[Mr MOE]

Good discussion and an refreshing topic. (Thanks JVN!)

First off, I will answer the question, and then I will provide some perspective
I got both my co-operative education assignment and my full-time employment positions (both engineering positions) through Campus Career Services at Penn State University. Many colleges and universities have excellent career services centers.

I have been fortunate to have been a recruiter for the DuPont Company for the past 10 years. So, during the fall, I have recruited for DuPont at various college campuses (Penn State, Purdue, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Drexel, etc.).

Given my recruiting experience, here is my advice for college students looking for employment:

(1) understand how your college career centers operate and utilize them. Most major employers will interact through these centers.

(2) if your college / university holds a career fair event, go to it and participate. This is how recruiters see how you communicate and determine if you are a fit with their company culture

(3) keep your GPA up. Many employers have GPA cutoffs for both co-op / intern positions and full-service positions.

(4) acknowledge your experience in a well-written resume

(5) work early in your college career to get relevant work experiences

(6) participate in local school chapters of engineering / other organizations that interact with Corporate America (career focused - Society of Women Engineers, American Society Mechanical Engineers, IEEE, SME, National Society of Black Engineers, etc.)

While "who you know" is important, it may initially limit you from finding the best job you can find. "Who you know" is dynamic. I have built solid relationships with recruiters over time. Also, "who you know" does not make up for deficiences in communication, experience, education, or leadership.

Every potential hiring situation is different. Understand what you are looking for in a position, this might require significant research. Once you have a good idea, target the companies who have the job(s) you are interested in. Understand their company culture and hiring needs. Talk to representatives at job fairs. Write the best resume you can, keep it truthful, and focus on what makes you unique versus the hundreds of other resumes the recruiter will see, be professional and enthusiastic.

I have worked for DuPont for 17 years and it has been my only employer since I graduated from college. While the work environment has greatly changed over the years, the way people find jobs or jobs find them has not. Focus on understanding and communicating who you are, what you want, and what drives you. Use who you know as a network, but also research other companies or organizations you have interest in. Be positive, energetic, and realistic.

Good luck!