School of EECS Day provides important networking opportunity for students, employers
10/19/2018
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On October 1, the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) held their sixth annual School of EECS Day, a networking event designed to connect EECS students with potential employers. The event was held at the Nittany Lion Inn and attracted more than 450 EECS students and representatives from 43 companies. The event aims to facilitate networking for full-time jobs and internships that specifically target EECS students, according to Kim Fox, associate director of Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations.
“The School of EECS Day is an enhancement to larger career activities on campus, and it serves to benefit students, employers, and the School,” said Fox. She added that the event also provides collaborative opportunities for employers with the School and with associated student organizations.
The structure of EECS Day has been modified a few times since its inception based on student and employer feedback, and Fox and her colleagues feel confident that the current iteration, which has been in place for three years, allows for maximum benefit to all participants. This current structure consists of three main events: a School of EECS update from the director of the School and the director of Academic Affairs for the School; an open house for student clubs and organizations; and a networking reception. The day after EECS Day, many employers conduct on-campus interviews with top candidates. This year’s event resulted in more than 250 interviews the following day.
The School of EECS Day has grown not only through the evolution of its structure but also in terms of student and employer involvement. In recent years, the number of employer attendees has been limited to allow for the best student to employer ratio and engagement opportunities. Student participation also has increased significantly as the students recognize the unique professional opportunity provided to them through EECS Day.
“EECS Day is a great event for students because it is a smaller, more focused career fair. Students have really good access to top employers and with many companies holding interviews the following day, there is [very little] wait to hear back,” said Mark Baron, a senior majoring in electrical engineering. Baron knows firsthand that EECS Day can yield positive results: last year, he received an internship offer the day after the event.
The School of EECS and Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations cohost this event. A complete calendar of engineering career events can be found on the website of Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations.
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