Engineering Success Center
The Engineering Success Center provides undergraduate engineering students with resume reviews, job search and career advising, salary negotiation tactics, mock interviews, cooperative education partnerships, and the opportunity to engage with diversity organizations.
The Engineering Success Center is located on the first floor of the Suzanne and Walter Scott, Jr. Bioengineering Building, suite 102, just inside the main entrance.
PHONE:
(970) 491-6220
HOURS:
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Career Advising
Our staff help undergraduate students reach their career goals by providing advice on resumes, facilitating mock interviews, and finding the perfect fit for co-op experiences. Schedule an appointment today to work towards a great career tomorrow.
SPRING 2018 APPOINTMENT HOURS
- Drop-ins can sign in anytime on available days.
- Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.
- To schedule an appointment with any of our staff members, please contact the Engineering Success Center by calling (970) 491-6220, or stop by Scott 102.
Resume Review and Career advice
Career adviser Aaron Benally will spend 15 minutes discussing resumes and career goals, and the expectations potential employers have.
- Monday: 1–5 p.m. by appointment only
- Tuesday: 1–5 p.m. drop in only
- Wednesday: 1–5 p.m. drop in only
Co-op | Salary Negotiation | Bridge
Engineering Success Center Director Terry Comerford offers a 30-minute session with students to discuss salary negotiation and the cooperative education program, an academic program that allows students to work in a position related to their major.
By appointment only.
- Monday: 1:30–3 p.m.
- Tuesday: 3–4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 3–4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 10–11 a.m.
Mock Interviews
Career adviser Aaron Benally offers 45 minute mock interviews for students. By appointment only, please see recommendations for each session below.
- Monday:
- 2–4 p.m., recommended electrical engineering
- 2–4 p.m., recommended civil engineering
- 4–5 p.m., recommended mechanical engineering
- Tuesday:
- 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., recommended civil engineering
- 4–5 p.m., recommended mechanical engineering
- Wednesday:
- 2–5 p.m., recommended mechanical engineering
- Thursday:
- 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., general
- 2–4 p.m., recommended electrical engineering
- 2–5 p.m., recommended mechanical engineering
- Friday:
- 1–5 p.m., general
Handshake
Handshake is the place where students, career centers, and recruiters come to meet, talk, and share opportunities. Handshake allows students to follow certain employers, to make sure they receive any updates, events, or other content from them.
Students can also access Handshake on their mobile phones and receive alerts when job listings are posted.
CAREER ADVISING STAFF
Aaron Benally
(Career Advising & Mock Interviews)
Aaron Benally has been the coordinator of Diversity Programs in Engineering (formerly WMEP) at CSU for over 10 years. He also advises several student organizations: SHPE, NSBE, SASE, and AISES. He is a career adviser at both the Engineering Success Center and the Career Center.
Aaron is a graduate of CSU, and received a degree in electrical engineering with a minor in math.
Terry Comerford
(Co-op & Salary Negotiation)
As director of the Engineering Success Center, Terry supports the recruitment, retention, professional development, and placement of undergraduate engineering students. Terry graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech, and spent time co-oping in the textile and utility industries. After graduation, she worked in the oil and gas industry for 20 years in Amoco’s refining system. She was the lead recruiter for the Georgia Tech campus while working in many process engineering, financial, and managerial positions. She received her MBA from University of Houston. After moving to Colorado, she worked as consultant for a small engineering design firm, Ascent Engineering, before coming to CSU.
CAREER FAIR
The Engineering Career Fair is the cornerstone of on-campus recruiting activities for engineering students each semester, and is open to all current CSU students and alumni. Attendees can talk directly with employers to find opportunities in co-op, internships, or entry-level positions.
Fall 2019 Engineering Career Fair
September 2019
Recruiters from over 100 companies will join us at the Fall 2019 Engineering Career Fair. Information for the next event will be listed here when available.
- Engineering career fairs are open ONLY to students and graduates of Colorado State University.
- Students from all CSU colleges are welcome to attend.
- Students do NOT need to pre-register for the event but will need their CSU IDs at check-in.
- A complete list of employers attending will be available prior to the event.
Questions? E-mail terry.comerford@colostate.edu
Visit the Engineering Career Fair Employer Registration page for general rates and information.
CAREER READINESS PROGRAM
The career readiness program (formerly PLI) provides students with real-world, soft skills to complement the technical curricula they receive at Colorado State. Led by faculty, staff, and key industry leaders, these workshops aim to help students develop expertise in several focus areas: cultural adaptability, leadership, civic and public engagement, innovation, and ethics.
Career Readiness Day
Workshops:
Spring Semester 2019
Preregistration is not required.
Sample workshops
- Resumes for Engineering Undergraduates
- Job Search Strategies
- Behavior-Based Interviewing Skills
- Have you considered co-oping?
- Building a Robust LinkedIn Profile
DIVERSITY PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING
Diversity Programs in Engineering (DPE) is building a strong community that embraces the creative ideas that minority groups contribute to engineering research and projects. In doing so, we come closer to the goal of finding the best solutions for global challenges.
In the news
New project to streamline diversity and inclusion in engineering curricula
The five-year project expands on another study to support the retention and success of underrepresented students.
Outstanding Engineering Grad:
Djibril Diol
Life as a full-time engineering student is challenging for a first-generation college student, Djibril Diol has needed exceptionally hard work and perseverance.
For middle school girls, this is what an engineer looks like
The aim of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day was to encourage middle school girls that anyone can be an engineer – including women.
CONTACT US
Our office is located in the Scott Bioengineering Building in room 133, where we offer students access to a secluded computer lab, study rooms, a conference room, and more.
For questions regarding the College’s diversity programs:
Aaron Benally
(970) 491-6220
aaron.benally@colostate.edu
ENpower Bridge Program
Fall 2019
ENpower is a residential program that gives incoming first-year students from underrepresented groups an opportunity to get to know campus prior to the start of the academic year, while meeting faculty, staff, and other engineering students.
Transition to College Life with a Summer Bridge Program
As part of our Diversity Programs in Engineering, ENpower offers students the tools and campus resources needed as they transition from high school to college. The program provides students the opportunity to gain skills that support good study habits needed in a challenging discipline like engineering.
Sessions will be held on:
- career planning
- time management
- study skills
- stress management
Current students will talk about life as an engineering student on the CSU campus, and can answer your questions about faculty or undergraduate research. Read a CSU Source article about the program here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is ENpower Bridge?
The workshop begins each year the Sunday prior to Ram Welcome for entering freshmen. Participants should plan to arrive on campus that day between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and move directly into their permanently assigned residence hall. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, participants and their parent(s) will meet for dinner to get acquainted with other students and prepare for the week.
Why attend ENpower?
The workshop is an investment in a student’s future, and helps students succeed in the classroom during their freshman year. Participants will meet and make friends with other students interested in engineering. Experience shows that support groups offer an important advantage in successfully obtaining a university degree.
What will participants learn?
Along with the sessions mentioned above, there will be further classroom sessions on how to succeed in math and chemistry. A day of team building at the CSU Mountain Campus in Poudre Canyon will kick off the week.
Is there any cost to attend?
There is no fee to participate in the four day program, and all materials for the workshops are included. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to the CSU campus.
What is expected of students in the program?
Students are expected to fully participate in ENpower programming, and continue in the mentoring program during their freshman year. Space is limited and will be given to students willing to commit to the program.
Additional scholarship opportunities, including a $200 scholarship, are available for students who attend the four day bridge program, participate in the associated mentoring program throughout the academic year, and stay continuously enrolled in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering.
Stop by or call to speak with program coordinator Aaron Benally:
Engineering Success Center, Scott 102
970-491-6220
Reservations will be available in 2019.
Summer Camps
The Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering provides support for summer camps throughout Colorado. The summer camps listed below feature STEM-related experiences for middle and high school participants, often including current faculty and students from the College.
Aurora STEM Cybersecurity Camp
Summer 2019
Students in middle and high school are invited to the Aurora STEM Cybersecurity Camp. Participants can choose one of six hands-on learning experiences:
- Clean energy technologies
- Introduction to machine learning
- Programming games in Python
- Fundamentals of cybersecurity
- Advanced cybersecurity concepts/ techniques
- Programming with Arduino
In the news: Aurora cybersecurity camp adds STEM focus to summer learning
Campos EPC ENvision
Summer 2019
Campos EPC ENvision is a six day residential program for rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores in the Denver Public School system. The camp provides students with hands on experiences in a variety of engineering fields.
Participants will learn from current students and faculty about different types of engineering used in teaching and research labs during the academic year. Mentors will help students learn about college, engineering, and what it takes to succeed.
“I would recommend it because I want my friends to be able to access the resources and experiences I gained here at ENvision.”
-2017 Participant
Registration will be available in 2019.
Have Questions? Please e-mail:
- Aaron Benally
Diversity Programs in Engineering Coordinator, Colorado State University - Ez Gadson
CareerX Program Coordinator, Denver Public Schools
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Our cooperative education program allows participants to further explore their chosen engineering discipline, build a powerful resume, develop a network of professional contacts, and help support their academic expenses through real-world experiences.
The co-op academic program offers students at least three semesters, two of which are fall or spring, working in a position related to their major. Co-op participants gain at least a year’s worth of experience with the same employer and earn a competitive salary while working.
Benefits of Co-op
- Gain valuable engineering experience to focus interests and develop long-term career goals.
- Able to apply theory from classes to solve actual engineering problems.
- Opportunity to experience the “real world” as an engineer and develop a professional network.
- Wages from co-op can help offset tuition fees. Co-op wages do not impact FAFSA.
- Housing or living stipend is sometimes offered from the employer.
- More likely to be offered a permanent position upon graduation.
Eligibility
Students should be in good academic standing and typically in their sophomore year. Students must have declared their engineering discipline. Students should also have completed between 35-55 credit hours when they begin interviewing for a co-op assignment.
Transfer students may apply during their first semester in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering.
Co-op vs. Internship
TIME COMMITMENT:
Co-ops are at least three work terms alternated with school, while internships are only one work term of about 12 weeks.
ELIGIBILITY WITH COMPANIES:
For co-ops, students can find positions after 3 semesters of engineering courses, whereas most companies are looking for juniors and seniors to fill internship positions.
JOB DIVERSITY:
Because of multiple rotations, students in co-ops have the opportunity to be given different assignments within a company, whereas internships are limited to one area of responsibility.
COURSE CREDIT:
Co-op students gain up to three credits that can be used as technical electives, where as internships are not credit bearing.
GRADUATION IMPACT:
Co-oping extends graduation by a year, providing at least one full year’s worth of experience, where as internships have no impact on graduation date and offer at least one term’s worth of experience.
THE CO-OP EXPERIENCE:
MEET OUR CO-OP STUDENTS
Check out what engineering students and alumni have to say about their co-op experiences!
"My NASA Co-op experience has made an incredible impact on my professional and educational career and I can’t wait to see where my experiences will take me."
Learn more about Danelle Lazcano's experience.
Christina
The greatest takeaway from this experience is that I have learned so many things I would have never been able to learn from a textbook or typical college engineering class.
Reid
Working with professional engineers and brewers taught me invaluable lessons in how to adapt and succeed in an engineering work environment.
Learn more about Christina Canino and Reid Maynard's experience.
"I had two great co-op experiences that encompassed a lot of what civil engineering has to offer. I learned how important continuous learning is to being a good engineer. Having a co-op is the greatest college experience I could have ever hoped for."
Learn more about Jordan Illian's experience.
"This co-op was truly my best year of college yet. From working with the most hard-working and down-to-earth people, to the re-control project itself, I wouldn't change a single thing from the last year, and am so very grateful to have had this opportunity."
Learn more about Briana Chamberlain's experience.
"It was a great experience, and I also got a better understanding of the importance of what I am learning at CSU," said Taussig. "My supervisor had two kids, so air quality was a personal concern for her and her family. As part of my work, I want to make sure companies are responsible to future generations so they can live happy and healthy lives."
Learn more about Julia Taussig's experience.
“The people that I worked with at Wolf Robotics were always willing to share their knowledge and experience. I would go through the program again in a heartbeat. I definitely recommend it.”
Learn more about Francisco Martinez's experience.
“I had the opportunity to do real-world engineering for a major corporation on the weekdays and travel the world on my weekends. When I wasn't designing repairs for one of the largest commercial fleets on the planet I was busy flying to Europe, South America or Asia. The co-op program went far above and beyond my normal curriculum as a mechanical engineer to truly prepare me for any job or real-world experience.”
Learn more about Forrest Craft's experience.
Co-op Process
PLEASE COMPLETE EACH STEP SEQUENTIALLY:
- Complete the co-op application.
- Meet with an advisor to discuss eligibility and create an academic schedule.
- Meet with the program coordinator Terry Comerford to discuss the co-op process and submit a work plan.
- Develop resume and prepare for interviews.
- Begin job search.
- Interview with companies.
- Meet with the program coordinator and finalize employer and university paperwork.
- Register for co-op courses on RamWeb.
AFTER CO-OP ROTATION:
- Ask employers to submit an end-of-semester performance evaluation.
- Meet with the program coordinator to wrap up co-op term and submit work experience report.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Fill out the co-op application and e-mail the form to:
Terry Comerford:
terry.comerford@colostate.edu
2. Make an appointment with an academic advisor to confirm eligibility and create a co-op academic plan.
3. Once the co-op academic plan is signed, make an appointment with Terry Comerford through the Engineering Success Center front desk: (970) 491-6220.
4. Bring signed academic plan and a hard copy of resume to meeting with Terry to discuss co-op opportunities.
Sponsors
Thank you to our corporate partners:
Thank you to our Fall 2018 career fair sponsors:
