1) Networking! It is common to hear the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” and many times that is true. Networking is a key aspect in progressing your career path. Make sure to have a good work ethic that others can see and be known for it, it will help you get opportunities you did not know existed in the company.

2) Be a go getter! It can be difficult to update your resume after college when you get into your permanent position, but you can always ask your manager to take on new tasks or shadow other engineers that are doing something you aspire to do and commonly they will allow you to help on the project.

3) Certifications! Getting certifications allows your employer and potential future employers to see that you continue to be interested in your field and grow your skills to a professional level. For more detailed information please visit the blog “Importance of Certifications.”

4) Graduate school! Most people have the notion that after undergraduate school you either go to work or graduate school, but some programs are made for both, such as a MBA. You can also go back to graduate school later in your career once you find your passion in the field.

5) Reach further with your clearance! Get visa’s, passport’s, and other documentation’s that will make it easier for an employer to hire you or promote you to a new position requiring lots of travel. Having appropriate documentation ready to go allows your employer to hit the ground running with you and start the new position/project right away.

6) Go for the open challenging positions, challenging yourself will allow you to grain new skills as well as grow in your field. Your resume will look more mature, the more challenging problems you have solved that can be reflected on your resume.

7) Join or lead company communities/societies! Most companies have committees that are organized for the employees to have a community to turn to, no matter the amount of years you have been with the company. Some common communities/societies are Society of Women in Engineering (SWE), or American Society of Mechnical Engineers (ASME), or Working Parents, etc. If you cannot find a community you want to join, you can always lead a new community and start being part of the community you work at, this also helps with goal #1, networking.

8) Attend workshops and lunch & learns! Take advantage of company provided workshops and lunch & learns. They provide a unique edge for your resume and conversation points at potential future employers. These quick gatherings progress your skills and network.

9) Always agree to learn new skills and programs, even when it might seem overwhelming with your schedule. Every employer likes to see a resume that is up to date with new skills and projects that you have learned to balance. It is commonly better to learn 10 new skills than master 1, it keeps your opportunities opened.

10) Stay engaged with company movements! You might be wondering, why do I need to stay up on the news of my company to build my resume? The answer is simple, if your company is going through changes, for example, moving toward electric, you would want to make sure your resume reflects the new orientation of the company so you can make the cut for the reorganization. You need to be aware of your company’s politics to stay relevant in your positions, especially when the company will restructure.

If you’d like personalized assistance, join us for Daily Drop-In hours Monday-Friday 11am-4pm via Zoom or email vcea.internships@wsu.edu.