In the past month, I have received numerous calls from alumni who are being laid off. In many instances they are panicked. This is understandable considering that they have homes and kids to support, and the prospect of unemployment is terrorizing.

This is a tough job market. It is therefore especially critical that you understand reality and not allow yourself to be victimized by your own erroneous assumptions. You think there are no jobs? That is wrong. You think no one is hiring? That is also incorrect. You think that no one is interested in talking with you about the opportunities in their companies? Believing that is a huge mistake. When times are tough, it is easy to view the labor market in a negative light.

The news on the economy is growing more painful by the day. The Economist reports that this is the worst economic crisis since the great depression. The US unemployment rate of 6.5% hit a 14-year high in October and the California unemployment rate currently stands at 8.2%.

Companies are shedding jobs at a breakneck pace. A day does not go by without hearing about huge layoffs. Circuit City announced they expect to lay off 7300 people. CitiBank announced 53,000 layoffs. Intel is expected to announce cuts later this month in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 worldwide. KLA Tencore, a microchip maker cited the worst demand environment since 2000 for the projected cut of 900 jobs. El Dorado Hills County Board of Supervisors announced they would cut 90 jobs.

It is easy to become discouraged if you are looking for work. Amid all of the bad news, it is hard to be optimistic. But the reality is that labor demand is not uniform across all job types. The unemployment rate for engineers is typically much lower than it is in other job categories. That is not to say that engineers and computer scientists are immune to lengthy spells of unemployment; they tend to have more stability. Demand is higher for engineers and computer scientists because there are fewer available. They are harder to find and very costly to train. Although engineers and computer scientists make up about 10% of the graduating population nationwide in any given year, they typically get 40% to 50% of the offers of employment at graduation. And engineers are incredibly versatile and flexible. Their skills are transferable to a multitude of environments and jobs. When one industry goes down, they can shift to another. The resume may need a makeover, but shifting to a new industry is entirely doable.

When the economy is tanking, you need a well thought out job search plan and extreme effort. But still, there are pockets of jobs and great opportunities to be found. When the news is bad, it is much harder to think logically and usher the resources necessary to get moving again. It is like finding anything. It is easier to assume that no one is hiring than it is to collect information, analyze it, and figure out who is hiring. Most people sit back and wait for things to land in their lap. This reminds me about my husband’s search-and-find strategies. At my house, if it is not out there biting him, my husband cannot find it. It doesn’t matter where it is, when he is looking for something, he asks me where it is. Actually it is a very good strategy for him to ask since I always know where things are.

The same is true for people looking for jobs. Ask! You have to go outside your little world and talk to people who know what is happening: faculty, career counselors, fellow students, contacts in other companies, and friends from past classes. Networking is the most effective way of locating a job. Most people get their jobs by networking, and by getting a direct contact with a manager. Managers often tell me that when they see talent, they will figure out how to make a hire, even if no job is actually available. Even if you have submitted your application, you still want to keep trying to make contact with managers in the company.

Keep in mind that when networking, you do not necessarily have to know the person you are going to contact. It is enough if you simply know of them and can provide them with some idea about how you are connected.

I received two calls this week from EEE alumni who are anticipating layoffs. They were certain that there are no jobs in their respective fields. Turns out that I knew of three organizations that are hiring and where they would be a good fit. One company was hiring in the interview room next door to me. I walked their resumes over and that was that. This is true of all of our majors. There are actually a number of organizations hiring right now. Many organizations will continue hiring, even while they are laying other people off. In response to change and focus, they need people in some areas and need to shed workers in others. For example, some engineering firms that were doing residential development are switching over to transportation projects. That is how companies stay in business. The ability to change is essential for the survival of the enterprise. It is also essential for engineers and computer scientists. No one wants the old new thing… everyone wants the new new thing.

So who is hiring? Students and alumni have reported receiving offers from the County of Sacramento, Kiewit Pacific, Rudolph and Sletten, Timec, DMEA, Dorado Software, HP, PMC Sierra, Accenture, Deloitte Consulting, Hansen Information Technologies, LexisNexis, LidenLab, Northrop Grumman, Sutter Health, VSP, Intel, PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Stantec Consulting, Western Area Power, El Dorado County, KW, Murry Burns and Kienlen, Rain for Rent, RLW, Siemens Duewag, Airco Mechanical, Caltrans, 3DI, Chevron, and CEI.

We also have 54 organizations signed up for Career Day 2009. They report a total of 1605 openings! Government agencies, engineering firms, defense contractors, consulting firms, construction firms, energy firms manufacturing firms and insurance firms are all on the list. I have included the complete list below.

Companies can now sign up for Career Day 2009 at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/.
We opened sign ups in November and the response has been very strong. Last March we had 130 companies attend the hiring event and we had to turn away 18 companies for lack of space. This is the biggest hiring event for technical professionals in Northern California. Students and alumni turn out in droves to connect with potential employers. It is our single most productive hiring day. PUT MARCH 6TH ON YOUR CALENDAR!!!

We now have 64 companies signed up to attend the CSUS College of Engineering Career Day 2009 which will be held on Friday, March 6th. This is amazing! We are seeing steady demand for our majors in spite of the economy. Companies are surveyed about their hiring plans in conjunction with the sign up. The 64 organizations now signed up report having a total of 1799 openings! Here is the breakdown by majors:

43 will be hiring Civil Engineering majors
31 will be hiring Construction Management majors
15 will be hiring Computer Engineering majors
15 report hiring needs for Computer Science majors
25 report hiring needs for Engineering-Electrical & Electronic majors
28 will be hiring Mechanical Engineer majors
10 report hiring needs for Mechanical Engineer Tech. majors

Department of Motor Vehicles will hold interviews for: Student Assistant-Must be Computer Science Majors or Related Field

November 20, 2008 (multiple interviews times are available)
Location: Riverside Hall 2018
Time: 12:30 - 2:30

Majors Sought: CS CpE

Job Description:
Looking for a student who has a background or majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Engineering.

Students must be enrolled and attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at any accredited college or university and enrolled at a minimum : six (6) semester units or nine (9) quarter units for undergraduate students; four (4) semester units or six (6) quarter units for graduate students.

The hiring department may have a higher unit requirement. If so, you must follow that department’s requirement.

Minimum Requirements:
Excellent attendance; strong computer skills; ability to prioritize assignments; ability and willingness to learn new tasks and show initiative; ability to work with various staff at all levels; ability to communicate effectively; good troubleshooting skills; good analytical and interpersonal skills; ability to easily adapt to change.

The student assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
Provide hardware and software maintenance and support; Diagnose and repair hardware and software problems; Install and configure software; Customize/configure servers, NAS, SAN systems and equipment for end users; Perform routine tasks for network and MS Active Directory; Assist with IT procurement; Maintain an up to date hardware and software inventory; other related projects and related duties as required.

Thank you for your interest in this position. The screening and selection process is currently underway and will continue until a successful candidate is chosen. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted.

Contact Method:
Please send resumes to Raymond Basiri RBasiri@DMV.CA.gov
                          -or-
Bring your resume to the Department of Motor Vehicles Information Session on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 11:30 - 12:30 in RVR 2018.  

Length of each interview: 30 min.

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

After reviewing the information - Raymon Basiri will review resumes and schedule candidates for interview to be held in RVR 2006. Candidates will get a phone call or email if Department of Motor Vehicles is interested in interview them!

Hi Cici,

If you know of any grads or students that are on the Assistant or Associate Information Systems Analyst list, here is a great opportunity for those that like technical project management. I used to work with this bureau director and manager and they have a great team. Please pass it on....

Sally Bennett
Technical Recruiter
Franchise Tax Board
Sally.Bennett@ftb.ca.gov

Classification: Associate / Staff Programmer Analyst T & D or Lateral will be considered

Section/Unit: Compliance Systems Bureau,GUI Development Team

Salary Range: $4619-$5897 / $5065-$6466

Location: FTB Headquarters, Sacramento

Job Description: (includes typical duties)
The Collections Systems Development Section (CSDS) provides a variety of services to support the Accounts Receivable Management Division’s collection and dependent systems as they relate to Personal Income Tax, Bank and Corporations Enterprise Wide Bankruptcy System and Enterprise Wide Lien System.
As a member of the GUI Development Team, you will be responsible for performing the analysis, design, coding and unit testing of incidents and enhancements to the collection systems. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Programming experience with 4gl languages such as C/C++, C#, Java, PowerBuilder, ASP .Net, etc
• Desire to learn and practice Object Oriented Design principlas
• Familiarity with a Relational Database Management Systems, e.g. SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, or other relational databases
• Ability to handle concurrent assignments
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to work independently
• Competent oral and written communication skills

Desirable Experience/Qualifications:

• Familiarity with C/C++, C#, and Visual Basic
• Familiarity with PowerBuilder
• Familiarity with Object Oriented Design principals and design patterns
• Experience with Sybase or SQL server

Minimum Requirements:
To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, or have reinstatement eligibility.

How To Apply:
Mail or hand deliver your application by: December 1, 2008
Contact Person: Steve Buffington;
Telephone Number: 916.845.6764
email address: steve.buffington@ftb.ca.gov
Address/Room Number: Exam Unit, PO Box 550, Sacramento CA 95812-0550

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be interviewed. All applicants not currently employed with the Franchise Tax Board will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Positions will be available in the November 2008-March 2009 time frame. This position is open to both entry-level and full-career position candidates, depending on experience.

Work hours: Full time

Pay Range: $48,000 - $108,000 per year, DOE

Benefits: Medical, dental, and life insurance and retirement

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
waste water compliance, landfill compliance, and air quality compliance

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering (Civil or Environmental Engineering preferred)
• A valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualification:

• Environmental coursework or interest
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform multiple tasks at the same time

Job Locations:
Grass Valley, Nevada City, Roseville, Sacramento, and Chico.

How To apply:

• Email a resume to both greg.miller@beale.af.mil and kirsten.christopherson@beale.af.mil
• Create an account and post a resume at www.usajobs.gov.
• Apply for the currently listed general announcement: AFPC213300YD-0819-02/02-CE (closes Jan 2, 2009)

For more information, please contact Greg Miller at 530-634-3135.

The Air Force is sponsoring a paid summer internship program at several of their research laboratory sites for Computer and Electrical engineering students.

The deadline for initial applications is 1 Dec 2008.

Summer Internship Locations:
Tyndall AFB (Panama City, FL)
Hanscom AFB (Boston, MA)
Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH)
Eglin AFB (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Edwards AFB ( the desert, CA)

Pay/benefits:

• Pay: ~$4,500 before taxes; also per diem given for their location
• Transportation (airfare, rental car) reimbursed for lodging

Minimum Requirements:

• Be a Sophomore with 2.50+ cum GPA in
• Electrical, Computer or Environmental Engineering
• Have completed at least 60 semester/90 quarter hours at time of internship
• Be able to graduate within two or three years of internship
• Be a U.S. citizen at time of internship and under age 31 on 31 December of graduation year
• Meet Air Force commissioning standards

Eligible students will be considered for a follow-on Air Force ROTC scholarship Full Tuition and Fees, $900 / year for books, $450-500 / monthly stipend

Contact Maj Roel Zamora at rzamora@csus.edu if you are interested or have any questions.

Major: ME

Pay Range: $11.55 - $17.28 per hour

Deadline For Application is December 1,2008

Job Duties:

• Under supervision, incumbent will provide support to Plant Maintenance Mechanical Section by performing engineering work on matters relating to mechanical systems on the State Water Project.
• Under close supervision of the Senior HEPUE (Supervisor) and in a trainee capacity, the incumbent performs engineering work on matters relating to mechanical and electrical systems on the State Water Project.

Essential Functions:

• This position requires that the incumbent work cooperatively with others; maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance; and exercise good judgment.
• Scan and store electronic files of engineering drawings and documents in portable document format (PDF) related to State Water Project hydroelectric equipment maintenance, repair and modifications performed under contracts administered by the Section and Branch.
• Maintain, enhance, and upgrade the Branch’s website, solve computer-related problems, and update the Branch’s computers’ software and hardware.
• Prepare, review, and edit computer generated charts, tables, graphs and drawings for technical reports and engineering projects.
• Research equipment drawings and records required for the modification and/or repair of pumps, turbines, valves, bearings, motors, generators, and other associated hydroelectric equipment.
• Compile equipment operations and maintenance reports.
• Retrieve specifications and drawings from microfilm, order all necessary equipment and supplies, review and edit equipment inspection reports, and accompany engineers on equipment inspection trips. equipment, including computers and software.
• Review and perform calculations related to equipment scheduled for modification, replacement and/or repair.
• Operate and maintain the Branch’s video equipment, and provide audio/visual support for meetings, seminars, etc.
• Perform other duties such as retrieving, photocopying, and archiving documents, and obtaining maintenance services for computers, copy machines, etc.

Minimum Requirements:
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, and creating and maintaining websites.

How To Apply:
Submit State application (STD 678) & Resume

Additional Requirements:

• Strength and ability to lift and carry 25 pounds. Must have stamina and ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and crawl; climb stairs and uneven (sometimes steep) slopes while carrying equipment; ability to operate computers. Must have the mobility to walk unassisted throughout the facilities of the State Water Project.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions (e.g., extreme hot or cold.) Must work well with others and follow established safety procedures inherent in the job.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSES ARE REQUESTED

Job Duties:
Basic office duties of filing, data entry, answering telephones, proofreading/editing skills, developing brochures, maintaining website, ordering supplies.

Salary Range: $8.00 - $12.00 per hour Real Estate license or commercial real estate experience a plus. Possibility for bonuses.

Required / Preferred Skills:

• Excellent general computer skills (knowledge of Microsoft Office products, ability to learn specialized software, create brochures, do technical troubleshooting, and spreadsheets) are a must;
• Good attention to detail (taking telephone messages, excellent writing skills, grammar and spelling in composition, filing);
• Good math skills (computation and concepts);
• A self starter with good time management, work ethic and dependability;
• Professional demeanor and interpersonal skills;

How To Apply:
Email or FAX a resume or letter of interest to:
D. Ellwanger, Senior Vice President
Sperry Van Ness / Ellwanger Team

Telephone: (916) 456-8389 - Can leave messages at this number
FAX: (916) 437-2383

Successful applicants will be called for interview.

Series: 326

Grade: GS-4/5

Job Expiration Date: 11/30/08

Duties:
This position will be a Permanent position on the Sierraville Ranger District with a 40 hour work week schedule. The incumbent serves as the Office Automation Assistant for the Sierraville Ranger District. Duties include, but are not limited to: maintenance of personnel records, use of word processing software and related hardware equipment to produce a variety of correspondence, reports, office forms and other written material in final form. Also has knowledge in the use of spreadsheets, graphics and publishing software. Enters data into a variety of computer programs to track, maintain, and update information. Gathers, compiles, prepares, validates, and corrects information before entry. Tabulates or posts data from source documents to other records; manipulates data to provide status and other reports as required. Edits and reformats electronic drafts prepared by staff. Incumbent also provides general clerical support to the office staff; reviews personal property documents involving acquisitions, transfer or disposal of items that are required to be of record, and provides back-up assistance to District front desk receptionist.

Job Location:
Forest: Tahoe National Forest
District: Sierraville Ranger District

How To Apply:
Apply online via website usajobs.opm.gov

For Further Information Please Contact:
Name: Rosemary Houser
Phone: 530-994-3401x6615
Fax: 530-994-3143
TTY: 530-994-3521
Address: PO Box 95
City/State/Zip: SIERRAVILLE CA 96126
Email: rhouser@fs.fed.us

Position Title: Student Assistant
Classification: Student Assistant
Agency/Organization: CIWMB-Integrated Waste Mgt Board
Preferred Major: CS,CPE
Contact:
Steve Lambert
(916) 341-6690

Position Title: Administrative Assistant
Classification: Student Assistant
Agency/Organization: ALRB-Agricultural Labor Relations Board
Preferred Major: All Majors
Contact:
J. Antonio Barbosa
Executive Secretary
(916) 653-3741

Position Title: Student Assistant - Data Management
Classification: Student Assistant
Agency/Organization: CIWMB-Integrated Waste Mgt Board
Preferred Major: CS,CPE
Contact:
Steve Lambert
(916) 341-6690

To view all available student jobs, visit our online jobs listing at www.fccccareerpathway.org

Title: Mail/File Clerk

Series: 0305

Grade: GS-4/5

Annual Salary: $26,569 - $34,545

Duties:
This position is located in the Supervisors Office (SO) of the Mendocino National Forest. The incumbent serves as Mail and File Manager and as a primary backup to the Forest Visitor Information Assistant. The purpose of this position is to ensure the continuity, utility, currency, integrity of records, the assurance of timely and correct delivery of correspondence both in receiving and response; the maintenance of all technical resource manuals, the management of records, correspondence, and the library system (traditional hard copy files and all electronic files and mail), and the full visitor information duties as required for the Supervisors Office. This position has small purchase and purchase card authority to order and maintain office supplies. Responsibility for office supply includes receiving, storage, and distribution management. Occasional forklift operation may be required.

Job Location:
Forest: Mendocino National Forest
City/State/Zip: Willows, CA 95988

How To Apply:
Individuals who are interested in this position, please contact : sjlopez01@fs.fed.us by 12/08/08.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Name: Sandy Lopez
Phone: 530 934-1101
Fax: 530 934-1174
TTY: 530-934-7724
Address: Mendocino National Forest,825 N. Humboldt Ave.
City/State/Zip: Willows CA 95988
Email: sjlopez01@fs.fed.us

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.