Hi everyone!
I'm Nicole and even though I may not be an engineer (actually a Mathematical Physics major from a school in New Hampshire probably nobody has heard of), I have some similar experiences.
I've wanted to work for NASA doing research since I was in the 5th grade. My teacher (Hi Mr. Lemoine!) restored the observatory behind my elementary school and every week the astronomy club would go out there and look at all the awesome objects out in the universe. Also, he signed up my entire class to have our names put on two dvds. One would go on Spirit, and the other would go on Opportunity. MY NAME IS IN SPACE? HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT?!?! But let's get back to Earth and talk about my research :)
Just like Serena, I am working as an undergraduate intern at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. My project is The Balloon Experiment Twin Telescope for Infrared Interferometry (BETTII) project. Basically it's a telescope attached to a giant high-altitude balloon that will test wide-field double Fourier interferometry (which has been demonstrated in a laboratory testbed, but never in a flight-like environment).
If you don't understand a word that I just said, don't worry! I didn't understand most of it when I first got to NASA. I've actually worked here last fall semester so I was familiar with some Infrared Interferometry, but didn't really know the details of it. But that's the greatest thing about science, in particular research. You can take something that you may not understand or comprehend at the beginning, and by the end you're an expert at your project! It's something I love, the feeling of slow discovery... it's kind of addicting to a nerd like me.
Just felt the need to introduce myself before I started posting things. Nice to meet everyone!
Nicole
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
The best job is one that didn't exist before- Undergraduate Research
My previous post talked about how awesome undergraduate research is. Now, here are a few ways to obtain a research position. It's tough work, but if you are motivated and excited, you'll definitely learn a ton!
1. Figure out what you like, or at least, what you think you like. If you like materials, go with materials. If you think you like systems, go with systems. Pick a general area.
2. Study your department's website. There will be a listing of faculty and their research interests. Their interests are likely to be very broad (or specific). If you are unsure about what it means, look it up! There's a reason Google was invented.
3. Identify which professor's research interests sound cool/interesting to you. Do this by looking at faculty members' websites. Look at their papers/ publications (many of them are out there on the web!). Usually, you should be able to get a gist from the abstract. If it's super interesting, go ahead-read the paper!
4. Read the Bio of the professor. Sure, it sounds kinda creepy, but that's why it's posted! It's just like when someone posts something on Facebook; they expect you to read it! Get to know their Alma Maters, potential graduation dates (give an estimate to their age when they graduated with their Phd- it'll give you an idea if to ask "Did you work before graduate school?"). Some professors are very impressed. Like I read about a professor being a Student Adviser during his undergraduate and related it to a summer job of mine. He knew I did my research and was not taking research lightly.
5. Email 2 or 3 professors. Dr. Louie at UC Davis has written up a blog post about it. Make sure you take a look at her helpful hints. Serena's Helpful Tip #1: Don't email all professors on the same day; they may want you to meet at conflicting times. And you may find you like one lab more than another. Serena's Helpful Tip #2: Say, "Below is my availability for an appointment." Then, list all available times for the next week. Be flexible. I usually post times between 8am-5pm. I know you're a college student, but a successful college student doesn't sleep in until 11 or noon.
6. Wait for response, but check your email often. Sometimes won't get back to you on purpose; they want to see how motivated you are. Usually I give them about a week. One week later, shoot an email (with the original message below), and say "Dear Professor ___, I sent you an email about 1 week ago regarding your research and my potential involvement. Would you be able to set up an appointment with me? Below are my available times." And list your available times.
Sometimes, they will send you an email back immediately! Don't dilly dally! If you said you were available at 10, you better be available at 10. Stick to your said commitment. This is your first chance to impress them, and you don't want to mess it up by changing your mind.
7. Meet with the professor. Say, "I read your stuff about ____. Although I don't know much about ___, I would love to learn more and get involved." Ask them about their current research projects. Would you be working under a graduate student or directly with the professor? Both are good! What kind of qualifications do you need to work in their lab? Some professors want some upper division coursework, but if you show you are motivated and excited (and have done your research), they are often willing to make exceptions.
Serena's Helpful Tip #3: It's okay to get rejected. Some want upper division coursework. Some just don't have room or the time! Usually, the reason you get rejected is not because they dislike you. This is why you have multiple professors in mind.
8. Be ready to start almost immediately. Again, this depends on the professor. They may never contact you again. It's up to you to maintain the relationship. They may also set you up with a graduate student almost immediately. Be ready for an increased work load. It might be a lot of stress quickly, but don't worry, you're smart!
Serena's Helpful Tip #4: Be willing to devote about 10 hours per week for at least 2 quarters. If you don't have this much time to devote, don't even start your search. You know your coursework. You know your graduation plan. Don't waste your time or the professor's by dropping out because you were "too busy." This excuse does not make for very good letters of recommendation.
9. Work Hard. At first, you won't know anything!!! It's okay; just be willing to learn and do research on the side (look at papers, publications, wikipedia pages- often a good resource for general information). After you get the gist of it, don't be lazy and sleep in until 11. After I got my initial training, I would often show up before ALL of the graduate students in the lab. Some told me that I worked too hard. If you are surpassing the expectations of the graduate students, THIS IS A GOOD THING and keep doing it!
10. Have the goal of publishing or presenting your work. Ask your adviser (he/she is no longer your professor to you- however you should still address them as so) about doing this. It shows your motivation to have an individual project and willingness to take on new challenges.
Serena's Helpful Tip #5: Don't expect to get paid until you've put in enough "time". It's okay to ask, but the professor doesn't know anything about you; would you pay someone you didn't know? After a few months, you can ask. But again, don't expect anything.
I hope this list is extensive enough. Again, research is tough work. But don't let other people dissuade you if you really want to get involved. If I didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to comment.
1. Figure out what you like, or at least, what you think you like. If you like materials, go with materials. If you think you like systems, go with systems. Pick a general area.
2. Study your department's website. There will be a listing of faculty and their research interests. Their interests are likely to be very broad (or specific). If you are unsure about what it means, look it up! There's a reason Google was invented.
3. Identify which professor's research interests sound cool/interesting to you. Do this by looking at faculty members' websites. Look at their papers/ publications (many of them are out there on the web!). Usually, you should be able to get a gist from the abstract. If it's super interesting, go ahead-read the paper!
4. Read the Bio of the professor. Sure, it sounds kinda creepy, but that's why it's posted! It's just like when someone posts something on Facebook; they expect you to read it! Get to know their Alma Maters, potential graduation dates (give an estimate to their age when they graduated with their Phd- it'll give you an idea if to ask "Did you work before graduate school?"). Some professors are very impressed. Like I read about a professor being a Student Adviser during his undergraduate and related it to a summer job of mine. He knew I did my research and was not taking research lightly.
5. Email 2 or 3 professors. Dr. Louie at UC Davis has written up a blog post about it. Make sure you take a look at her helpful hints. Serena's Helpful Tip #1: Don't email all professors on the same day; they may want you to meet at conflicting times. And you may find you like one lab more than another. Serena's Helpful Tip #2: Say, "Below is my availability for an appointment." Then, list all available times for the next week. Be flexible. I usually post times between 8am-5pm. I know you're a college student, but a successful college student doesn't sleep in until 11 or noon.
6. Wait for response, but check your email often. Sometimes won't get back to you on purpose; they want to see how motivated you are. Usually I give them about a week. One week later, shoot an email (with the original message below), and say "Dear Professor ___, I sent you an email about 1 week ago regarding your research and my potential involvement. Would you be able to set up an appointment with me? Below are my available times." And list your available times.
Sometimes, they will send you an email back immediately! Don't dilly dally! If you said you were available at 10, you better be available at 10. Stick to your said commitment. This is your first chance to impress them, and you don't want to mess it up by changing your mind.
7. Meet with the professor. Say, "I read your stuff about ____. Although I don't know much about ___, I would love to learn more and get involved." Ask them about their current research projects. Would you be working under a graduate student or directly with the professor? Both are good! What kind of qualifications do you need to work in their lab? Some professors want some upper division coursework, but if you show you are motivated and excited (and have done your research), they are often willing to make exceptions.
Serena's Helpful Tip #3: It's okay to get rejected. Some want upper division coursework. Some just don't have room or the time! Usually, the reason you get rejected is not because they dislike you. This is why you have multiple professors in mind.
8. Be ready to start almost immediately. Again, this depends on the professor. They may never contact you again. It's up to you to maintain the relationship. They may also set you up with a graduate student almost immediately. Be ready for an increased work load. It might be a lot of stress quickly, but don't worry, you're smart!
Serena's Helpful Tip #4: Be willing to devote about 10 hours per week for at least 2 quarters. If you don't have this much time to devote, don't even start your search. You know your coursework. You know your graduation plan. Don't waste your time or the professor's by dropping out because you were "too busy." This excuse does not make for very good letters of recommendation.
9. Work Hard. At first, you won't know anything!!! It's okay; just be willing to learn and do research on the side (look at papers, publications, wikipedia pages- often a good resource for general information). After you get the gist of it, don't be lazy and sleep in until 11. After I got my initial training, I would often show up before ALL of the graduate students in the lab. Some told me that I worked too hard. If you are surpassing the expectations of the graduate students, THIS IS A GOOD THING and keep doing it!
10. Have the goal of publishing or presenting your work. Ask your adviser (he/she is no longer your professor to you- however you should still address them as so) about doing this. It shows your motivation to have an individual project and willingness to take on new challenges.
Serena's Helpful Tip #5: Don't expect to get paid until you've put in enough "time". It's okay to ask, but the professor doesn't know anything about you; would you pay someone you didn't know? After a few months, you can ask. But again, don't expect anything.
I hope this list is extensive enough. Again, research is tough work. But don't let other people dissuade you if you really want to get involved. If I didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to comment.
Boom Boom Pow
Since studying absorbs most of my life, I usually accompany it with music. For some, music is a distraction, so I understand if you want to totally ignore this post. Below are a few of my favorite music genres.
Techno/House Music: My favorite when writing papers for my GE classes! I feel like I start to type as fast as the music, and it makes my 10 pages go by very quickly.
Jazz: Also another favorite. Usually best for a rainy day while you are casually running through your Calculus 2 problems. I love just be-bopping along. Ella Fizgerald is the best. :-)
Rainy Day: I absolutely love the sound of rain! This is my favorite to start my day. It just makes me want to have a nice hot cup of cocoa and fill my brain with all sorts of circuits problems.
Top 40 Pop: Usually good when you are just feeling down in the dumps. Ke$ha usually does it for me. I just start singing along, and magically, I feel better. Then, I'm ready to keep coding.
Rock/Metal: I'm from LA, and I truly miss KROQ. But this genre helps me get over the problem I've been working on for hours. I just get motivated, and then I figure it out! :-)
What is your favorite study music?
Techno/House Music: My favorite when writing papers for my GE classes! I feel like I start to type as fast as the music, and it makes my 10 pages go by very quickly.
Jazz: Also another favorite. Usually best for a rainy day while you are casually running through your Calculus 2 problems. I love just be-bopping along. Ella Fizgerald is the best. :-)
Rainy Day: I absolutely love the sound of rain! This is my favorite to start my day. It just makes me want to have a nice hot cup of cocoa and fill my brain with all sorts of circuits problems.
Top 40 Pop: Usually good when you are just feeling down in the dumps. Ke$ha usually does it for me. I just start singing along, and magically, I feel better. Then, I'm ready to keep coding.
Rock/Metal: I'm from LA, and I truly miss KROQ. But this genre helps me get over the problem I've been working on for hours. I just get motivated, and then I figure it out! :-)
What is your favorite study music?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Yay for Women in Tech...wait What?
A few weeks back, I bought an issue of Glamour for my occasional fix of girly-brain candy. I came across this article. My first thought was "Cool! They are going to actually address this issue about girls in STEM." After reading the article, I do have some critiques, since the article does not address the REAL issue.
The article concentrates on computer science only. Now, nothing against computer science, but STEM is the WIDE field that incorporates more than you can imagine. There was no talk about the ground-breaking work in other fields.
It concentrates on women in management and entrepreneurial roles. Again, there's not a problem with these roles. However, management isn't for everyone. Neither is entrepreneurial-ship. I think we should encourage these, but we need to get down to the basics- How do women gain the skills to take on these roles? Through STEM degrees!
The "Hang In!" section completely dismisses the whole reason behind STEM. Most of this article is about money and power. They talk about how a women's salary in STEM is 33% higher. Sure, it's important. But why am I really spending countless hours in the computer lab to finish my homework? The reason is WAY beyond the money.
Programming can be a huge turn-off to some people. To be honest, I don't enjoy programming very much. I do it when it makes my life a whole lot easier, but I don't go around creating new iPhone apps or anything like that. If I would have read this article when I was a freshman in college, I would have been very scared. It isn't all about programming, and Glamour makes it seem like it is.
I like the work that Glamour is doing to try to promote girl power, but the article completely dismisses anything outside of computer science. STEM is much more revolutionary in many different fields. Sure, computer development is VERY big right now. However, politics show that it goes beyond that. Take a look at Energy politics for an example; there aren't too many computer scientists in that.
The article concentrates on computer science only. Now, nothing against computer science, but STEM is the WIDE field that incorporates more than you can imagine. There was no talk about the ground-breaking work in other fields.
It concentrates on women in management and entrepreneurial roles. Again, there's not a problem with these roles. However, management isn't for everyone. Neither is entrepreneurial-ship. I think we should encourage these, but we need to get down to the basics- How do women gain the skills to take on these roles? Through STEM degrees!
The "Hang In!" section completely dismisses the whole reason behind STEM. Most of this article is about money and power. They talk about how a women's salary in STEM is 33% higher. Sure, it's important. But why am I really spending countless hours in the computer lab to finish my homework? The reason is WAY beyond the money.
Programming can be a huge turn-off to some people. To be honest, I don't enjoy programming very much. I do it when it makes my life a whole lot easier, but I don't go around creating new iPhone apps or anything like that. If I would have read this article when I was a freshman in college, I would have been very scared. It isn't all about programming, and Glamour makes it seem like it is.
I like the work that Glamour is doing to try to promote girl power, but the article completely dismisses anything outside of computer science. STEM is much more revolutionary in many different fields. Sure, computer development is VERY big right now. However, politics show that it goes beyond that. Take a look at Energy politics for an example; there aren't too many computer scientists in that.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Why would I? Undergraduate Research
I'm a huge advocate of undergraduate research. Now, you're probably asking, "Why would I ever go into undergraduate research? I don't want to be a professor. Why would I want to go to grad school with an engineer's salary? No more school! I don't want to go into R&D. I don't know enough about a subject." I've heard ALL of the excuses- I was there about 3 years ago. So here are my top 10 reasons of why YOU should do undergraduate research.
1. Get GREAT letters of recommendations from professors. You're going to need letters of rec regardless of where you go (unless you graduate and go sit on the couch). If you do work for them, they'll actually find out how motivated and awesome you are, and this will enable them to write a very extensive letter about YOU.
2. Learn about what graduate school is really like. I knew a lot about graduate school before I started research, but you get to interact with graduate students. Grad school isn't all school (as many think). It involves writing, experiments, code, and a ton of interacting with other students and professors. It's definitely not a task for the weary, but you may find that graduate school is actually for you.
3. Learn about an in-depth subject. I knew nothing about materials when I started in the Material Performance Laboratory. I've gained more knowledge from cleaning and sanding down samples for endless hours, rather than hear my professor talk about the mechanical capabilities of his car. I've been able to see stress-strain curves develop before my eyes, and I've helped to solve problems on the go! There's now a TON I know about the cyclic stresses on an airplane, and every time I take a flight somewhere, I explain to them about the material stresses on the cabin!
4. Rule out things you don't like. I've realized a lot about what I want and DON'T want in graduate school or, even, in the working world. This is a very harm-free way of doing this.
5. Have something on your resume. The economy's tough right now. It's very difficult to get internships, especially if you are a freshman or sophomore. Sure, you probably won't get paid. But this will be a GREAT way to get engineering experience and contacts with little risk.
6. It's possible to get Technical Elective credit. One less class I have to take? Sign me up!
7. Get your hands dirty. I used to love coming out of the lab with grease on my hands. I felt like I actually accomplished something and be one of the few students that can actually use tools.
8. Get mistaken for a graduate student. There have been many instances where I've been mistaken for a graduate student. It makes you feel very confident about your work (even though you probably don't know much), and other students look up to you! Another perk: free coffee at the Graduate Student Union- don't worry, I was invited, and nobody could tell the difference.
9. Have something to talk about. Many engineering students ramble on about this lab report or this code or that professor. Be excited about your research, and other people will get excited around you. It definitely is a change of pace from the day-to-day routine.
10. Present or publish your research before you graduate! Employers absolutely love to see that you can speak in public. It's not what you said. It's how many people you spoke to at once. Also, who wouldn't want their name all over a paper! Sure, you may not think it's a big deal, but graduate schools and employers LOVE to see that you can communicate effectively.
Now that I got you excited about undergraduate research, I will post about how to obtain a research position in the near future.
1. Get GREAT letters of recommendations from professors. You're going to need letters of rec regardless of where you go (unless you graduate and go sit on the couch). If you do work for them, they'll actually find out how motivated and awesome you are, and this will enable them to write a very extensive letter about YOU.
2. Learn about what graduate school is really like. I knew a lot about graduate school before I started research, but you get to interact with graduate students. Grad school isn't all school (as many think). It involves writing, experiments, code, and a ton of interacting with other students and professors. It's definitely not a task for the weary, but you may find that graduate school is actually for you.
3. Learn about an in-depth subject. I knew nothing about materials when I started in the Material Performance Laboratory. I've gained more knowledge from cleaning and sanding down samples for endless hours, rather than hear my professor talk about the mechanical capabilities of his car. I've been able to see stress-strain curves develop before my eyes, and I've helped to solve problems on the go! There's now a TON I know about the cyclic stresses on an airplane, and every time I take a flight somewhere, I explain to them about the material stresses on the cabin!
4. Rule out things you don't like. I've realized a lot about what I want and DON'T want in graduate school or, even, in the working world. This is a very harm-free way of doing this.
5. Have something on your resume. The economy's tough right now. It's very difficult to get internships, especially if you are a freshman or sophomore. Sure, you probably won't get paid. But this will be a GREAT way to get engineering experience and contacts with little risk.
6. It's possible to get Technical Elective credit. One less class I have to take? Sign me up!
7. Get your hands dirty. I used to love coming out of the lab with grease on my hands. I felt like I actually accomplished something and be one of the few students that can actually use tools.
8. Get mistaken for a graduate student. There have been many instances where I've been mistaken for a graduate student. It makes you feel very confident about your work (even though you probably don't know much), and other students look up to you! Another perk: free coffee at the Graduate Student Union- don't worry, I was invited, and nobody could tell the difference.
9. Have something to talk about. Many engineering students ramble on about this lab report or this code or that professor. Be excited about your research, and other people will get excited around you. It definitely is a change of pace from the day-to-day routine.
10. Present or publish your research before you graduate! Employers absolutely love to see that you can speak in public. It's not what you said. It's how many people you spoke to at once. Also, who wouldn't want their name all over a paper! Sure, you may not think it's a big deal, but graduate schools and employers LOVE to see that you can communicate effectively.
Now that I got you excited about undergraduate research, I will post about how to obtain a research position in the near future.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Inspirations- Marie Curie
From what I've read, Marie and her husband (Pierre) received a set of bicycles as a wedding present. They conducted their science experiments together, and when things got tough in the lab, they would de-stress by riding through the streets of Paris for hours on end. How romantic!
However, I would argue that Pierre helped to create this female revolution. When he and Henri Becquerel were offered the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1903, Pierre refused the reward unless the committee included his wife, who stood next to him conducting the experiments. I want a husband like him. She became the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize.
A few years later, Pierre was killed by a horse-drawn wagon (what a way to die!), and Marie took his place as a Professor of General Physics in the Faculty of Sciences at Sorbonne in Paris. Again, she was the first woman to hold this position. Her hard work really stood out.
In 1911, she received the Nobel Prize again, but this time in Chemistry. She become the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes. Afterward, she went on to promote science within federal governments and use radium for therapeutic purposes.
In 1934, Marie died of aplastic anemia due to her radiation exposure from experiments. She is definitely a woman to devote herself to her work.
Today, many of us women are criticized for being put into positions for simply "being a woman." However, Madame is an example that we, too, can be exemplary in our work to show that women are equal, if not better, in STEM.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
GPA isn't everything
Hello all!
I'm a recent graduate from UC Davis as a double major for Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering. Currently I'm interviewing with multiple companies while continuing to work at the full time job I maintained in college as well as doing research in the Materials Performance Laboratory on campus.
Inspirations for Engineering: I've always been a bit more rough-and-tumble and hands on than most girl's I've ever met. I was always good at puzzles and solving problems when I found any. I spent a good deal of time growing up working on cars or fixing any problems that occurred around the house for my mom. In graduating from high school, I had developed a strong fascination with space and flight, so in applying to U.C. Davis I applied into the aeronautics program.
Developing my goals: As I moved my way through the classes I had in college, I found that I was more interested in making the world a better place than in new and innovative creations. I wanted to come home at the end of every day feeling like I made a difference in the world. Senior year, I met another female engineer who became a close friend who was working in the Materials Performance Laboratory on campus. I was a student of the research professor she had, and realized that this was where I belonged: fatigue testing to ensure the safety of the material. At this time, I transferred into the double major to Mechanical engineering to supplement my Aeronautical engineering. I highly recommend this to all Aeronautics students (it's two more classes for Mechanical as a second major.)
Difficulties along the way: Freshman year I took up a dispatching job in Sacramento in order to help pay for college. I had no financial help from home, and was left on my own to pay my own bills, my tuition, and to help pay bills for my family. I worked full time all four years, would spend free time helping my mom at home with home repairs, and was able to graduate in four years with no loans. However, the major drawback was my GPA. Having a GPA below a 3.0 is extremely detrimental to any engineer, as there are quite a few companies that will not even consider a resume of these "below par" standards. Having a resume handed back is the worst feeling. I felt as though no one cared that I spent the last four years working, not screwing around, as the reason for a lower GPA.
Looking on the bright side: Instead of letting this get me down, I continued to work my full time job and research position after I graduated. Thanks to the motivation from friends, I attended the career fair in fall. This was possibly the smartest decision I've made in college (no exaggeration). I handed out eight resumes at the career fair, and got three interviews, one of which called back for a second interview that I will be attending later this month. None of these companies cared that my GPA was a little lower. They saw my drive and motivation to support myself and stay positive in a situation as unique as mine*.
*Only 0.001% of students support themselves through college without parental or family help and graduate with no loans
For the future: I intend on continuing to apply for jobs that I feel I would want to have as a career, and will continue to attend campus career fairs to help me succeed in that. Remember: every cover letter anyone writes will more likely than not be skimmed, not thoroughly read. Meeting recruiters in person at career fairs gives you the opportunity to really show a company who you are and why you should work there.
Advice:
Sincerely,
Danielle Fogg
I'm a recent graduate from UC Davis as a double major for Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering. Currently I'm interviewing with multiple companies while continuing to work at the full time job I maintained in college as well as doing research in the Materials Performance Laboratory on campus.
Inspirations for Engineering: I've always been a bit more rough-and-tumble and hands on than most girl's I've ever met. I was always good at puzzles and solving problems when I found any. I spent a good deal of time growing up working on cars or fixing any problems that occurred around the house for my mom. In graduating from high school, I had developed a strong fascination with space and flight, so in applying to U.C. Davis I applied into the aeronautics program.
Developing my goals: As I moved my way through the classes I had in college, I found that I was more interested in making the world a better place than in new and innovative creations. I wanted to come home at the end of every day feeling like I made a difference in the world. Senior year, I met another female engineer who became a close friend who was working in the Materials Performance Laboratory on campus. I was a student of the research professor she had, and realized that this was where I belonged: fatigue testing to ensure the safety of the material. At this time, I transferred into the double major to Mechanical engineering to supplement my Aeronautical engineering. I highly recommend this to all Aeronautics students (it's two more classes for Mechanical as a second major.)
Difficulties along the way: Freshman year I took up a dispatching job in Sacramento in order to help pay for college. I had no financial help from home, and was left on my own to pay my own bills, my tuition, and to help pay bills for my family. I worked full time all four years, would spend free time helping my mom at home with home repairs, and was able to graduate in four years with no loans. However, the major drawback was my GPA. Having a GPA below a 3.0 is extremely detrimental to any engineer, as there are quite a few companies that will not even consider a resume of these "below par" standards. Having a resume handed back is the worst feeling. I felt as though no one cared that I spent the last four years working, not screwing around, as the reason for a lower GPA.
Looking on the bright side: Instead of letting this get me down, I continued to work my full time job and research position after I graduated. Thanks to the motivation from friends, I attended the career fair in fall. This was possibly the smartest decision I've made in college (no exaggeration). I handed out eight resumes at the career fair, and got three interviews, one of which called back for a second interview that I will be attending later this month. None of these companies cared that my GPA was a little lower. They saw my drive and motivation to support myself and stay positive in a situation as unique as mine*.
*Only 0.001% of students support themselves through college without parental or family help and graduate with no loans
For the future: I intend on continuing to apply for jobs that I feel I would want to have as a career, and will continue to attend campus career fairs to help me succeed in that. Remember: every cover letter anyone writes will more likely than not be skimmed, not thoroughly read. Meeting recruiters in person at career fairs gives you the opportunity to really show a company who you are and why you should work there.
Advice:
- I cannot emphasize this enough: GO TO CAREER FAIRS.
- Write a resume and cover letter specific to each and every job you apply to (career fairs do not require cover letters, but make a specific engineering resume).
- Be yourself, not the person you think they want (trust me, they can tell)
- Join a club or get a research position, even if the position is volunteer. Email every professor you have every quarter/semester at the beginning of the session to ask if any need help or volunteers in their work. Someone will say yes, and it will be extremely helpful when applying to jobs.
- Make friends. You may think you can pass all of your classes alone, but being friendly with your classmates will pay off in the long run.
- Be social! Don't be shy of strangers, and always talk to whoever you sit next to in class. It's good practice for getting rid of nervousness before interviews and speaking with recruiters.
- And finally, NEVER let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough, that you won't make it, or that it will be hard for you to find an opportunity. Instead, use it as motivation to work harder. The harder you strive, the stronger your character, and the more people will want you to work for them.
Sincerely,
Danielle Fogg
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