Frequently Asked Questions

Handshake is a great place to start.

Employers use Handshake to post opportunities specifically for students and recent graduates, including positions targeting UVA students.

Your search could also include some of the many resources we highlight:

• Company career pages
• CECD Career Events Page 
• LinkedIn
• Industry-specific job boards
• Alumni connections (include link to UVA alumni page)
• Faculty and research connections
• Career fairs
• Employer information sessions
• Networking events

Searching in several places can help you discover companies and opportunities you might not find through a single job board.

There isn't one recruiting timeline for every engineering field.

Some employers begin recruiting early in the fall, while many others hire throughout the fall, spring, and even into the summer. Different industries also recruit on different schedules.

Check current postings and talk with CECD about the recruiting patterns in the fields that interest you.

Yes.

CECD can help you create or improve a resume during drop-in hours or by appointment with a career advisor. 

You can also use the resume resources and examples available on the CECD website before meeting with an advisor.

Your resume can include much more than formal employment.

Depending on your experience, you might include:

• Class projects
• Design projects
• Research
• Technical skills
• Student organizations
• Leadership
• Volunteer work
• Personal projects
• Competitions
• Part-time jobs
• Relevant coursework

The goal is to show what you've done, what skills you've developed, and what you can contribute.

Start by looking at the employers attending and identifying a manageable number you especially want to meet.

Before the fair:

• Research your priority employers.
• Review their open positions.
• Update your resume.
• Prepare a short introduction.
• Think of questions you genuinely want to ask.
• Attend employer events before the fair when possible.

You do not need to memorize a script. Your goal is to be prepared enough to have a real conversation.

Don't try to memorize answers to dozens of questions.

Instead, be ready to:

• Explain why you're interested in the organization and role.
• Talk about your experiences and technical skills.
• Give examples of teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, initiative, and learning from challenges.
• Explain projects clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ask thoughtful questions of your interviewer.

Researching the organization beforehand is also essential.

UVA's alumni network can be a valuable way to explore careers and learn about organizations.

You can use resources such as LinkedIn and UVA alumni networking tools to identify people who work in fields, roles, or companies that interest you.

CECD can also help you develop a strategy for reaching out professionally.