Job Search Tips from Recent SCS Alums:  

Nobody can tell you about the ins and outs of the job search better than people who have already gone through it. Here's a few words of wisdom from past SCS grads:

"When I look back at how my job search went, I have to say it was quite a bit like online dating; I was looking for a perfect match by flipping through online descriptions. An ad that promised a little chemistry, an interesting personality, a bit of a challenge, and it wouldn't hurt if they were popular. Some job descriptions are too flashy, others too boring. Some demand too much of you, others too little. If anyone has ever sifted through the area's personals ads, they'll recognize the feeling when they start looking for jobs".

"I have to say that the trick to finding an employment match is to not eliminate any pools of possibility. It's a good thing to continue networking through friends and family."

"I believe that my previous internships and work experience did play a role in getting interviews, and it gave the recruiters something to ask about ('Tell me about your internship at Company X...')...my job lead finally came through someone I know (which happens to be how I got both of my internships, as well). Who you know remains the most important factor in finding a job. If I had it to do over again, I would probably have tried to get better grades (I have a little bit better than a B average) and participate in more contests/outside projects to try to earn some recognition".

" Internships definitely helped me within TartanTrak. Having had three internships distinguished me from many of my peers, and I was more often than not picked for the prelim interview when I submitted to a job I was interested in"

"The TOC proved to be very helpful in producing leads. I was able to get several interviews with a particular company for 2 years. I did not work for them ever. However, I was able to get a friend a job there. This past year the same interviewer saw me and automatically gave me a site visit. The TOC is a great way to get a foot in the door".

"Everyone likes different environments. But whatever you're looking for, this is what I suggest to people in their onsite interviews. Pick a team that interests you. Tell your interviewer that you like the sound of what this team does and want to find out more. Ask if you can be introduced to a couple of team members. First of all, they'll remember you for that because you were able to express a specific interest. But mostly, you'll get to talk to people who haven't been prepped on what to say about their team and their company. Ask what they do and try to pick up on whether they sound like they are really excited about it and really believe in it".

"My original strategy during interviews was to sort of take it as it comes along. I felt that if I was honest and sincere the company representatives would view me as a good candidate. I did not get many second interviews that way...I realized that other than just answering questions I should find a way to really prove to the interviewer why they should see me as a valuable candidate. I found a few strengths that I felt confident about during the interview and tried to concentrate on those".

"As far as technical skills go, that depends on your interests and the company. I applied for a lot of consulting positions, so there was almost NO technical grilling. Every other place I interviewed gave me behavioral questions AND technical questions. When companies flew me out for interviews it was behavioral with the HR person and technical with the engineers. Tell your SCS people that they ARE prepared for these questions. I found that when I relaxed, gave myself a minute to think about the question, and then started my thought process (OUT LOUD), I would almost always arrive at the right answer".

"Interviewers want you to get the right answer, they'll help you but you have to talk out loud so they know what hints to drop for you".

Anytime someone gives you an hour to practice being on your toes, take it."

"The things that I was looking for specifically were a casual work environment and a level of professionalism that wound up being very hard to find. I also looked for great benefits, and most of all I liked trying to pick up on whether the workers around me (not necessarily the people interviewing, but the people sitting around in the cubes) would strike up a conversation and sound genuinely excited about what they do. This was the best way to figure out whether a company was worth it or not".

"The one thing you can't do is be complacent about your situation. See how flexible you can be and what new skills can be picked up that might be helpful. Senior year is only going to last so long (hopefully). The well-networked professors, wise advisors, exclusive job fairs and professional career center are all available to help you find your dream job."