Engineers and Scientists

Career Readiness

Our goal is to guide students in professional development and career-readiness competencies from the beginning of their college experience through graduation. We provide students with a flexible roadmap that lets them chart their own path, while doing so with intention, confidence, and readiness to step into the next phase of their journey: their career.

The CDES Roadmap guides students through a series of professional development opportunities that lead to industry-aligned skills and a smooth transition from college to career, through:

• Career Fair Prep: Beginning freshman year, students are provided with tools and workshops to practice skills such as resume writing, elevator pitch development, and interview preparation.
• Professional Development Workshops: NACE Core Competencies are incorporated into industry- or expert-led workshops and sessions.
• Guidance in Experiential Learning Opportunities: We provide information and resources to help students navigate internships, co-ops, and other hands-on opportunities that build real-world experience and workplace readiness.

Leadership

The Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers and Scientists (JHLP), directed by CDES co-director Kim Wolfinbarger, takes a pillar-based approach to help students grow across five domains: personal development, interpersonal relationships, management and teamwork, leadership, and intercultural competence.

Students can engage with JHLP at the level that fits their needs. Some attend stand-alone events, such as:

• Distinguished Speaker Days
• Workshops
• Networking Events

Others commit to a longer-term path by:

• Pursuing the undergraduate Engineering Leadership Certificate
• Enrolling in Leadership Courses
• Becoming a Holmes Leadership Associates 

Learn more about JHLP.

Campus & Career Connections

The connections you build on campus have a lasting impact on your personal and professional development. Both create real-world interpersonal experiences that build professionalism and career readiness. CDES provides guidance, resources, and opportunities that connect students with both industry professionals and peers.

Campus Connections include:

• Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
• Competition Teams
• Living-Learning Community
• Engineering Leaders Assembly
• Student resources: embedded counselor, career coach, and advisors

Career Connections include:

• CDES LinkedIn Network
• Industry Workshops
• Career Fairs