The economy is tanking and there is reason to worry.  News on demand for engineering and computer science graduates is that it is holding steady nationwide for the time being.  That is based on data collected over the past 6 months.  Things are changing so rapidly that it is naive to assume that engineers and computer professionals will not be hit. 

The barometers by which I measure demand include the number of phone calls I receive from employers that are hiring and the number of jobs pumping through our JETX system; the number of companies interviewing in RVR; and the number of companies signing up to attend our annual Career Day event.  I also pay attention to the numbers of individuals calling to say that they have been laid off from their jobs.

Economists like to say that you do not know what is happening until several months later when you have all of the data.  There is a definite cooling, but not a halt to hiring.  Jobs continue to be posted, but at about half the pace of spring 2008.  In fall of 2007 we had 19 companies holding interviews in RVR for our majors. For fall 2008 we have 13 signed up to date.  I will not have final numbers until the semester is over.  It is very encouraging that, after opening sign up for Career Day 2009 two days ago, 26 companies have registered to attend.

The Fall 2008 Salary Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, just received, reports 94% percent of all college majors showed increases to average starting salaries.  NACE further reports that "one force driving the overall increase in the average salary offers to all college graduates is the strong demand for and low supply of technical graduates."  

Over the period October 2007 to October 2008, nationwide the results for technical majors are:

Average salary for computer science (CS) new grads is up 15.2% to $61,110.  

Average salary offers to civil engineering (CE) new grads increased by 5.7% to $51,780.  

Average salary offers to electrical engineering (EEE) new grads increased by 4.1% to $57,603.

Computer engineering (CpE) graduate average starting salaries are up 7.8% to $60,280.   

Mechanical engineering graduates (ME/MET) saw a 5.5% increase with average starting offers of $57,024.  

Construction management (CM) average new grad starting salaries are up 9.5% to $51,942.

Salaries for CSUS graduates tend to run closer to the 90% 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 and work experience.

Fall 2008 Salary Data

Source: National Association of College and Employers Salary

Bachelors Degrees

Masters Degrees

Ensure your future! Take the EIT early!!!

If the market tightens, even if you are heading into a position that does not require the EIT, you want to take the test. I have had numerous people who were laid off from industry during previous downturns, tell me that years later after being laid off, they wished that they had taken it when they were students and the information was fresh in their minds.

It is really important for engineering majors to take the EIT sometime before or immediately after graduation. The EIT (FE) is the exam that makes you a real engineer. It is the first step to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). This is essential for civil engineers but also very important for ensuring career flexibility for mechanical, mechanical engineering technology, and electrical/electronic engineers.

State agencies dominate this region and many require the EIT. Private companies also look to it as a mark of excellence.

The College of Engineering EIT review has already started. Dennis Dahlquist, long time faculty in EEE is offering additional help to make sure you pass the exam.

EIT (FE) exam and Civil Engineering PE exam help seminars are coming up this Saturday 10/18/08 and there is still space available.

The EIT(FE) and Civil Engineering Seminars are a one day presentation and discussion on the exam (6 hours or so depending on questions). 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 most likely questions that will be asked on the exam, what are the things to know in each topic area, and how to solve the problems fastest way to get the most points on the exam.

4) What are the best ways to prepare for the exam. How you can be the efficient studying for the exam.

Links:

Article on, How to Pass the Professional Engineering Licensing Exams: http://www.dahlquistpe.com/PE/EIT-PE_EXAM_How_to_Pass.pdf

To sign up for a seminar or review course: http://cspe.quartzvalley.com

Register and sign up for:

Free Lunch!!!

SJ Amoroso Construction Co., Inc. will hold interviews for: Project Engineer and Project Engineer Internship

California Department of Water Resources will hold interviews for: Mechanical Engineer in RVR

California Department of Water Resources will be conducting the on-campus interview for the Mechanical Engineer on November 6 and November 7 in Riverside Hall. The Mechanical Engineering exam bulletin can be downloaded at http://www.water.ca.gov/jobs/pdf/8WRAE.1.pdf

Read the exam bulletin carefully, especially the “Scope of Examination” section, it will tell you what subjects will be covered. Make sure you meet the minimum qualifications before scheduling for an interview.

Please fill out a Standard State Application (Form 678), and bring it with you along with your resume to the interview. The application form may be downloaded from SPB website at http://www.spb.ca.gov/jobs/stateapp.htm

Contact Amanda Jack at (916)651-6851 to schedule an appointment for an interview or for more information.

DWR will be on campus for the Government Fair on October 29th in the University Union from 10a.m. - 2p.m.

Stop by the DWR booth and sign up for interview for the Mechanical Engineer.

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

San Diego Gas & Electric will hold interviews for: Engineering and Summer Interns

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

We are in search of Candidates for the Associate Engineer and Summer Internship Programs

Electrical, Civil & Mechanical Engineers with a concentration in Power Systems

Interview to being held today in RVR 3014

Information Session Description

San Diego Gas & Electric has great opportunities for EEE, ME and CE Majors with a concentration in Power. We are looking for candidates who are interested in our Regular Full-time and Summer Intern positions. We invite all interested Sacramento State Students to come visit us for more information.

Job Description – Pre-Select Interview

Prepares or assists in the preparation of engineering designs, specifications, standards, studies and cost estimates in support of projects and tasks managed by others. Applies technical knowledge and skills toward the resolution of problems and the development of sound technical recommendations. Tasks may include, evaluation of new and existing products or systems, need for designs or specifications, and development of test apparatus or procedures. Engineering Interns work under the direction of our Associate Engineers. Your willingness to learn from others and a can-do-attitude will make your experience with SDG&E personally and professionally rewarding. Competitive compensation and reimbursement for work-related travel are part of our investment in your future.

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good computer skills
• Strong analytical skills
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Junior or first year Senior level students, working on completion of Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering

Method of Contact for Preselect:

Please announce to your students!

C. Overaa & Company will hold interviews for: Summer Intern

October 21, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Start time 1:00pm
End time 5:00pm

Majors Sought: CE CM

Length of each interview: 30 min.

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

Submit your resume as instructed


After reviewing the information  - Maggie White will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
Candidates will get a phone call or email if C. Overaa & Company is interested in interview them!

NEC Electronics America Inc. is interviewing for: Associate Equipment Engineer, Associate Product Engineer, and Associate Process Engineer

October 22, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Start time 8:00am
End time 6:00pm

Majors Sought: EEE ME 

Length of each interview: 

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


After reviewing the information  - Ronald Powell will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
Candidates will get a phone call or email if NEC Electronics America Inc. is interested in interview them!

Pacific Gas and Electric Company will hold interviews for: Entry Construction Management, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Opportunities, Entry Electrical Engineering Opportunities, and Entry IT Opportunities

October 23, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Start time 8:30am
End time 5:30pm

Majors Sought: CE CM CS CpE EEE ME MET 

Length of each interview: 45 min.

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


After reviewing the information  - Anndee Francisco will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
Candidates will get a phone call or email if Pacific Gas and Electric Company is interested in interview them!

ENERGY ADVISOR (Entry or Journey level)

As the sixth largest publicly owned utility in the country in terms of customers served, our innovative energy programs, customer satisfaction and service are known throughout the state and nation. SMUD’s purpose is to provide solutions for meeting our customer’s electrical energy needs. As a community-owned utility, SMUD’s vision is to be a leader in customer satisfaction and a positive force in promoting community benefits. We offer a rewarding work environment, a diverse workplace, competitive salaries, excellent benefits and much more.

Under general direction, the Energy Advisor creates mutually beneficial customer relationships, analyzes customers’ energy needs and provides high quality and cost effective solutions; markets green energy/renewable products and services, promotes energy conservation awareness, performs comprehensive energy audits and inspections of commercial and residential structures, and generates revenue for the District through marketing products and services.

To view a complete job description and to apply online, go to SMUD.ORG

Last day to apply: November 5, 2008

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Acts as the primary point of contact for all commercial customers within assigned industry segment. Identifies customers’ needs and issues, and develops strategies to meet these needs. Educates customers about new products and services, rate options, and other offerings. Fields questions from commercial customers with respect to the full spectrum of energy service delivery including technical and administrative service delivery. Makes recommendations to customers regarding products and services that will be most beneficial and applicable to their individual situations.
2. Conducts comprehensive energy audits and inspections on commercial and residential facilities, public buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial plants; uses technical expertise to advise customers on mechanical, HVAC, electrical, lighting, motors, control systems and industrial equipment; researches technical data, analyzes alternatives, conducts cost-benefit studies, and provides formal recommendations (technical and financial) to customers.
3. Develops marketing strategies and materials, and provides value-added recommendations to customers within assigned industry segment to ensure that energy efficiency and other program goals are met.
4. Assists in the development of new policies and programs in response to commercial account customer needs by recommending improved policies and services and implementing policy and/or program innovations and approaches to non-traditional energy service issues necessary to provide responsive, individualized service to customers.
5. Participates in professional associations and community organizations to increase technical energy knowledge and to market new products and services.
6. Presents energy related case studies, proposals, cost estimates to management, customers and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:

Entry Level: Typically 1-3 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in technical energy auditing and analysis to include field energy audits of commercial structures and/or related college coursework or MET (Mechanical Electrical Technology) Certification.

Journey Level: Typically 3-5 years of responsible and relevant work experience in technical energy auditing and analysis to include field energy audits of commercial structures, customer account management, marketing and selling products and services to customers and making formal, influential public presentations to customers and the public.

EDUCATION:

Journey Level: A two (2) year energy-related technical degree or certification, or equivalent training/education is required.

B.S. Degree in Engineering or Business Administration from an accredited college or university is desirable. MET certification is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF: Customer service methods and techniques; customer relationship development strategies; energy conservation practices, procedures, and systems for residential and commercial structures; electrical principles and practices; energy auditing methods and practices; marketing and sales techniques; customers’ business and decision making process; marketing strategy and tactics, effective sales techniques, electric utility rate making practices and procedures; energy management practices, applications and programs and electric distribution systems; electric system operations; techniques of negotiation and persuasion; techniques and methods of financial evaluation; utility deregulation initiatives and utility competition

SKILL/ABILITY TO: Build and maintain successful customer relationships; identify and articulate market and customer requirements; conceptualize innovative and practical solutions to customer issues; develop sales and marketing proposals responding to customer needs; listen effectively to identify opportunities and solutions; deliver formal presentations to customers and the public; perform comprehensive on-site energy audits on residential and commercial structures; evaluate energy consumption (including by use of computer modeling software), calculate energy savings and rebate amounts through math computations, provide value-added recommendations to customers, research energy efficiency methods, practices, and equipment.