The job market for new college graduates is thriving according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Winter 2008 report just received. This is positive news for the class of 2008.  Employers surveyed indicate that they expect to hire 16% more college graduates, signing bonuses are up by 25%, and salaries are expected to climb an average of 4.6% when all of the 2007-2008 data is in.  It should be noted that the winter report represents only 10% of the annual salary info reported to NACE.  As the quarterly reports come in we will update the information.

The economic news in the Sacramento area is also out from the California Employment Development Department showing the unemployment rate for the state (unadjusted) stands at 6.3%.  The unemployment rate for the Sacramento region is at 6.4% and the national rate of unemployment was at 5.4%.  This reflects a conflicted market with both winners and losers.

The year over year gains between January 2007 and January of 2008, show employment in this area rose.  For this report I will select those most likely to hire engineers and computer scientists.  

Government in the Sacramento added 5800 jobs.  State payrolls were up by 4800 jobs, reflecting 80% of the increase in government hiring.  Local government was up by 1100 jobs. The State of California increased salaries by close to 35% over the past couple of years to attract and retain engineers.  Professional and business services added 2000 jobs with professional, scientific and technical services accounting for 1500 new jobs or 75% of the growth.  Professional services and government are the primary areas of demand for engineers and computer scientists.  Construction showed the biggest loss in the year-over-year analysis, primarily with the specialty trade contractors.  This reflects the mortgage lending crisis and the housing market decline.

Nationally, 80% of employers surveyed by NACE responded that they plan to increase salaries to bachelor’s degree candidates.  The average increase is 4.6%.  Economic fluctuations are not affecting starting average salaries, which are continuing to climb for all college graduates, with engineering and computer science majors doing particularly well.  2007-2008 grads have seen significant and growing demand for their technical expertise and NACE described the salary increases as robust!  

The starting average salary for computer science (CS) grads is up a whopping 7.9% to $56,921.  Offers to CS grads in software design and development were even higher coming in at an average of $62,778 or 9.1% higher than those of last year.  These students are also, according to NACE, likely to receive the highest signing bonuses of all majors, $4000.  

Due to the miniscule growth in the number of graduates anticipated in engineering disciplines this year demand is very strong.  Salaries reflect the demand.  

The average salary offer to civil engineering (CE) graduates increased by 4.8% to $49, 427.  Many graduates offered project-engineering positions weighed in with even higher offers of $51,121.  Electrical engineering (EEE) new graduate offers averaged $56,521, 3.5% higher than last year.  Computer engineering (CpE) graduates saw a slight decline in average starting salaries $56,000 down 1.6%.  Mechanical engineering graduates (ME/MET) saw a 3.4% increase with average offers of $56,429.  Mechanical engineering offers from engineering services employers were even higher averaging $58,945. Construction management (CM) salary data from NACE was $48,571 showing an annual increase of 3.9%.  In this region demand for these graduates is exceptionally strong. 

Demand for engineers and computer science grads in the Sacramento region is driven by a combination of hiring sources including (in descending order) the engineering consulting, construction, government, engineering services, construction management, consulting, energy, and manufacturing. The state is definitely the biggest player chasing technical graduates in Sacramento.  

Salaries for CSUS graduates tend to run closer to the 90th percentile as shown on the chart below due to the fact that Sacramento is in the high cost of living area of Northern California and students frequently graduate with major project experience as well as work experience.

Winter 2008 Salary Data

Source: National Association of College and Employers Salary

Bachelors Degrees

Masters Degrees

* no offers were reported for statistical analysis

Now that the Job Fair is behind us it is time to assess the opportunities you discovered and follow up to make that job or internship happen.  Most job seekers don’t follow up with employers after submitting their resumes.  They get busy with classes and work they don’t follow up with a phone call.  This is a really bad move.  Employers hire people who get their attention.  It is the job of the job seeker to figure out a way to get the employer’s attention!  Don’t be fooled into thinking your work is done after you had a nice exchange at the job fair.  Someone else is following up and your good impression only lasts as long as you were in front of the employer last Monday.

I went through this routine with my daughter Elizabeth one year when she applied for a spring internship position with the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.  She sent her resume with a cover letter and was planning to just wait for a response.  This is what most applicants do.  They send their resume or hand it out at a job fair, and then just expect that the employer will notice their superior qualities and call because they look so great on paper.  Why would you have to do anything else?  

All during that winter break, Elizabeth was perched on the couch in the living room with her iBook, sending out resumes.   I told her:  "you need to follow up."  "What do you mean, ’follow up’?" she said. I said,  "You need to call immediately after sending the resume and say: ’Hi, I sent my resume by email this morning and I am just checking to see that you got it and to see if there is a convenient time when we can meet to discuss the available position.’"  That thought definitely intimidated her, but she did it anyway.  She called the day she sent her resume, she called later in the week, she called the following week, and she called again in week three.  By that time she really thought it was futile to make these calls, but I insisted.  Well, the strategy paid off.  The woman finally answered the phone in week three and said, "I filled the position you applied for, but I liked your resume so much that I showed it to a person in another department and they are very interested in you."  The result was that Elizabeth got a spring internship in a perfect place where her skills were appreciated and she gained valuable experience, while making great professional contacts.

Each time you follow up and get the hiring manager’s voice system, you are going to use phrases like:  "Hi, I am just checking on the status of my application.  I am really interested in the position and I want to get a little more information when you have a chance."  You will be upbeat even after the 4th time you leave your perky little message. Don’t worry about being annoying.   The employer will receive so few follow-up calls that you will be distinguishing yourself from all of the other candidates.  There is really no downside risk.  If you are good, they are going to appreciate your enthusiasm.  And if you don’t fit the job they might refer you to someone else.

So get off of the couch and pick up the phone and call!  It works!

To All Members of the Campus Community:

You are invited to attend an all-campus budget advocacy meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., in the University Theatre in Shasta Hall. Due to extraordinary cuts proposed to the CSU budget that amount to $386 million, the faculty and staff unions, students, and the campus administration have agreed to work together to advocate that the Governor and Legislature consider alternative solutions to the state’s fiscal challenges.

The cuts proposed by the Governor, if approved by the Legislature, will have profound implications for the CSU, our students, the economy, and the future of California and, particularly, the future of the Sacramento region. The CSU simply cannot absorb the proposed budget reductions without seriously impacting our ability to deliver our mission.

There is still time to stop the cuts. We ask you to join us in sending a strong message to the Governor, the Legislature, and the people of California. Because the CSU is the solution to California’s troubled economy, we must fund the CSU budget!

We invite you to join us in our commitment to preserve access to affordable, high-quality education at Sacramento State and throughout the California State University.

To promote full campus participation without disrupting services, vice presidents, deans, and department heads are asked to encourage faculty, staff, and students to attend the all-University meeting and keep only limited staff on duty to conduct essential business.

The meeting will begin promptly at 12:00 noon and end at 1:00. We look forward to seeing each of you at this important and historic event.

Regards,

Alexander Gonzalez, President
Christina Romero, ASI President
Bruce Bikle, Chair, Faculty Senate
Jeff Solomon, SUPA Chief Steward
Joseph Small, CSUEU President
Lila Jacobs, CFA Chapter President
Craig Ruggles, UAPD Chief Steward
Matthew Mason, SETC Chief Steward
Marianna Rivera, APC Chief Steward
Sam Starks, Sacramento State Alumni Association President

An unusual occurrence:

The State Personel Board just opened the Associate Programmer exam early.  Go to spb.ca.gov to apply! 

Only 59 people will  be able to take the exam on this go around.

Hi Cici,

SUMMARY
=======
I was referred to you by Paymon Ghamami who works with me at HP-Roseville in the ProCurve Networking business group.
I am screening resumes for an entry level position for an ASIC Design/Verification engineer and would appreciate receiving resumes of candidates who are interested in the position.

Below is the job description and qualifications for the position.
Please send have students send their resume to Jim Kasak, jim.kasak@hp.com Thanks in advance for any help you can provide me.

Jim Kasak
Senior Verification Engineer

=============================================================================================================
Description:

We are HP’s ProCurve Networking Business (PNB), the fastest growing vendor of Ethernet switching equipment, now at #2 worldwide!

We are a high-achievement organization, customer-driven and results-oriented.

Job Description:

An ASIC Design and Verification Engineer is expected to perform some or all of the following:

Design - write and document Verilog for block(s) in the ASIC.
Verification - own and create test plans, test infrastructure (test benches), and tests for ASIC simulation at the block and system levels, for pre-silicon simulation and/or post-silicon verification.
Architect and design microcode for the ASIC.
Perform ASIC testing to ensure that ASIC functionality is to specification and performs as intended.
Lead design reviews of your code, test benches, and/or tests.
Participate in design reviews of others’ IP modules, test plans, test benches, and/or tests as appropriate.
Use of revision control techniques and tools to control any files you modify.
Use of bug-tracking tool to log and track failing tests and/or chip bugs.

Qualifications:
Education

Bachelor’s (undergraduate), Master’s (graduate) or Ph.D (post-graduate) degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience may include:

ASIC design and/or verification experience, ideally doing some high-level verification coding using tools such as Specman E, Test Builder/C/C++, and/or Vera. Experience with Verilog, UNIX, perl, tcl a plus. Should have working knowledge of product lifecycle.

Expertise in one or more of these areas is desirable: digital design, computing or communications systems, Ethernet LANs, ASIC design, ASIC simulation, ASIC post-silicon verification, ASIC microcode, formal verification (equivalency checking, model checking), productivity enhancement, scripting, etc.

CAD tools and methodologies: Verilog, Specman & E, VisualHDL, Undertow, SignalScan, coverage tools, etc.

Commitment and self-motivation.
Strong teamwork and communication skills.
=============================================================================================================

Hi Cici,

How is everything up there in Sacramento? Is our JetX2 system still working well for you? I’m still working down in Orange County at Obsidian Entertainment and I wanted to let you know that we have a great opportunity for someone who recently graduated or will be graduating this spring. It’s a junior programming position that will also include the opportunity to help design the game (something people fresh out of college almost never get to do). Here is the official job posting:

We are looking for a talented junior programmer for our upcoming console RPG based on the Aliens universe. The ideal candidate possesses a strong work ethic, excellent problem solving skills, has the ability to deliver on time and work well in a team environment.
Requirements:

• An avid gamer with a passion for making games.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Microsoft Visual Studio
• Strong math skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Experience with a scripting language is strongly preferred.

This is a really a good job and a great way to break into the game industry for someone with a CS degree. The hours are good (we generally work a regular 40 hours a week) and the work environment is excellent. These positions don’t come along too often and I’d like to be happy to help someone from SacState get noticed, so please feel free to have students email me (sweatherly@obsidian.net) their resumes and I’ll pass them along (or they can also visit www.obsidian.net, but they’ll end up in the regular pile of resumes that way).

Steve

Population growth and urbanization are resulting in a constantly growing demand for the mobility of people and goods. Climate change demands action particularly in the field of transport and traffic, since this sector generates about 20% of climate-damaging emissions worldwide (source: UN). Siemens solution to these challenges is to provide complete mobility. About 90% of the emissions that are harmful to the climate are caused by road and air transport (source: WRI). In order to make mobility more environmentally friendly and reduce its use of resources, it will be necessary to shift traffic off the roads onto the railways, an option with a lower environmental impact. Thanks to its innovative product and solution portfolio, Siemens offers its customers decisive advantages to meet the mobility challenges.

SIEMENS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. (STS), headquartered in Sacramento, CA, is the number one supplier of light rail vehicles in North America with more than 1,000 light rail vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada. The company is also known as one of the leading providers for rail equipment, services and systems integration for public transportation and Class 1 Railroads. STS has the only permanent light rail manufacturing facility on U.S. soil.

Siemens North American presence in transportation started in 1975 with a joint venture with Duewag Corp. to complete the Edmonton light rail vehicle order. In 1980, San Diego became the first Siemens U.S. order. After early assembly activities in Pittsburgh, PA, the U.S. vehicle assembly facility moved to Sacramento, CA, to better serve a growing light rail market on the West Coast. Between 1992 and 1995, two new vehicle assembly buildings were built at French Road with over 190,000 sq. ft. of subassembly, vehicle assembly and office space. In 2006, Siemens completed its carshell manufacturing center, which included an additional 20,000 sq. ft., for a paint and finishing center.

The STS product portfolio includes traction electrification, propulsion systems, rail automation, rolling stock and integrated services for light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail and locomotives, all complemented by extensive experience in project management and forward looking service concepts for innovative, safe and reliable transportation solutions.

IMPRESSIVE FACTS

• Siemens supplies one out of every 3 light rail vehicles in North America.
• Since the 1970s, STS has partnered with many transit progressive cities in the U.S. such as, Portland, Denver and Houston, making STS both globally competitive and an integral partner in America’s transportation infrastructure.
• Siemens supplies OCS lines and traction substations for over a dozen American cities.
• Moving more than 7.4 millions riders, our solutions help control the world’s largest subway system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Siemens employs over 18,000 transportation systems employees globally. They have 12 openings for EEE, ME, and MET candidates. If you missed them at Career Day 2008, check out their web site at http://www.siemens.com and submit your resume.

It has been along time since I last spoke with you. I don’t know if you remember me--how could you remember all of the zillions of students that come through your doors. =)

Anyway I wanted to pass along that Dorado Software, where I currently work, is trying to hire some software engineers. If you want to pass along the information or know some folks that might be interested. They should have strong java skills. Other than that, they can probably learn what they need to know on the job.

Our application is java running under the JBoss application server. We use a proprietary framework that handles messaging, client/server requests, gui building, etc. The framework translates everything to xml, and then rebuilds it again, to use for either java clients or html (web) clients. The software is a management tool for any number of types of devices. For example, it can manage routers, switches, printers, server machines. The server can be clustered and the component/gateway software that actually communicates with the devices can be offloaded to another machine for performance. I don’t know how well that describes it--I just jotted down what came to the top of my head.

I hope all is well with you.

Kris Jornlin, graduate 1985,
kjornlin@doradosoftware.com
kjornlin4@yahoo.com
916-673-1709 (work)
916-770-6440 (cell)

USDA Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program (PSLSP)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing a combined scholarship and internship opportunity designed to promote public service, and to create access to higher education for undergraduate and graduate students. All scholarships are tied to a specific job placement in a specific location.

The program offers:

• Full-tuition scholarships;
• an additional paid internship (minimum 640 hours), leading to permanent employment after graduation;
• employee benefits, mentoring, career development;
• leadership training in Washington, D.C.; and
• use of a personal computer (Laptop).

Successful applicants are:

• Committed to public service;
• leaders in their community; and
• intellectually curious.

How_to_Apply
- - - To start your application click here

2008 Scholarships / USDA Agencies
Economic Research Service (ERS)
- Graduate [Doctoral] (1): Economics
Forest Service (FS)
- Undergraduate (1): Civil Engineer
- Undergraduate (2): Soil Science; or related Agricultural Sciences (closely related discipline)
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
- Undergraduate (1): Ag Business/Economics; or Business Administration: Management, Marketing, etc.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Undergraduate (1): Biology, Horticulture, Botany, Plant Pathology; or related Agricultural Sciences
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Undergraduate (1): Ag Business; or Business Administration: Accounting, Finance, etc.

Link: http://www.usdascholarships.com/applications/subsectionid.1,pageid.19/default.asp

Important Information
-- Application Deadline: March 25, 2008
-- Notification of Applicants: April 15, 2008
-- Mandatory Orientation for Selected Scholars: July 6 - 12, 2008 (Washington, D.C.)

Please announce to your students!

JKL Construction Services, Inc. will hold interviews for: Construction Engineers

March 19, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Start time 10:00am
End time 12:00am

Majors Sought: CE CM MET

Length of each interview: 45 min.

For position details: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students

After reviewing the information - Craig Bjorkman will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006 Candidates will get a phone call or email if JKL Construction Services, Inc. is interested in interviewing them!

STUDENT JOB BULLETIN - 84511

California Integrated Waste Management Board

Make a difference! Join a green team! Do you want to work in an organization that has a direct impact on our environment and the daily lives of countless individuals? Join Us! CIWMB’s Administrative Services Branch is now looking for a student assistant. The Human Resources, Contracts and Business Services Offices are looking for an energetic, detail oriented team player to join us. You can help us achieve our goal of ensuring that California’s long-range waste management needs are met through proper planning and development of disposal alternatives. The California Integrated Waste Management Board is responsible for the safe handling and management of all non-hazardous solid waste produced in California. Our Board oversees planning, permitting and safe operation of solid waste facilities. The Board plays an active leadership role in developing markets for recovered materials and recycled-content products. The Branch provides administrative support to all program areas to assist in achieving the Board’s vision and mission.

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 Staff Services Manager, the student will be responsible for:
• Using a state vehicle, deliver and retrieve parcels throughout the Sacramento region.
• Assist in maintaining the Contract Management Systems database and provide office services such as filing correspondence and records tracking.
• Assist with movement and tracking of Board equipment, materials, furniture, and supply items.
• Provide light clerical support in Business Services, Contracts and Human Resources unit (filing, coping, faxing, data entry, etc.)
• Assist staff with other business services related duties as required.

Desirable Qualifications

Excellent interpersonal, customer service and computer skills. Good work habits, attendance and attitude. Ability to multi-task, take initiative and prioritize work. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively and work cooperatively with others is needed.

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: Michael Welch (916) 341-6121, mwelch@ciwmb.ca.gov
California Integrated Waste Management Board
Business Services Unit
1001 I Street, MS 19-A
P.O. Box 4025
Sacramento, CA 95812-4025

Cici,

Our office is currently seeking a mechanical or electrical engineering student who is proficient in AutoCAD to work with our CAD department. This would be an ideal job for a student who would like to get some on the job training in preparation for their career ahead. Also, this job could easily turn into a long term career for the right person. As a CSUS alumnus, I started here over 5 years as a CAD operator and am now working as an engineer and project manager. We are a mechanical and electrical consulting firm focusing on sustainability. We design building systems for all kinds of commercial operations including, to name a few, healthcare, institutional, high tech, and retail.

Please have students send resumes to me and post the info to your career updates newsletter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

John Taylor, P.E.
Mechanical Engineer

GLUMAC engineers for a sustainable future

Keith Bisharat just called me this morning and informed me that both of our CM student teams won the "design build" and commercial" national competitions in Las Vegas. Our CM students won three national competitions this year. Please join me to congratulate the students on this great accomplishment.

Ramzi J. Mahmood

NETWORK ANALYSIS INTERNSHIP
Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Responsibilities:

• Develop traffic studies which analyze and model VzW’s voice traffic patterns
• Create and track traffic and financial forecasts based on historical and trend data
• Maintain departmental website
• Develop database of interconnect and transport contracts
• Work with internal/external software developers to develop and refine tools for tracking usage, costs, and optimization opportunities
• Assist in the review of business cases

Qualifications:

• Pursuing BS/BA required; engineering, computer science, mathematics, sciences, statistics, or finance, or MBA/MS Finance
• Understanding of basic financial concepts, including net present value, rate of return, etc.
• Knowledge of telecom transport networks, including DS1, DS3, SONET, Ethernet; wireless experience highly
  desirable
• Experience with database applications; ability to create queries and reports
• Knowledge of Business Objects/Crystal Reports, ArcGIS, or Mapinfo desirable
• Expert level knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to build complex models in Excel required, including pivot tables and regression
• Ability to build business cases, NPV analyses, etc., in Excel
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

Verizon Wireless is an equal opportunity employer m/f/h/d/v.

If interested, please apply at www.verizonwireless.com/careers to Job Opening 206188.

John Laughon
Human Resources
Verizon Wireless
(916)357-3909
John.Laughon@VerizonWireless.com

Fabulous Opportunity for CM, CE, MET major!

Meade Construction Group, Inc. is interviewing  will hold interviews for: Project Engineers

Free Food- The company is hosting a pizza lunch from 11-12:30 on Thursday, March 20th and will give a presentation on the cool things the company does. They are a high tech and health care construction firm located in San Jose.  The company is 5 years old and has grow in size to $50 Million.  They are the fastest growing contractor in Silicon Valley.  They are hiring for Project Engineers for data centers, bio-tech labs, clean rooms, hospitals, operating areas.  For more info http://www.meadegroup.biz.

Bring your resume or just come and listen.  Interviews open all afternoon,  sign-up at PIZZA LUNCH!  

LOBBY SUITE, FIRST FLOOR UNIVERSITY UNION!!!

Thursday - March 20, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Start time 11:00am
End time 4:00pm

Majors Sought: CE CM MET 

Length of each interview: 30 min.

For position details: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students/ 

After reviewing the information  - Andy Meade will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
Candidates will get a phone call or email if Meade Construction Group, Inc. is interested in interviewing them!

Two Panel Discussions at Government Agency Fair Next Wednesday
 
Ever wonder what it’s really like to work for the State of California or the United States government? Hear first-hand stories from current workers who will share information about their positions, current internship and career opportunities, and the application process.
Agencies represented on the federal panel include Defense Microelectronics Activity, Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) and two U.S. Marshalls. Agencies represented  on the State of California panel include Cal Pers and Franchise Tax Board.
 
Date:  Wednesday, March 19th, 2008
Time:  
Federal Panel 11:00 a.m.             
State Panel at 12:00 noon

Location:  Lobby Suite-University Union
 
All students and alumni welcome!
 
For more information, contact Julie Collier, Career Center, collierj@csus.edu

The College of Engineering and Computer Science Needs Your Data

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

 http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career  - click on the "Just Hired" link.

If you got a student position we need your data.  

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!

Students are reporting multiple offers from using a combination of the resume posting service, the JETX job listings, and from Career Day 2008.  If you missed Career Day 2008 you can still access the hiring and contact information on the ECS Career Services web site at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career.

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