FIRST YEAR SPARTANS
It’s never too early to start your career journey! Whether you are at the exploration stage or ready to start your co-op/intern search or somewhere in-between, we are here to help
GET STARTED TODAY!
ADVISING HOURS
ZOOM IN for Career Advice specific for first year spartans! Chat about possible career paths, resume development, interview prep, searching for co-ops/internships/on-campus positions and more!
HANDSHAKE
Our online recruiting system, Handshake, connects employers with MSU students. Students can research companies, apply for jobs, register for events and send peers questions.
Check out tips for getting started on Handshake
EXPLORE CAREER PATHS
Take some time to learn what skills are needed, what you can do with the major, curriculum overview and job outlook for college of engineering majors.
SIGN UP FOR CAREER TEXT MESSAGES
Text "fresh2020" to (844) 947-6228 to receive text message reminders of first year career events. Texts will be kept to a minimum and students can opt out at any time.
VIRTUAL EVENTS TO ATTEND
Engineering Expo Industry Fairs (Feb 3 - 25) – Think “Engineers Week” all February! Sessions will be held "by industry" and will include opportunities to connect with employers for intern/co-op and fulltime opportunities.
PREPARE FOR VIRTUAL FAIRS
Register to attend the fair on Handshake, and then sign up for 1:1 and group sessions with the employers you'd like to meet with. On the day of the fair, simply log into Handshake, navigate to the fair page, and click on the My Sessions tab to start your meetings. Make sure you are using Google Chrome. Check out Handshakes guide to learn about finding companies, signing up and system requirements.
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1:1 sessions give you the opportunity to meet individually with representatives. Unsure of what to say during your meetings? Check out this great list of questions to ask employers during a career fair.
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Group sessions with employers give you the opportunity to learn more about their organization and opportunities in a group setting.
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Don’t see an employer’s availability? Follow the employer to be notified when they create or add 1:1 sessions so you can be the first to sign up!
Having trouble scheduling a 1:1 with an employer? A few things to check:
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Go into your Handshake profile and check that you have updated your grad date in your education (click on your photo or initials in the upper right of the screen, select profile, and select the pencil in the education section.
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Ensure your profile is visible to employers-while in your profile, there is a settings link on the left of the screen. You will need employer or community access to register for an event and engage with employers.
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Ensure your profile is complete and up to date, with the correct major, GPA, graduation date, and that you have uploaded and imported a resume!
If you still can't register for a 1:1, it may be because you don't meet the qualifications set by the employer. If they have a group session available, join that instead! This will get your information to the recruiters and give you a chance to engage with the company during the fair.