Whether you are set on your career goals and ready to jump into academics or feeling overwhelmed, these tips can help you out. It’s never too early to start building career awareness while adjusting to academic life!
The CLIMB model is designed to help engineering students navigate the complicated career journey.
Getting started
- Build an academic, life and career support network of individuals inside and outside the university
- Connect with resources that can help you explore and compare engineering career options
- Learn decision-making strategies that will help you make tough decisions, such as when applying for a major or selecting an internship.
Note: The getting started suggestions are not meant to be completed in any order. They are simply starting points to enable students to take action.
Academic/life support
Building a strong support network is essential for a successful career. Your network includes friends, family, peers, neighbors, coworkers, advisers, professors, and others. Cultivating these connections can provide needed support while creating valuable career opportunities.
The faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting all students. There are various services available across campus to assist you with any challenges in your life. Start by reviewing (and bookmarking) the College of Engineering Student Support Services webpage. This page provides a range of resources, including:
- Academic support
- Community and diversity support
- Emotional and social support
- English language learner support
- Study spaces and labs
The College of Engineering is committed to fostering an inclusive community where all members can thrive, feel valued, and have a sense of belonging. Programs for Inclusive Excellence focus on expanding access to engineering and advancing the success of students from diverse backgrounds by supporting their academic, leadership, and personal development.
The UW’s Student Life webpage also has contact information for a number of resources.
Connect with career resources
The Career Center @ Engineering (CC@E) is your one-stop shop for anything career-related. Our staff is happy to assist you throughout your entire job search process, from career exploration (choosing a major) to resume writing to salary negotiation. Whether you are a first-year engineering student, in the middle of your studies, a graduating senior or a graduate student, our office can help. It's never too early (or too late!) to begin planning your future career.
Stop by our office in Loew 301 or schedule an appointment through Handshake.
PRO TIP: Be sure to complete your Handshake profile!
Career decision making
When making career decisions, it's important to understand that you're not choosing one job or occupation for life. Career decision-making is a dynamic process that evolves as you progress in your career. By starting with foundational practices, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions when facing career choices.
Consider these four stages when making academic or career decisions:
An essential part of managing your career is getting to know yourself. Perhaps you took a career assessment in high school or as part of a college course. CC@E can assist you in interpreting the results to see how they relate to an engineering career. Or, if you're interested in exploring career options, and need a place to start, you can take an online assessment.
College is where you will explore career opportunities that align with your interests and then develop skills to get there. The best way to start exploring your career interests is by gathering information from people in the jobs that interest you. There are a variety of ways to connect with them. Here are some ideas:
- ENGR 101 - Engineering Undeclared students hear from different engineers about their careers during this foundational class. Did anyone sound interesting to you? Reach out to them for a further conversation.
Note: ENGR 101 is only available for ENGRUD students. - Engineering-Connect: Details forthcoming
- Huskies@Work: Students and alumni connect for a unique job shadowing program. This program is offered in the autumn and spring quarters.
- Handshake Events: Employers regularly visit campus to present on various topics or recruit students for jobs/internships. These are great opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
- Engineering Exploration Night: Connect with engineering alumni in a casual setting. You'll meet with industry professionals to learn about their experiences, careers, and what led them there. Companies provide insight into navigating the job market successfully.
- ACE Mentor Night: (Winter Quarter)
- LinkedIn - This is a great way to connect with engineering professionals. Get started by following the UW College of Engineering page.
Need more guidance?
Make an appointment with the CC@E team, and we can discuss ways to connect with engineers and build your career network.
Another great way to explore career options is to get involved with clubs and organizations. Clubs are designed to help you explore engineering disciplines, meet engineering researchers and professionals, and work on a hands-on engineering project. You’ll also add key skills employers seek: leadership, teamwork, time management, etc.
Career action plans are designed to help you achieve your long-term career goals by breaking them down into realistic, actionable tasks. They help refine your focus by setting timelines to keep your plan on track.
These plans will help you identify areas you will need to develop in order to reach your goals. Career decision-making is a dynamic process, so it’s important to review and adjust your action periodically.
Meet with your academic and/or CC@E career adviser to create a career action plan that will help you reach your career goals.
Keep CLIMBing
Now that you’re connecting with helpful resources, explore the next step in your CLIMB.