CSUS, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Career Updates, Oct 23, 2008
"Career Updates" is a weekly career newsletter on topics of interest to the students, alumni, faculty,and friends of the CSUS College of Engineering and Computer Science. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, go to http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career and clickunsubscribe. SUBMIT ARTICLES: To submit articles for the newsletter, go to http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career and click on"Submit an Article for Career Updates". Back issues are available at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career. Excellent career and hiring info and help is also available athttp://www.ecs.csus.edu/career. ________________________________________________________________________
In my position as Director of Career Services, I am frequently the one that students, alumni and staff turn to when they experience work place stress. Often, their distress is the result of a toxic environment. It is an issue that deserves special attention. In my career planning workshops, I speak endlessly about the need to seek work that produces personal satisfaction. Sometimes when we find it, others serve to destroy it.
This week and next week in Career Updates, I am going to present articles on this topic. Today’s viewpoint is provided by a psychologist-attorney. Next week, an article by another psychologist will address the topic: "Burnt-out on Stress Management."
Workplace Harassment: It is an Issue for Everyone
By Adam Alban, Ph.D., J.D.
Most professionals assume that their workplace environment will be professional. This hardly seems like an unreasonable assumption and most people experience the workplace environment as such. For others, however, they find that what is supposed to be a professional environment is tainted with hostility and/or discrimination. The annals of academia and the professional world are replete with stories of how both institutions and individuals have knowingly created hostile environments, or allowed them to foster with a blind eye toward behavior that is highly disruptive.
Workplace harassment is a significant issue for a number of reasons. The most important of these reasons is that everyone suffers when the workplace environment becomes tainted with hostility or discrimination. In short, workplace harassment is disruptive.
Indeed, some forms of harassment have been recognized under the law as illegal. Both federal and California law have outlawed these forms of harassment. These laws allow for stiff penalties against both institutions and individuals who are found to have engaged in certain forms of harassment, or allowed for the existence of a hostile work environment. The law recognizes that when institutions fail to act against illegal harassment, such willful ignorance can amount to complicity.
The most common forms of harassment can be generally divided into two groups: workplace harassment and sexual harassment. Workplace harassment is conduct where an individual is the recipient of conduct that is based upon or denigrates what the law refers to as "protected classes," or characteristics. Examples of these characteristics are age, ethnicity, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, etc. If an individual in a workplace or academic environment believes himself or herself to be the target of denigration or hostility on the basis of these characteristics, this may constitute illegal harassment.
Sexual harassment arises where an individual believes himself/herself to be the recipient of unwanted sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can take the form of outright statements, implicit or explicit offers of benefit in exchange for sexual favors, or intimations or threats of negative consequences for failing to comply with sexual advances. The law recognizes that the workplace or academic environment is disrupted when this type of behavior occurs and it is forbidden. All of us have an interest in a harassment free work/school environment. Indeed, our collective interest is so great that the law provides for stiff penalties if illegal harassment occurs. Employers who fail to act may also be subject to penalties. There is no excuse for a workplace or academic environment where
So what to do when confronted by objectionable behavior? This is usually the most difficult question because objectionable behavior often occurs amidst the complicated matters of office/school politics. Most victims of harassment are acutely aware that bringing forward a complaint, either formally or informally, can run the risk of retaliation and/or additional tension. On the other hand, the consequences of doing nothing are often worse. The worst kinds of harassment are those where an institution allows a known bad-actor to continue his/her activities without consequence or correction.
In these situations the best tactic is for the victim to identify a neutral ally (usually a HR professional or ombudsperson) and to inquire about available options. All academic environments and most workplaces have anti-harassment policies that outline basic procedures. These procedures always involve protections for the (alleged) victim, as well as steps to fairly investigate and remedy objectionable behavior.
Ultimately, the issue of harassment is one that should be recognized as a collective problem. Hostility is almost never confined to a few isolated interactions. These disruptions have ripple effects that extend throughout a workplace or academic environment and ultimately affect everyone. But more importantly, fighting harassment is the right thing to do.
Adam Alban, Ph.D., J.D., is an attorney and clinical psychologist. His San Francisco law office provides consultation and representation for professionals and organizations throughout California. He can be contacted at alban@clinicallawyer.com or at 415-350-0106. http://www.albanpsychology.com
I received a message from Sally Bennett, Technical Recruiter for the California Franchise Tax Board indicating that the Associate Programmer Test for the State of California is open! FTB has 20 open requisitions currently. Many other state agencies will also hire from the list.
This is the entry level position for new college graduates with a degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS or even people with degrees in other areas and an interest in computer science demonstrated by a number of courses in computer science. You can use your classes or experience to qualify for this exam and the associated positions! 24 semester units in IT related courses qualifies you. You qualify to take this test 6 months before graduation or any time after graduation.
Some of the working job titles that are associated with the Associate Programmer Analyst Series include: Program Designer, Program Architect, Applications Programmer, Lead Programmer Analyst.
As the market tightens and private companies slow hiring, or lay people off, the state is a safe haven and an excellent choice. The State of California provides a huge number of opportunities in a variety of excellent computer science disciplines with virtually all state agencies- from the Governor’s Office to the CHP. The state is hiring because 55,000 state workers are poised to retire in the next few years. THEY NEED YOU! THEY DO APPRECIATE AND REWARD YOUR TALENTS AND SKILLS.
The salary range for Assoc Programmer Analyst is $4619- $5897 per month, with excellent benefits and a balanced/flexible life/work schedule.
http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/openxrd.cfm?exc=5PB56
Watch the link multiple times per day. It opens and closes! One alum, after repeated layoffs from private industry called and asked me what he should do for stability. I suggested this test. He told me it was the best piece of advice he ever got! And these jobs will not be off shored!
The most important thing to focus on for the test and interviews is the following scope description:
SCOPE
Classes in this series are used to develop methods of applying information technology to the solution of problems; to develop and implement complex programs to achieve desired results; to act as lead person or supervisor over technical personnel; and to do other related work.
Be prepared to answer questions using your senior or masters projects or work experience that demonstrate capability in these areas. Most questions center around project experience, logical skills, communication skills, ability to work cooperatively with others, and your technical expertise.
Hello Everyone,
I am sending this e-mail as an update for the upcoming Federal Career Fair. The fair will be held on November 14, 2008 from 10-2 at the SJVC, 11050 Olson Drive, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
There is no cost to participate. The purpose of the career fair is to highlight the federal government as a potential employer.
Attached is a flyer for the event.
I hope to spread the word about employment opportunities with the federal government.
Federal Career Fair Who: Job seekers looking for career with the Federal Government When: November 14, 2008, 10:00-2:00 Where: San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), 11050 Olson Drive, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Information Technology Specialist II (8LC40) (Equivalent to: Senior Programmer Analyst (Specialist))
Job Location: Sacramento, California Salary: $5,565 - $7,104
Final Filing Date: November 7, 2008
Duties and Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the Manager of the Legislative and Member Applications Section, the Information Technology Specialist II’s, act as technical subject matter experts to assess, develop and implement technological solutions to solve complex applications problems. The incumbents work with complete independence, and in the absence of specific instructions, procedures and policies, use considerable judgment in researching problems and developing new solutions and methods. The incumbents demonstrate strong team leadership, expertise with staff direction and motivation, and achieving targets of delivery and quality. The incumbents participate and provide input to the decision-making process regarding technological solutions to complex applications problems. The incumbents coordinate with technical leads and managers of other sections on day-to-day issues and projects and provide input to management for workload distribution of future and ongoing work assignments. The incumbents provide technical expertise to the management team in the development of policies and develop and document initiatives providing management the information necessary to determine the feasibility of issues and initiatives that have extreme impact on the business success of the Data Center.
How to Apply: Applicants need not be a current or former State employee nor be on a State exam list to apply, but need to meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. It is your responsibility to make sure that you meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Your signature on your application indicates that you have read, understood, and possess the minimum qualifications required. Under the LDC’s position-specific selection program, candidates do not have to be on a State list in order to apply. LDC may use this selection process for up to one year to fill other vacancies, where job-related knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors are the same or substantially similar to thiese advertised positions. Applications will be screened and interviews scheduled for those candidates possessing the best qualifications and experience. Please note that an Information Technology Specialist II belongs to Work Week Group (WWG) E. No employee in a classification assigned to WWG E shall have his/her salary reduced for absences of less than an entire day. However, there is also no overtime provision for a WWG E employee if he/she works in excess of 40 hours per week. Subject to SROA/Surplus.
How to Apply: Submit a standard state application and resume which demonstrates that you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below to the Office of Legislative Counsel 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., Friday, November 7, 2008, or be postmarked by this date. You must include on your application the alpha-numeric process indicator number 8LC40 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 regarding the position may be directed to Saeed Bakkhshi at (916) 341-8859. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Personnel at (916) 341-8330.
Minimum Qualifications: In-depth experience in system development lifecycle methodology that meets customers’ business and information systems requirements. Advanced skills to determine and analyze the customer’s data requirements and build entity relationship, process and dataflow diagrams. Demonstrated experience with object-oriented analysis, design and programming techniques to develop effective automated client/server solutions. Advanced skills to effectively conduct prototype sessions as an iterative process to define and refine requirements. 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. Ability to accurately read and interpret system and database design documents to develop corresponding program specifications. Advanced knowledge of database tools and methodologies to design and create database structures to store, retrieve, update and display data in a relational database. 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. Highly developed 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. Good oral and written communications skills, including making effective presentations, to effectively communicate with management, staff, customers, contractors, and vendors. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others including customers, team members, peers, managers and executive staff. Ability to manage workload, prepare project plans, meet deadlines, and coordinate the work in a project team. Advanced knowledge of and demonstrated experience with project management tools and techniques. Demonstrated experience leading project teams, including assigning tasks, reviewing products produced, and resolving issues to assure the project stays on schedule.
Desirable Qualifications: Knowledge of current technologies and industry trends in order to develop strategies, which enhance the legislative computing environment. Advanced proficiency in Java and objected-oriented programming including the use of the Eclipse development platform and Rational RSA/ClearCase. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in J2EE development in each of the following technologies: EJB’s, JSP’s, JavaScript, Servlets, JMS and MDB’s. Good understanding of the BEA Weblogic application server with experience in writing scripts for automated deployment. Familiarity with User Interface design and development, event driven programming, HTML, XHTML, Templates, and CSS. Knowledge of the PVCS configuration management tools used by LDC to manage version control and tracking of program changes. Extensive experience working with enterprise databases (Oracle 9i and 10g), including formulating complex SQL queries and PL/SQL code. Demonstrated understanding of SQL optimization and understanding of query explain plans.
THIS IS A COMPETITIVE PROCESS. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin, you may file for this position. Possession of the qualifications does not guarantee inclusion in the selection process. Your performance in the selection process will be compared with the performance of all others who participate in this process, and does not guarantee an appointment to the position.
Interview Scope: If an interview is conducted, in addition to the minimum and desirable qualifications described on this bulletin, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits, and fitness. In appraising experience, more weight will be given to the breadth and recency of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate’s ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of experience. Evaluation of a candidate’s personal development will include consideration of a recognition of training needs; plans for self-development; and the progress made in efforts toward self-development.
SALARY: Entry Level: $57,324 to $71,568 Annually Journey Level: $71,568 to $89,352 Annually
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:
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:
A high school diploma or equivalency is required for both levels.
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.
*Candidates must possess a valid class C California driver’s license.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Position Title: Webmaster/Multi-media Coordinator (2 positions available) Classification: Internship Agency/Organization: Capital Public Radio, Inc Contact: Please apply online via this website. To apply for this position, visit our website www.fccccareerpathway.org www.fccccareerpathway.org/applicants/Central?quickFind=50466
Position Title: Website Development and Maintenance Classification: Student Assistant Agency/Organization: ADP-Dept of Alcohol and Drug Programs Contact: Bob Hall, Web Administrator, (916) 323-1814 www.fccccareerpathway.org/applicants/Central?quickFind=50461
Position Title: Student Assistant - ILRP Classification: Student Assistant Agency/Organization: SWRCB-Water Resources Control Board Contact: Lisa Wilson Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (916) 464-4844 www.fccccareerpathway.org/applicants/Central?quickFind=50470
Position Title: Student Assistant - Division of Financial Assistance Classification: Student Assistant Agency/Organization: SWRCB-Water Resources Control Board Contact: Cristina Mayorga-Ochoa State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 cochoa@waterboards.ca.gov www.fccccareerpathway.org/applicants/Central?quickFind=50469
Position Title: Call Center Representative Classification: Student Assistant Agency/Organization: BAR-Bureau of Automotive Repair Contact: Kimberly Meador Call Center Lead kmeador@foundationccc.org www.fccccareerpathway.org/applicants/Central?quickFind=50463
To view all available student jobs, visit our online jobs listing at www.fccccareerpathway.org
OC Jones & Sons, Inc. will hold interviews for: Internship, Estimating Assistant, and Project Engineer
November 06, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available) Start time 9:00am 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
After reviewing the information - Catrina Alfaro will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006
Candidates will get a phone call or email if OC Jones & Sons, Inc. is interested in interview them!
I am pleased to announce that ACM has secured Albert Wong from IBM to come to campus to give a talk on open source software. I have had the pleasure of talking with him and he is an energizing and informative speaker. I encourage you to attend and share this information with your students and peers.
Dale Fletter
Feed: ACM @ Sac State Author: ACM Officers Subject: Lecture on Open Source
When: Fri Nov 7, 2008 6pm to 7pm PST
Where: Hinde Auditorium in the Union, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA Event Status: confirmed Event Description: Understanding the business of Open Source and how to integrate Open Source into your business. Location: Hinde Auditorium Date: November 7th Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
See flyer for more information on lecture. http://www.ecs.csus.edu/acm/events/Lecture_Open_Source.pdf
Parking instructions will be posted here when available.
CiCi
In addition to the Senior Electrical Engineering Exam, the Energy Commission is also now accepting applications for the Associate Electrical Engineering Exam. This position is junior to the Senior position and the Energy Commission has more of these positions than the Senior Electrical Engineering Exam. The information below is also relevant for this opportunity.
Please relay this information to interested parties at CSUS. The final date to submit applications to this exam is October 30, 2008.
As a followup to the message I left on your phone, attached is the California Energy Commission Exam Application for the Senior Electrical Engineer exam. For people that are not familiar with the process, the Energy Commission offers exams like this for specific classifications. Some exams are limited to active state employees and some are open to all qualified candidates who want to apply even if they have not worked for State of California previously. This exam is an open exam.
Please sent out this exam announcement as widely as possible throughout your CSUS network.
Here are a few items that may be of interest to potential candidates:
The exact number of openings at the Energy Commission will not be know until they are actually advertised by the Energy Commission offices with specific needs. We do expect to have several openings to fill from this list.
I am glad to answer questions for you in general but if potential applicants want additional information, please request they direct their questions to the contacts in personnel in the attached exam announcement and not me.
Thanks for the help.
October 2008 Events
For updates and details go to… www.csus.edu/careercenter/govt_careers.stm
The College of Engineering and Computer Science has instituted a new interview scheduling system here in Riverside Hall. Companies wishing to schedule an on campus interview room please contact Anyssa Stafford 916-278-6366 or stafford@ecs.csus.edu
Students can click on the positions below to find info about the position and how to sign up for an interview.
Company Information Sessions
Company Date Time Location Majors Oregon Department of Transportation September 12, 2008 11:30 - 1:00 pm RVR 2018 CE CM Kiewit October 14, 2008 5:30 - 6:30 pm Riverside Hall 2018 CE CM ME San Diego Gas & Electric October 15, 2008 3:30 - 5:30 pm Riverside Hall 3014 EEE(power), CE SJ Amoroso Construction October 16, 2008 12:00 - 1:00 pm RVR 2018 CE CM C. Overaa & Co. October 21, 2008 11:00 - 12:30 pm Riverside Hall 2018 CE CM Meade Construction Group, Inc. October 28, 2008 11:00 - 12:30 pm Riverside Hall 2018 CE, CM, MET Austin Commercial October 30, 2008 11:00 - 12:00 pm Riverside Hall 2018 CE, CM NAVSEA Port Hueneme October 29, 2008 12:00 - 1:00 pm RVR 3014 EEE, CPE, ME OC Jones November 06, 2008 11:00 - 1:00 pm RVR 3014 CE CM General Construction Co. November 12, 2008 11:00 - 1:00 pm Riverside Hall 3014 CE CM ME
If you have not put your resume on our system, this is a job opportunity that you are missing out on! Get it in there!!! This email was sent to a candidate who put his resume on our site.
Hello:
I am a systems programmer/administrator at Intel Corporation in Folsom. We have been trying to get a recent college graduate (or graduating soon-- RCG) positioned filled for several months. Unfortunately our recruiting department seems to have missed Sac State and we are having problems getting someone qualified and/or interested that would fit. Considering the fact that I am doing the job of 3 people right now I am very anxious to get someone in.
I contacted Cici Mattiuzzi at Sac State and she showed me where I could find resume’s for RCGs that may be looking for a job in IT.
The position we currently have available is for the following:
Description
In this position, you will be providing support for Windows* fileserver builds, Windows* SAN infrastructure, Windows* application support, and environment monitoring. Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
Qualifications
You should possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Additional qualifications include:
It’s not listed but we need someone with UNIX skills or at the very least a familiarity with UNIX. I took a look at your resume and it looks like it fits the bill.
The kicker to the job opening is that we need to fill it now and management is likely going to make a decision next week from a pool of candidates we already interviewed. The candidates don’t necessarily have the skill set we are looking for but at this point we just want the req filled before it gets cancelled.
If you are interested in the position you can call me on my cell anytime before 10pm, tonight preferably or at my office tomorrow. If you are interested I will take your resume to my manager and post it internally. After that I will have you officially apply but with the time issue we are facing it would never make it before our deadline.
I am not the hiring manager but whoever gets the job will be working in my team.
Regards, Philip L Mondor Intel Corporation
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! Managers from local companies, including HP and Intel report contacting candidates through the system. If you are not on the system they cannot find you. Students are reporting multiple offers from using a combination of the resume posting service, the JETX job listings, and from Job Fairs. 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 at: cici@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.
________________________________________________________________________ Cici Mattiuzzi Director, Career Services Office College of Engineering & Computer Science CSU, Sacramento 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819-6023 Phone: 916-278-7091 Fax: 916-278-5949 Email cici@csus.edu Web Site: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career