Figuring Out What You Want to Do in Life © Cici Mattiuzzi

Every student anticipating graduation needs to find his or her place in the world.  It is not given by
what you studied.  Beyond your major and your major interests,  you need to figure out what you really
want to do in life.  Career success and career satisfaction depends on knowing what you really want and
what will motivate you over the long haul.  

An answer to this question requires focus and research.  Talking to people is a great way to start the
process.  A number of years ago, I worked with an engineering student who decided he wanted to work in a
marine engineering firm.  This was before the advent of the Internet and he was pulling from the top of
his head when he identified his chosen career title.  As an assignment from my career planning class, he
went to Seattle to do an informational interview because he decided that is where he wanted to live. 
Prior to leaving, he made appointments with a number of engineers who worked in marine engineering firms.
He didn’t know anyone.  He just made cold calls to the companies and requested appointments with
engineers and engineering managers, explaining that he was an engineering student and was exploring his
career options.

His first informational interview was with a marine engineer who described what a marine engineering firm
does.  The student started to get uncomfortable.  He realized that what these people were doing was
nothing at all like what he had in mind.   He had pictured something completely different.   When he
described his interests to the senior engineer, he was told that what he had in mind was actually within
the province of marine architecture firms.  The senior engineer gave him the names of the companies that
actually did the type of work he was interested in, and also gave him the names of some people he could
speak with.  The student spent the rest of spring break meeting with marine architecture companies and
located a company that was a perfect fit for his interests.  

Sometimes we have a picture of what we want and we just need guidance from people in the field who can
help clarify what we are looking for.  People in the field and people with experience can save us a lot
of pain and heartache.  They can guide us to the best sources of information, the best people to talk to,
and the best companies to work for.  They can make recommendations about what classes to take in
remaining semesters or how best to spend summer vacations.

Career Day 2007 is a great place to start the process of figuring out what you want to do in life. 
Before Career Day, visit the web sites of companies on the list that you are interested in speaking with.
 Review their job descriptions and read about what the people in the field are doing.  Look at the
descriptions of entry-level work and the work that is done by those with more experience.  Consider the
full range of possibilities and the tremendous varieties of opportunity that exist, even within
well-defined fields.  By looking across the spectrum of employers you will gain valuable information on
how each segment fits into the whole picture and the various options available.

Here is a to do list:

1. Research companies attending Career Day 2007 by visiting their web sites.

2. Rank order the companies based on how interesting they sound to you. 

3. Develop a plan for the day by targeting the most interesting companies first until you work your way
through your list.  Arrive early so you to be in touch with everyone that you think might offer an
opportunity.

4. Take notes as you meet with the various companies.

5. Analyze the information you have and decide which companies deserve a company tour.

6. Email the most interesting companies, thanking them for talking to you at Career Day 2007 and
requesting an on-site meeting for further exploration. Tell them what your schedule is like and suggest a
meeting during spring break when you will have lots of time.

7.  Keep in mind that companies have come to the Career Fair because they are motivated to hire, which
means that your request to have further contact will most likely result in a positive response.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE- SIGN UP TO HELP!

Career Day 2007 is coming up fast.  The event is on March 16th. I can get us to the day of the event but
I desperately need the help of about 50 students and alumni the day of the event to make it happen.  I am
asking you to sign-up at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/help for a job that will take you only one hour. 


FOR PEOPLE ALREADY SIGNED UP I WILL SEND EMAIL LATE TODAY WITH INSTRUCTIONS.


 We will need people in the following categories on March 16th: 

OK HERE - Setup: 7am to 8 am. I need people to help companies set up their materials- and make a good
impression.

OK HERE - Food Servers: 7am to 8am help companies get coffee etc.

NEED 11 VOLUNTEERS HERE - Backpack Check-in Table:  Take students backpacks just inside the door to the
UU Ballroom and make sure they are safe.

NEED 10 PEOPLE HERE - Door People: I need  people signed up one hour periods over the course of the day. 
You will hand out flyers to students and alumni and welcome them to the event.

NEED 1 PERSON HERE - Teardown: I need people to help at the end of the day (3:00),  picking up the
glasses, umbrellas and day planners that are left behind and returning them to my office. No heavy
lifting.

Thanks for helping!!!

 sign-up to help at
http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/help

CAREER DAY 2007
FRIDAY, MARCH 16th, 8 AM TO 3 PM
UNIVERSITY UNION, CSUS

JOB FAIR: 8 am to 3 pm in the University Union Ballroom

123 ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE EMPLOYERS FROM BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, AND GOVERNMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE
WITH COMPANY INFORMATION, CAREER POSITIONS, AND STUDENT POSITIONS TOO!   (list at
www.ecs.csus.edu/career)


CAREER SEMINARS: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the University Union
 
9:00	Forest Suite - 2nd Floor UU
iConstruction - Building the largest healthcare project in Sacramento, Turner Construction utilizes
technological advances in construction including 3D Modeling and Laser Mapping.  Come hear how Virtual
Reality is changing the face of modern construction on the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento.
CE/CM/EEE/ME/MET
Grant Griffanti, Op Manager • Chris Smart, PM • Turner Construction, Sacramento

9:45	Orchard Suite - 2nd Floor UU
Putting Science to Work: From nuclear weapons to medicine, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory uses
science and technology to meet our nation’s needs with CS/CPE/EEE/MET talent.  
Aaron Martin, Mechanical Technologist • Justin Becker, Computer Scientist • LLNL

10:45	Foothill Suite - 3rd Floor UU
The California Air Resources Board:  Inspiring the world to develop cutting-edge technologies to clean
our air and fight global warming with engineering talent- CE/CS/ME/MET. 
James Goldstene, Program Manager • CA Air Resources BD

1:15	Forest Suite - 2nd Floor UU
Challenging Tech Jobs at Franchise Tax Board: CS, CPE EEE and MIS majors!  Alumni discuss career
opportunities and the state Hiring Process for CS/CpE/EEE /MIS majors! 
Sally Bennett, IT Recruiting Manager • Nadeem Shafi, Analyst • CA Franchise Tax Bd

1:30	Orchard Suite - 2nd Floor UU
Make a Difference as a Caltran’s Engineer: Caltrans is hiring engineers to rebuild California’s
complex transportation systems for efficiency!  CE/CM/EEE Majors- this is a must hear talk they have 300+
openings!!! 
Terry Murphy, Manager • Caltrans

2:30	Foothill Suite - 3rd Floor UU
Engineer in Hollywood: ME alum Baldwin Chiu wears two hats as a Hollywood actor/national recording artist
and design engineer for BWDG. He will discuss how engineering as allowed him to pursue his creative
dreams.   
Baldwin Chiu • Barry-Wehmiller Design Group • “Only Won” onlywon.com

There are now 123 companies planning to attend Career Day 2007!!!

We reconfigured the room and got 3 more companies in!

This fabulous event will be on Friday- March 16th from 8-3 in the CSUS University Union Ballroom.
Companies attending the career fair will be hiring for internships, part time student and career
positions.  They will look for students/graduates at all levels.  It is a fabulous day where you can
connect with employers from a huge variety of industries and government agencies.  There is definitely
something for everyone.

123 companies attending career day

81 hiring Civil Engineering majors
51 are hiring Construction Management majors
33 are hiring Computer Engineering majors
30 are hiring Computer Science majors
45 are hiring Engineering-Electrical & Electronic majors
47 are hiring Mechanical Engineer majors
31 are hiring Mechanical Engineer Tech. majors

These companies have a totoal of 3009 openings 

This is a great year to attend Career Day!  Employers are really hiring.  It is the best market since
early 2001.  Now is the time to get yourself ready for the event.  Get a nice outfit, have your resume
proofed and spiffied up, visit the web sites of the companies that interest you. 

There is not a better place to be if you are looking for a job.  IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE PER YEAR SO BE
THERE!!!

More hiring happens as a result of the annual career day than through any other method of connecting with
employers throughout the year.  IT IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

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

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

Click on Who is Coming to Career Day

 California Society of Professional Engineers Exam Seminars for EIT & PE:

The California Society of Professional Engineers (CSPE) is offering Seminars on how to pass the EIT (FE)
and PE exams.  With the Job Fair coming up, engineering employers are interested in if you have taken the
EIT exam (or are planning to).  If you are already signed up for the exam or if you are interested in
what the exam is all about,  you may want to check out the CSPE web site, www.cspe.com.

The Seminars compliment your exam review (review courses or review on your own).  The Seminars focus on
the exam and how to pass the exam.  The seminars cover:

1) What is the exam, how to approach it, what are the best strategies to pass the exam.

2) How is the exam organized; what is the best way to get through the exam to get the most points.

3) What are the high probability questions that will be asked on the exam, what are the things to know in
each topic area.

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

Seminar Information: 


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


Article on, How to Pass the Professional Engineering Licensing Exams: 


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

Know someone interested in earning a BS or MS in Engineering or Computer Science at CSUS?

We will be hosting a fabulous event on Saturday March 24th.  This event is open to all interested
parties!!!

What?     Open House sponsored by the College of Engineering and Computer Science
 
When?    Saturday, March 24th, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
 
Where?   California State University, Sacramento

The event will include:

- Career Opportunities, Co-Op and Internship
- Financial Aid Information
- Student Life Activities and Student Houssing
- Box Lunches in Hallway 1st Floor
- Engineering Department Interviews
- Lab Tours
 
If you would like to attend, please RSVP by calling 916-278-6366 or by email to
cynda@ecs.csus.edu
 
 

Get the help you need!

SPRING 2007 CAREER WORKSHOPS update- 
				

Tues 3/20	Resumes & Portfolios 	RVR 2014   4:00-5:00 

Mon  4/9	Salary Negotiating-    RVR 2014   3:00-4:00	

March Resume Proofing- 
	Wednesdays 			RVR 2008   9:00-11:00
	Mon/Tues/Thursdays 		RVR 2004   2:00-4:00 
	Wednesdays 9-12 		RVR 2004   9:00-12:00

Updates at http://www,ecs.csus.edu/career

Company Information Sessions are a great way to meet companies and find out about opportunites.  Some
include a free lunch or dinner!!!

All companies listed below except TIC will be at Career Day 2007.

Date 	Company 	Majors 	Location 	Time

March 15, 2007 	PG&E Career Lecture 	CS CpE 	Riverside Hall, 1015 	5:00pm - 7:00pm

April 02, 2007 	TIC-The Industrial Company 	CE CM EEE ME 	University Union Redwood Room 	5-6pm

April 03, 2007 	Halliburton 	CE CM CS CpE EEE ME MET 	University Union Redwood Room 	6-8pm

April 04, 2007 	Kiewit Pacific 	CE CM ME 	Univ. Center Restaurant 	4:30 to 6:30

April 24, 2007 	SJ Amoroso 	CE CM 	University Union California Suite 	11:30 - 1:30

Keyence Corporation of America will hold interviews from 9:00-5:00 in Riverside Hall for:

Sales Engineering positions

March 20, 2007 multiple interviews
Start Time 9:00am
End Time 5:00pm

Majors Sought: CE, CpE, EEE, ME, MET

Length of each interview: 30 min.

For position details: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students/ 
After reviewing the information  -  Please email resume to : cfreeberg@keyence.com

Christopher Freeberg will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR
2006
You will get a phone call or Email if Keyence Corporation of America is interested in you!

NEC Electronics America, Inc. will be conducting interviews for (3) different positions on Friday, April
6th, 2007 here in Riverside Hall.  They will be attending Career Day 2007 on March 16th. Interested
candidates can submit a resume at Career Day  or email it to sonia.reynoso@am.necel.com. 

Here are the job descriptions:

ASSOCIATE PROCESS ENGINEER: As  an  Associate  Process  Engineer,  you  will  be instrumental in taking
computer  chips  from  bare  polished  silicon  to  working devices.  Using problem-solving skills and
engineering know-how you will be responsible for implementing,  troubleshooting,  maintaining  and 
improving the process by which  integrated  circuits  are fabricated.  In your daily activities, you will
be tasked with resolving production operating problems, developing and performing experiments to improve
product yield and assure product quality.

You  will  also  be  responsible  for  performing process recipe set-up and optimization  on  assigned 
tool  sets  while determining methods to reduce manufacturing  costs.   Working  in  a cross-functional
capacity with other departments,  you  will  be  challenged  with improving the capabilities of
processing equipment and the output of super-advanced chips.

Requirements:  BS in  Chemical, Electrical or Materials Engineering. Previous  internship  in  the
semiconductor industry is preferred. Previous coursework  in  device  physics  and  chemistry  is 
required.  In order to perform  well  in  this  position,  you  need to have solid problem-solving
skills;  solid  understanding  of  device  physics; effective communication skills  (verbal  and 
written);  ability to work well independently or in a team  environment,  and  the  ability  to  apply 
on  the  job training and engineering principles in daily activities.


ASSOCIATE PRODUCT ENGINEER: Failure Analysis Engineers are tasked with analyzing yield problems on wafers
level embedded flash microcontrollers.  Performing failure analysis using SEM, TEM, OBIRCH, and emission
microscopy in the wafer sort facility will keep you challenged.  Analyzing and finding the direct cause
of failures will be your major focus.  This invaluable information will help NEC improve it`s
manufacturing process, and quality.

Requirements: BS in Electrical Engineering.  Previous internship in the semiconductor industry is
preferred. Previous coursework in Device Physics and Electrical Circuits is required.  In order to
perform well in this position, you need to have solid problem-solving skills; solid understanding of
electromechanical systems; hands-on aptitude; strong troubleshooting skills; effective communication
skills (verbal and written); ability to work well independently or in a team environment, and the ability
to apply on the job training and engineering principles in daily activities.


ASSOCIATE EQUIPMENT ENGINEER: Equipment Engineers are challenged with the task of ensuring that only the
most advanced technology is utilized in the manufacturing of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices. 
This requires a skilled team of mechanical and electrical engineers to pool their technical and creative
talents to design, implement, and optimize the entire manufacturing line.  This job is primarily project
based, with all tasks performed in support of a project. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to
modifying equipment to run new processes, troubleshooting equipment failures, analyzing equipment failure
data and design, implementing and testing

Requirements: BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.  Previous internship in the semiconductor
industry is preferred. Previous coursework in physics and chemistry is required.  In order to perform
well in this position, you need to have solid problem-solving skills; solid understanding of
electromechanical systems; hands-on aptitude; strong troubleshooting skills; effective communication
skills (verbal and written); ability to work well independently or in a team environment, and the ability
to apply on the job training and engineering principles in daily activities.

Anheuser-Busch will be at Career Day 2007 and they want you to stop by their table to find out about
career opportunities.   They will accept resumes for currently available positions.  Anheuser-Busch has
current openings for candidates pursuing majors in Electrical Engineering,  Biology, Chemistry and Food
Science to apply for our Group Manager position.  We are hiring for all twelve of our domestic brewery
locations.  A Group Manager works in the Brewing, Operations or Quality Assurance departments.  He or she
ensures product consistency and quality, supervises the work force, monitors equipment and key processes
and plans and maintains brewing or production plans in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art environment. 

As a leader in the global brewing industry, Anheuser-Busch is committed to finding innovative ways to
continually improve. It’s this kind of thinking that creates a unique work environment by rewarding
talent, celebrating diversity and encouraging forward thinking. Anheuser-Busch operates 12 breweries in
the United States and multiple international breweries. The company holds nearly 50 percent of U.S. beer
sales and has business alliances with leading international brewers. Anheuser-Busch subsidiaries include
one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of
aluminum beverage containers and America’s top recycler of aluminum cans. Making Friends is Our
Business!

Department of Water Resources will hold interviews from 9:00-4:30 in Riverside Hall for:

Mechanical Engineer

March 12, 2007 multiple interviews
Start Time 9:00am
End Time 4:30pm

Majors Sought: ME

Length of each interview: 30 min.
For position details: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students/ 
After reviewing the information  -  Please email resume to : llleslie@water.ca.gov 

Latrice Leslie will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
You will get a phone call or Email if Department of Water Resources is interested in you!

APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR THE 2007 PANETTA INSTITUTE CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP 
The Internship begins SEPTEMBER 9  and runs through DECEMBER  7, 2007

The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, located at CSU Monterey Bay, now offers to Sacramento State
students a golden opportunity for university students to get an inside look at the workings of the U.S.
Congress and Washington politics.
Each year, the Panetta Institute invites CSU presidents to nominate one student from each campus to
participate in the fall semester Congressional Internship.  The internship is open to upper division and
graduate students interested in the opportunity to work in a congressional office in Washington D.C.
during the fall semester.

The Congressional Intern Program begins in fall semester, 2006, with an intensive two-week course at
California State University, Monterey Bay with Leon Panetta and other seasoned veterans explaining how
the legislative process actually works. Then each intern is assigned to a Capitol Hill office of a member
of the California congressional delegation to work for two and a half months.

The Program guarantees every student has the opportunity to participate by providing for all associated
costs: tuition, housing, travel and transportation, and a stipend.  Students earn academic credit while
in D.C. through CSUMB’s Social and Behavioral Sciences Division.
 
The application process for students is as follows:
(1)	A letter of interest, addressed to President Alexander Gonzalez, Panetta Congressional Internship,
c/o The Center for California Studies, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street,
Sacramento, CA  95819-6081.  The letter should include the student’s (a) academic background and
preparation; (b) interest, background and aspirations in public service and politics; and (c)  ways in
which he or she will represent the Sacramento campus.
(2)	A current resume
(3)	College transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
(4)	Two references, including one CSUS professor

The deadline for application is April 7, 2007.  Students chosen for a personal interview will be
contacted by the CSUS Center for California Studies.
 
If you have any questions about the fellowship, please contact Donna Hoenig-Couch at the Center for
California Studies, 278.4487, hoenigco@csus.edu

Information about the Panetta Institute is available on line at http://www.panettainstitute.org/

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.

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

CCMS and ASI have teamed up to provide a 24 hour access computer lab and study area to Sacramento State
faculty, staff, and students.  Beginning 3/4/2007, the ARC 2004 computer lab and the ARC 2nd floor public
areas will be available 24 hours per day Sunday through Thursday.  Exceptions include Spring Recess and
Finals Week.  24 hour access will not be available during
Spring Recess.  24 hour access will be provided 7 days per week during Finals Week.

These hours will soon be available online
at:
http://www.csus.edu/uccs/labs/labhours%5ChoursMain.stm

There are several benefits to this 24 hour access schedule:
- A security officer will be on-duty in the ARC 2004 lab from 11:30pm to 7:30am.
- Vending services are available just outside the ARC 2004 lab.
- Parking is nearby.
- Group study areas will be available.

If you have any questions, please call

Arthur W. Buntin, CCMS Lab Manager
Sacramento State, ARC 2006D
Office: 916-278-4388
Mobile: 916-612-6214
Fax: 916-278-4403
awbuntin@csus.edu