Career Liaison Bridges Gap Between Academia and Industry
 |
|
John Haines
|
Utilizing unique talents as an engineer, John Haines is bridging the gap between academia and industry. An excellent communicator, Haines is now serving as Engineering Career Liaison, networking with potential employers and students to expand internship and permanent employment opportunities for both.
Having worked as Area Coordinator in Residence Life, Haines has developed and maintained close connections with students university-wide. However, as liaison between the College of Engineering and Career Center, he is able to combine two lifelong passions: engineering and working with students in higher education.
"It is an opportunity for me to directly work with and influence students and watch their long-term growth, from prospective students to graduates and then onto careers as professional engineers," said Haines.
A new position in the college, the career liaison provides a multitude of services to students in all stages of the university process. Aside from helping incoming freshman with major or career exploration, Haines assists students preparing for graduate programs and those looking for internships or full time jobs. He strives to aid students in determining career paths and achieving career goals by providing advice and helping with job searches, resume writing and mock interviews.
Through employer outreach, Haines is daily connecting students to industry. By visiting plants and factories, and maintaining long-term relationships with Human Resources managers and recruiters, he is able to fulfill both student and industry employment needs.
Haines has also inspired industry to visit Colorado State. Taking the lead role in developing a college-wide career and internship fair, he is connecting students and professional opportunities. A great success with 107 companies and 720 students in attendance at last year, Haines plans to expand the fair to two days, February 13th and 14th, in the spring of 2008.
"I want to continue to bring new employers to campus that are attractive to our students and to re-engage employers that may have been away for the last few years," said Haines of the career and internship fair. "I am also focusing on attracting companies from overseas or domestic companies with a global focus."
As a result of his services, 83% of engineering students find full time placement at the time of graduation, and within three months 90% are in full time jobs. Also, 57% of students take part in an internship or experiential educational experience such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) or lab work.
In addition to partnering with industry, Haines has been active in work with the Women and Minorities in Engineering Program, headed by the coordinator, Aaron Benally. He has also collaborated with University organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Engineering College Council to create opportunities for students.
As Engineering Career Liaison, Haines has made a marked difference in the lives of engineering students since taking the position in 2005. Whether through formal developmental counseling or his open door policy, he has strived to make engineering a small and personable college where students are first and their success essential.
"In the College of Engineering, we know how outstanding our students are," said Haines. "We just need to make sure that industry is aware of how outstanding our graduates are."