Your references are one of your most important assets in the job search. Their comments can spur an
employer into selecting you over other candidates.  If you are planning to interview for professional
career positions in the near future it is time to get your references lined up!  You will need three to
five professional references. 

You will want to create a document that uses the header from your resume.  Just below your resume header
(that includes your name, address, phone, and email), the reference page will be titled "References" and
will have two columns.  One column will have the name, title, organization, address, phone, and email
address of each of your references and it will appear as you would address an envelope.  The second
column will have a description of how you know the person.  For example: Supervisor on bridge project;
Sr. Project Professor; Co-team member on Sr. Design project.

What is a good reference?  A good professional reference is a person you ask, and who agrees, to allow
you to use their name as a person who can be called upon to speak about your good professional qualities.
Contact anyone you plan to use and ask if they would be willing to let you use them as a reference. 
Don’t use anyone who you don’t ask first and make sure that they will say only good things
about you. 

People who qualify to give you a good reference:
1. A professor who you have gotten a good grade from  
2. A former or current employer or supervisor who knows the quality of your work
3. A co-worker who likes working with you
4. A sr. project co-team member (who doesn’t hate you yet...) 

Do not use:
1. Family members
2. Friends
3. People who don’t know you professionally 

What should you give your references? Give all of your references a file folder with your name on the tab
containing: 
1. A recent picture of yourself
2. A resume
3. A list of your strengths
4. A list of your interests
5. A list of the types of positions for which you are applying  
6. A list of the companies that may be contacting them

References need to have all of these things in order to give you a good reference. Some calls for
references come months or years later when you are all but forgotten.  

Employers will ask you for references and they will call!  Keep in touch with your references and keep
them posted on your progress.  You will be glad you did!

It’s time to get ready for the professional engineering exams again and time to review some strategies
for passing the Professional Engineering examinations (Fundamentals of Engineering, FE and Professional
Engineer, PE).  The following are some of the strategies that many people have found useful in preparing
for and taking the exam.  Dennis Dahlquist, PE teaches review courses for the Fundamentals of
Engineering, FE (formerly known as the Engineering In Training examination, EIT) and the Electrical
Engineering Professional Engineering Exam, EE PE.  

Quick Check List: 
 
Before the exam: 
Check with the Board for an Application and current requirements for the exams. (Application Dead line
for the April 2007 exam: 2/16/07, http://www.dca.ca.gov/pels/e_schedule-eng.pdf )
Develop a plan for the exam.  How are you going to engineer your way to and through the exam? One
specialty area is not enough to pass the exam. 
Study for the exam, take a review course, and/or form a study group.  
Familiarize yourself with your calculator and reference materials.  
Make sure you going into the exam fully rested.
 
On the exam: 
Read all the problems and sort by difficulty. 
To save time on the exam, estimate your answers as much as possible. 
Make efficient use of the calculator and your time. 
Keep in mind, if it looks too hard you are not looking at it correctly. 
Check the answers; make sure your answer is the answer to the question asked. 

Important web links:
Exam dates:  http://www.dca.ca.gov/pels/e_schedule-eng.pdf 
Applications:  http://www.dca.ca.gov/pels/a_apps.htm 

The full article is at:

http://www.cspe.com/FunctionalAreas/StudentYouth/howtopass.htm 


Links for further information and seminars to help you pass the professional exams:


http://www.cspe.com/FunctionalAreas/StudentYouth/ddseminar.htm 

Dennis Dahlquist, P.E is a consulting engineer in California. He teaches Engineering courses at
California State University, Sacramento.  He has taught review courses for 20 years for the Fundamentals
of Engineering (FE) and Electrical Engineering (EEPE) licensing exams, with pass rates near 90%. He can
be reached by email at: d.dahlquist@ieee.org.

EIT  EXAMINATION 
Next Exam:  April 21, 2007
Registration DUE: Feb. 16, 2007
Sign up info at 
http://www.dca.ca.gov/pels/e_exam.htm

Review Sessions
Sponsored by 
Tau Beta Pi
California Upsilon

Begin March 13 at CSUS

for information contact: 
Pat Homen     homenp@ecs.csus.edu

There are now 102 companies planning to attend Career Day 2007 with a total of 2738 openings!

Mark your calendar and make sure you are there early.  This incredible hiring event runs from 8am to 3pm
in the University Union Ballroom.

Here is the breakdown by major:

68 Civil Engineering majors
44 Construction Management majors
26 Computer Engineering majors
23 Computer Science majors
34 Engineering-Electrical & Electronic majors
37 Mechanical Engineer majors
16 Mechanical Engineer Tech. majors

What did companies report is fueling the hiring demand?

52 said new contracts/Projects/Business
25 indicated expanding areas of business
13 are responding to new government regulations
18 are benefiting from new government spending
21 said that it is population growth
12 indicated upcoming retirements
28 said growing demand for infrastructure
5 are benefiting from Defense Spending
12 said that new technology is fueling the growth

For the complete list of companies attending Career Day 2007: 
link

Click on Who is Coming to Career Day

Join the California Air Resources Board ... and make a difference!

Would you like to be part of a team that strives for global leadership in climate change and air quality?
Then the California Air Resources Board (ARB) is the place to be!

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. This landmark
bill authorizes a first-in-the-world comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve
real, quantifiable, and cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gases. The Act requires ARB to develop
the regulations and market mechanisms that will ultimately reduce California’s greenhouse gas
emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

ARB is actively recruiting individuals with science, engineering and math majors that are interested in
achieving these goals. Current California State employees who have related experience and can transfer
are encouraged to apply for job openings. Non State employees who are registered seniors in a recognized
academic institution or have a bachelor’s degree in physical, biological or environmental sciences,
mathematics, economics, or related fields are encouraged to participate in our open continuous testing
(which consists of a supplemental application). Existing State employees who meet the minimum
qualifications are also encouraged to apply. The following links provide instructions and forms necessary
to participate in an exam:

Instructions for Completing Supplemental Application Examination
  http://arb.ca.gov/as/personnel/jobs/recruitment/exam/instructions.pdf

Supplemental Application Examination
  http://arb.ca.gov/as/personnel/jobs/recruitment/exam/apsareexam.pdf

State of California Examination and/or Employment Application (STD. 678)
  http://www.spb.ca.gov/employment/employment_app_adobe.htm

The link below provides information on job openings which are primarily located in Sacramento and El
Monte (Southern California):
Current Job Vacancies - ARB
  http://arb.ca.gov/as/personnel/jobs/examvac.htm#JobsARB

NOTE: Non State employees must compete in an examination in order to obtain eligibility on an employment
list. All hiring decisions are based on a person’s eligibility on the employment list which is
established through written examination, supplemental application, and/or personal interview.

Come join us.  You can make a difference!!

The Air Resources Board mission:  To promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources
through effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects
on the economy of the State. 

The position listed below is available to college students currently enrolled in at least six semester or
equivalent quarter units and at least a 2.0 GPA.  Applicants are hired through the Foundation for
California Community Colleges.  Upon receipt of your application, our staff will review your
qualifications and will contact you should your education and experience match the requirements of our
current opening.  If you are not contacted, please be aware that another candidate has been chosen for
the position.
 
Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Under direction of the John Kato, the student will be responsible for:
•	Duties related to the implementation of the Carl Moyer Program
•	Assisting Air Pollution Specialists and Air Resources Engineers in their evaluations of local
district programs
•	Assisting the Associate Government Program Analyst with processing of grants and
disbursements
•	Assisting in program outreach

Preferred Major or Courses: Engineering or environmental science majors are preferred.

Preferred Experience: Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is important.  
Preferred Abilities: Able to work and interact well with others and as well as the ability to work
independently.  The ability to travel is also preferred. 


Mandatory qualifications: Students must maintain 2.0gpa and a courseload of at least 6 units

Final Filing Date:  Until position is filled.
Salary:   $8.13 - $14.80 per hour ($10.03 - $16.71 per hour for graduate students)
Hours:  15-20 hours per week, minimum.

TRANSCRIPTS AND PROOF OF ENROLLMENT ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF INTERVIEW.  Please submit State
Application STD 678 (available in Career Services or by calling the number below) and resume
to:

Contact Person: John Kato,  916-322-2891 or or e-mail, jkato@arb.ca.gov
Air Resources Board- Mobile Source Control Division

Visit http://www.foundationccc.org for more job listings for the Foundation for California Community
Colleges. 

POSITION:  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II (6DP039) 
(EQUIVALENT TO:  SENIOR PROGRAMMER ANALYST (SPECIALIST)) 
 
JOB LOCATION:  SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 
FINAL FILING DATE:  FEBRUARY 28, 2007      SALARY RANGE:  $5,382 - $6,870 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Under the general direction of an Applications Development Manager, the
incumbent acts as a lead programmer analyst, performing analysis and programming tasks on highly complex
applications.  This person leads a team of two or more Information Technology Specialist I‘s on complex
projects and also contributes as a knowledge expert on the use of standard technologies in the
development of new applications and the maintenance of production systems. 
 
WHO MAY APPLY: Candidates do not have to be on a State list in order to apply.  
 
HOW TO APPLY:  Submit a standard state application and a resume to the Legislative Counsel Bureau
Personnel Office, Attn: L. Snow, 925 L Street, Suite 900, Sacramento, CA 95814.  Applications must be
received in the Personnel Office by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2007, or be postmarked by this
date. You must include on your application the alpha-numeric process indicator number 6DP039 after the
position title on your application.  Applications that do not contain the process indicator number will
not be processed.  Please note on your application how you heard about this position.  Technical
questions about 
the position may be directed to David Duarte at (916) 341-8528.  Questions regarding how to apply may be

directed to Personnel at (916) 341-8330. 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Knowledge of applications development and software engineering principles to
analyze, design and construct automated solutions that meet customers’ business and information systems
requirements.  Demonstrated experience with object-oriented analysis, design and programming techniques. 
Ability to think tactically and strategically to provide information technology solutions and services
that meet the customers’ needs and fit into the IT architecture of the Data Center. Good oral and
written communications skills.  Ability to accurately read and interpret system and database design
documents to develop corresponding program specifications.  Ability to accurately read and interpret
program specifications to code programs and routines that meet the customers’ business requirements. 
Knowledge of testing methods and tools to ensure appropriate development of test scripts and expected
test results for unit testing, system testing, integration testing, regression testing and acceptance
testing.  Writing skills to create professional data processing documents including, but not limited to: 
requirements documents, project scope documents, impact analysis reports, project status reports,
business letters, Feasibility Study Reports, Requests for Proposal, procedures and system documentation. 
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others including customers, team
members, peers, managers and executive staff.  Experience leading teams and 
projects.  Ability to manage workload, prepare project plans, meet deadlines, and coordinate the work in
a project team. Knowledge of and experience with project management tools and techniques. 
 
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:  Knowledge of Jscript or Javascript, XSL, XML, XPath, XLink, XFT,XSLT, and DOM.
 Familiarity with User Interface design and development, event driven programming, HTML, XHTML,
Templates, CSS, and MS Registry design.  Familiarity with XML schemas and SOAP.  Knowledge of XMetaL,
XMLSpy, Oracle 10g, XDB, and XSL-FO.  Knowledge of the JAVA programming language in a J2EE environment. 
Knowledge of the C# programming language in a .Net environment.  Knowledge of the hardware and software
environment in use to assist in specifying hardware and software requirements for new projects.  Ability
to effectively conduct prototype sessions as an iterative process to define and refine requirements. 
Knowledge of PVCS configuration management tools, the source library and other configuration management
tools used by LDC to support source code integrity, manage version control and track program changes.


Applications are available at State Personnel Board’s website at:  http://www.spb.ca.gov/employment 


http://www.legislativecounsel.ca.gov
For IT position postings:  www.spb.ca.gov/employment/lcb.htm
 

I received the following from alum, Donald Perkovich (MSCS 05)

Cici,

We have two intern positions available this summer at HP in San Diego.  We develop firmware for inkjet
printers.  Ideal candidates are undergraduates in CSC or CPE, will have Junior or Senior standing next
fall, have outstanding
problem solving skills, and have some practical experience in C.

HP Jobs website (http://jobs.hp.com), requisition number 113152.

I can try to answer whatever questions anyone may have.  
Email me at perkovid@ecs.csus.edu.

Don

Deloitte is once again seeking qualified undergrad students to join our team for an exciting and
fulfilling summer as a Deloitte Summer Scholar (Intern). You will have the opportunity to learn first
hand how Deloitte Consulting helps the world’s most influential companies and organizations
maximize their return on technology investments. Learn new skills as well as relevant industry knowledge
in a dynamic working environment!
Find out more at http://careers.deloitte.com.

Also join us on February 15th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm for a Deloitte Info Session at the Hinde
Auditorium.

What:      Deloitte Summer Scholar (Deloitte Intern) Information Session
When:     February 15th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where:    Hinde Auditorium in the University Union
For Who: Students graduating in spring, 2008
Majors: Computer Science/ Computer Engineering /MIS

Student Assistant Job Bulletin (Two Position)Information Management Services Division
IMSD/Data Management Services

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP), Information Management Services Division (IMSD), is
looking a student assistant to update information in several databases and to respond to IT Help Desk
service calls.

Respond to incoming calls for the DMSS IT Help Desk
Tracking and documentation of calls through the “Remedy”  tracking system
General office work including: correspondence, filing, photocopying, and faxing
Perform other related duties as assigned

Desirable Qualifications:
Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills. Excellent telephone skills. Ability to learn rapidly and
to follow instructions and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply definitions and guidelines in a
logical manner
Excellent work habits, and the ability to organize and prioritize work load.

Required Qualifications:
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g., Word, Excel, Internet, database applications. Reliable;
punctual; ability to work and communicate effectively with others; ability to work independently.
Enrollment in six (6) or more semester units, or equivalent, at an accredited college or
university

days and hours are flexible depending upon student’s school schedule.
Pay: $7.86 - $10.46 per hour

Email resumes to:
Deborah Gregory, Associate Governmental Program Analyst
(916) 323-9765 ph, or email, dgregory@adp.state.ca.gov
IMSD/Data Management Services Section
Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
1700 K Street – 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento, CA 95814

Hi Cici,

ACM has a tour of LLNL coming up and we need to fill our seats. I am hoping that you can forward this on
to your mailing list.

The tour date is Feb 23 and we have to have all of the student information to LLNL by tomorrow. We also
have the ACM meetings every Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 in Santa Clara 1208. Anyone interested is
encouraged to attend today’s meeting so that we can get their personal information for a background
check. The deadline is taday for getting us their personal information.

We have 20 positions for the tour.   Our previous tour included their supercomputer Blue Gene and the
National Ignition Facility (for more information please visit www.llnl.gov). 

Sorry no international students are allowed on this tour.

Thanks!
Scott Truger
ACM

University Union Ballroom - 10am to 2 pm

The following companies will be attending the Campuswide Internship, Co-op and Job

Fair on February 14 and are seeking engineering and computer science students

CALTrop - CE and CM
Chervon IT - Comp Sci and Comp Eng
Comcast - EEE
Johnson Controls - EEE, ME, MET
Kaweah - CE and ME
Kimball Homes - CM
NUMMI - CE, CM, EEE, ME, MET, Comp Sci
NVISION, Inc. - Comp Sci
Sacramento Metropolitian Air Quality Management District - CE

PG&E Career Lecture

PG&E  will be presenting information on "Careers With PG&E" for Engineering and Computer Science
candidates.  You will meet Engineers and Human Resource people and learn about the hundreds of openings
today and within the next five years at PG&E.  These are exciting times!

Event:  PG&E Career Lecture
DATE:  March 15, 2007 (Thursday)
TIME:  5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:  Riverside Hall, 1015

Please contact Eva Gabbe, Manager of the On Campus Recruitment Center, at the Career Center with any
questions (916) 278-7205  or gabbeef@csus.edu

Resumania. Get your resume critiqued by local employers!

ECS Students: Are you seeking an internship or career position? Are you planning on attending the
Engineering Fair on March 16th? Then it’s time to get your resume in the best shape it can be. And
it can’t hurt to have it looked at by an employer who has viewed hundreds of them. 

Resumania is a drop-in resume clinic in which students have the opportunity to have their resume
critiqued by local employers. This FREE event will be held in the University Union Hinde Auditorium, from
12 noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21st. Seven employers will be on hand, including an engineer
from SMUD and a an IT professional. 

All majors welcome! For more information, contact Julie in the ECS Co-op Office. 

Employers are hiring from the resumes posted on our web site at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career.  If you
have not already posted your resume on the ECS Career Services Office Web Site, now is the time!!!  Just
click on the Post Your Resume button!

Cool new feature!!!  Employers are able to search your resume now with key words!

I also send resumes out to companies so send me a soft copy in MS Word.  cici@csus.edu

The College of Engineering and Computer Science Is Desperate for Your Data

Please report any offers that you have received to ECS Career Services Web site:

 http://www.ecs.csus.edu  - click on the graduation cap 

If you have graduated in the past few years or if you are graduating this semester we need your data. 


The information you share is used for ABET reports and to help me identify trends in employment and
salaries.

I keep your info confidential.  I only report the data!  I use your contact data to confirm and to keep
in touch with you.