All posts tagged Networking

The Importance of Internships: A Student’s Perspective

by Lauren Guddahl

Have any of you ever gone without food?  What if I told you I knew someone, let’s call him Johnny, who was starving?  It’s a sad story and we would feel bad for Johnny.  But what if I also said he lived on a farm? Would you feel as bad for him?  Let me clarify that by no means is Johnny’s farm experiencing difficult times.  He’s just not capable of cultivating the land.  You might think: ‘What’s wrong with this guy?  He lives on a farm and still cannot get food for himself?’  You might even laugh.  This is a ridiculous notion.  But this is exactly what you are doing with your education if you do not take part in any professional development experiences prior to graduation.

Seems kind of harsh, doesn’t it?  But it’s true.  I have done an internship and a co-op and have become fascinated with the impact that it had for me on getting full time job offers.  I have spoken with coworkers and friends who have had internships, as well as recruiters, and they all say the same thing.  Do an internship.  The involvement makes graduates more marketable for full time job offers for many reasons.  Networking opportunities become available.  Second, there is an application of the knowledge learned in school.  Another reason to get an internship is to land a higher starting salary.  Finally, the experience gained is one of the most common things recruiters look for when hiring for a full time position.

You may be saying to yourself, these are all great things, but why is being more marketable to the job world so important?  I will tell you why.  Did you know that Chuck Raasch from USA Today has cited the unemployment rate at 8.5% for the Class of 2011in the article “Grim job prospects could scar today’s college graduates?”  That’s not too bad though, right?  You won’t be in that 8.5%.  But consider this: 19.1% of recent graduates are underemployed.  This means that they are working part time when they’d rather be working full time.  And another 40% or so of the lucky graduates who are working, are actually overqualified.  Meaning that the job they have really didn’t require a four year degree at all.  That’s about $160,000 at Riddle if you finish in four years.

In addition to the wonderful statistics I just mentioned, don’t forget that there are now larger numbers of students graduating from colleges and universities.  In a New York Times editorial, “The Class of 2012,” research has shown that salaries have steadily decreased 4.6% since 2007 for recent college graduates.  Adjusted for inflation, this is about $2000 per year.  Not to mention that finding a student with a good GPA isn’t as difficult as it might have once been due to this larger selection.  It’s OK though.  There is a way to appeal to employers once you graduate!  And you all can and should start now by applying to and accepting an internship.

You can begin by working with Career Services to find an internship or co-op that works for you.  According to Kristy Amburgey and Sally Richards from the Career Services Office, as of October, 57.1% of the Class of 2012 from Riddle found employment or decided to continue their education.  28.5% of these people had an internship or co-op experience.  Furthermore, on a national level, the Class of 2011 had a job offer rate greater than 61% for graduates who participated in paid internships at for-profit companies as stated by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in “The Class of 2011 Student Survey Report.”  If you’re still not convinced, you should also be aware that this report also found that the participants of professional education enhancements from the Class of 2011 had a 12.6% higher offer rate for full time jobs than their non-interning counterparts and an 11% higher offer rate for the Class of 2010.

You need to start now.  Especially if you’re a freshman!  When Dr. Cunningham was the Associate Vice President of Academics, he would speak at orientation every year to the incoming students.  His message was the same semester after semester and I never got tired of hearing it: “There are two things every student who comes in here should do: a study abroad and an internship.”  These words have stuck with me and I have particularly taken them to heart.  While the first is an experience in itself, the latter provides more professional development.

First off, networking is an essential part of the experience.  A friend of mine, Cody, had an internship with Continental Airlines in the Fall of 2011.  Through this, he was able to meet and connect with former F-14 and F-18 pilots as well as flight engineers on the P-3.  They later wrote him excellent recommendation letters for a flight slot with the Navy.  He is convinced that his connection from the internship is what secured him his slot.

Another friend of mine, Fred, did not have the best grades, but he was extremely passionate about what he was interested in.  He knew an internship was going to be extremely difficult for him to get since his GPA was low, so he got creative. He scheduled meetings with managers of small businesses just to express interest in the company and explain in person, after schmoozing managers, that while he didn’t have the best grades, he knew his stuff.  He was made four separate offers this way and even had a CEO specially create an intern position for him because he showed his determination.

This is all great.  You may be thinking, yes, an internship sounds like a great idea, but what about my four year plan?  Graduating in four years is not the most important thing!  In a long heart to heart with Dr. Gupta, one of the AE professors, I was told: “My friend, you come to school to get a job.  If you are being offered a job, you take a break from school for a little while and you take the job.  Just a little while.”  Getting hands on training is much more valuable than completing a degree in a set time frame.  Do not miss the internship/co-op experience because you will not graduate “on time.”  Employers would rather see real work experience!

I have turned a ten semester program into thirteen even though I started with a semester’s worth of credits.  However, I have a guaranteed job now once I am done with school.  I have done an internship and co-op and have had other job offers aside from the one I have accepted and I still have another year before I finish school.  I am 99.9% certain that had I not had my internship or co-op that I would not be in the position I am in now.

Envision yourself sitting in a first class seat of a 747 on a sixteen hour flight back from a weekend in Australia with a mimosa – if you’re old enough! – in your hand.  You paid $400 for the roundtrip first class ticket.  This was my reality less than four months ago because I was finishing my co-op with Continental/United Airlines.

Take a step back.  Or I should say a step forward!  It is one to three years from now and you are graduating.  Where will you be heading?  Were you successful here?  Do you know what you want to be?  I’ve got news for you: school is different than the real world!  I was convinced after my first semester here that I wanted to do something with CATIA as a career.  Naturally, I applied for CAD support internships and landed one for six months at MTU Aero Engines.  Working as a CAD support intern was nothing like what I thought it would be.  It was fun and I wouldn’t trade those few months for anything, but it is not a suitable career for me.  Had I not taken the internship, I may not have known that and might have ended up in a position where I was doing that as a full time employee with no hopes of leaving in a few months or so.  Applying what you learn in school to real work experiences helps ensure the “dream job” you want is really what you want.

Furthermore, GPA isn’t everything.  From a growing market, employers have a large selection to choose from. “I have a degree” no longer means “I have a job” like it once did.   I have a friend named Becca who graduated in May 2011 with a 4.0 and still has no job.  She has gone on several interviews and has not made the final cut because even though other applicants have lower GPAs, they have had experience from an internship or co-op.  Do you want to be like Becca?  Living with her parents after being away for school?  Depending on them for every penny and dime coming your way?  We all hopefully love our parents, but we have to draw the line somewhere.

With that being said, what would you do if someone gave you $66 every week?  66 bucks a week!  Just because… you had an internship?  On average, that is how much more you can be making with a starting salary if you have a professional development experience according to the “Impact of Internships on Salary Offers” from the NACE Class of 2011 statistics.  The Class of 2010 had it even better – NACE statistics state that they had overall offers $7000 higher than graduates who did not partake in internships.  I don’t know about you, but I could do a lot with another $66 a week being thrown my way.  Don’t just take my word on how beneficial an internship can be, though.  Get out there and speak to employers about job prospects for the future.

As I think I might have stated before, with the increasing difficulty it is to get a job, graduates need to have an edge over competitors to market themselves to employers.  This can be done by applying for internships. TODAY!  Right after I finish giving you these tips!  Half listen to me and pull out your laptops right now.  Do not put it off any longer!  EagleHire is a great place to start, but don’t limit yourself to Riddle resources.  Google internships.  Find a person who works at the company you want to work at and ask them about opportunities.

Then prepare for interviews. Career Services can help you by reviewing your resume or setting up mock interviews.  Make sure you’ve researched the companies you’re interested in working for – why do you want to work for them?  What sets them apart?  What can you bring to the company that would make you the ideal candidate?

Now get involved!  Go to networking events! Meet people and get your name out there.  Ask for e-mail addresses and follow up with them.  Hope they enjoy their Thanksgiving, wish them Happy New Year’s.  This is that person who might be able to help you get your foot in the door later down the line.  Get to know professors too.  An advisor of a club you’re in, a coach of a sport you play, or your boss for the minimum wage job you have right now.  They will be able to provide excellent references for you when the time comes.

Get an internship and you just might be able to look back and tell your friends how you got to go to Europe (or Australia) for a weekend! Or say how you got to work on parts for the F-18!  Or were given an exclusive VIP tour of the Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis!  Or… well, I could probably go on for a while but I think you get the point.  Get an internship!

Lauren Guddahl is a graduate student in the Aerospace Engineering program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus. In fall 2010, Lauren Guddahl left the United States for Germany to complete an unforgettable engineering internship with MTU Aero Engines. During her time in Germany, she had the chance to learn the culture and the language while gaining new computer skills, exposure to the working world, and practical experience. This past fall, Lauren decided to complete a co-op, this time with United Continental Holdings, dba United Airlines as an Aircraft Structures Co-op. Both of these experiences have given Lauren knowledge and perspective that she would likely not otherwise possess, along with some great stories to share in future interviews. Read more about Lauren’s experiences in her Co-op/Internship Spotlight on the Going Places blog.

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by eraucso on December 13, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on December 13, 2012

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Alumni Career Spotlight: Gino LeDonne

Gino LeDonne

Gino LeDonne, WW 2010

Gino LeDonne grew up in Port Orange, FL and began flying at the age of 14. He was given free lessons from a retired Army pilot who owned a Cessna 172. In exchange for yard maintenance and basic mechanics on the C-172, Gino was given free lessons up to his private pilot certificate. He then began working on his degree at ERAU while taking flying lessons at the Comair Aviation Academy, beginning with his Instrument Rating all the way to Certified Flight Instructor.

Gino began flight instructing and attending the Embry-Riddle Worldwide campus in Orlando at the age of 19. Shortly after he turned 21, Gino was offered a position as First Officer with the now defunct Comair Airlines. He flew as a First Officer on both the Embraer 120 and Canadair Regional Jet. After obtaining the several thousand hours of jet time, Gino upgraded to Captain on the CRJ at the age of 24.

He began to realize that the schedule that came with full-time line flying, in addition to a commute to New York, was not agreeing with his desired quality of life. After much deliberation and finishing his degree in Professional Aeronautics, he decided to focus on a major job search. This search eventually led to his current position as an Airbus A320 Instructor Pilot with JetBlue Airways in Orlando, FL. He has worked for JetBlue since 2010 and currently resides in Daytona Beach, FL.

How did you land your position as an Airbus A320 Instructor Pilot with JetBlue Airways?

I landed my position with JetBlue Airways by creating a profile on the company website and an account with LinkedIn. Approximately 3 months after creating a LinkedIn account, I was contacted by a JetBlue Airways recruiter and invited to apply for the position of Airbus A320 Instructor Pilot. I applied for the job and asked for a few recommendation letters; with a bit of luck I was interviewed within three weeks. A week later, I was offered the job via phone contact and email.

What does your role as a Airbus A320 Instructor Pilot entail?

My role of A320 Instructor Pilot entails training new and recurrent pilots to the standards of the company/FAA. We are required to teach ground school classes, as well as simulator events. A full time instructor may also fly line trips 2 days per month, so it is really the best of both worlds.

What three traits or skills have made you most successful in your career?

Three skills that have made me successful in my career would be: attention to detail, a humble attitude, and persistence. These three traits have allowed me to prevail, regardless of any setback that may have occurred along the way.

Do you have any advice for pilots looking to make a career change?

My advice to pilots looking for a career change would be to branch out and use every available resource. I received wonderful guidance via ERAU Career Services. I also was determined to get outside of my “comfort zone” to gain experience with such things as resume building, interviewing, and communicating with non-aviation employers. Ultimately, I was lucky enough to stay within my career field and obtain employment more conducive to my desired lifestyle.

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by eraucso on November 26, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on November 26, 2012

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The Art of Following Up

by Alicia Smyth

Expo InterviewMaybe you had an interview at the Industry/Career Expo, or perhaps you handed out your resume to several recruiters and haven’t heard back. To keep the ball rolling and to make a positive impression that can help you to stand out in a sea of candidates, it is crucial that you follow up.

Apply Online

Even if you hand your resume directly to an employer at the Industry/Career Expo and they accept it, nowadays many companies also require you to submit a formal application through their online job system. Be sure to go to the company’s website and apply for those jobs for which you are interested and qualified, especially if the employer specifically requested you do so.

Say Thank You

A simple note of thanks can go a very long way. Be sure to always send a thank you note to each and every recruiter or hiring manager with whom you interview. It is also a nice touch to send thank yous to individuals who take the time to speak with you at career fairs,  conferences or other related events.

When sending a thank you, keep your message concise and confirm your interest in the company and position (if applicable). Make sure you spell names and titles correctly and use proper grammar and correct spelling. This message should go out as soon as possible; if you haven’t sent out your thank yous yet, now is the time.

Thank yous can be in the form of an email or a handwritten note. Review a sample thank you letter on our website.

Check In

If you interviewed two weeks ago and the employer told you he or she would have an answer to you in a week, it is completely acceptable to make contact in order to check on the status of your candidacy.

In this message (which should be very short and to the point), you should thank them for taking the time to meet with you and ask if there are any updates regarding the position.

No News is No News

Just because you don’t hear back right away, do not automatically assume that you are no longer in the running for an opening. Keep in mind that the hiring process can be full of red tape, which can sometimes slow down the process. Additionally, family emergencies, vacations, busy workloads, and other priorities can get in the way of a forthcoming offer.

If you aren’t getting a response from the HR recruiter, check with your network to see if you know someone in the company who can help you out. If you met with the hiring manager and have his or her contact information, contact the person directly.

The Fine Line

Always keep in mind that there is a fine line between inquiring and annoying. You want to appear interested but not desperate. Do not leave constant messages for a recruiter if you do not hear back from them and do not call every single person you know within a company to ask for help.

Moving On

If it has been several weeks and you aren’t getting any kind of feedback on your candidacy, it is time to cut your losses and continue looking elsewhere. Perhaps they went with an internal candidate or decided to hire someone with more experience. Either way, there comes a point when you should move on and focus your time and energy on other viable opportunities.

Most importantly, keep a positive attitude. Leverage your network through social media and by attending career-focused events and conferences. Link up with the Embry-Riddle Alumni Association to find a mentor. Utilize the resources available to you through Career Services. Whatever you do, never give up.

Alicia Smyth has been with the Career Services Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 2000. In her time at Embry-Riddle, Alicia has worked primarily at the Daytona Beach campus but has also served in roles with Prescott and Worldwide. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. Alicia currently serves as the director and information systems manager for Career Services and loves all things social media and technology. 

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by eraucso on October 25, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on October 25, 2012

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Where’s the List?!?

by Adriana Hall & Valerie Kielmovitch

People love lists…they like making to-do lists, they watch David Letterman give a top ten list every night, and they find grocery lists to be useful.

What about a list of employers to target during a job search, employers who will hire you based on your specific circumstances?  That would be a great list to have!  We often have students ask Career Services for a list of employers who are hiring, but the truth is that you can make your own list.  Every job seeker should have a list of targeted companies to help guide him or her through the job search process.

Formulating your list of employers will take time and patience. To set you on the right track,  here are a few resources that we suggest you use to create your list.

  • EagleHire Network – career management system with a database in which companies and Career Services post both full-time and internship positions for Embry-Riddle students and alumni. Once logged in to EagleHire, you can conduct employer searches based on various criteria and identify companies that may be interested in your education, skills, and experience
  • CareerShift – job/internship search engine that can be accessed through the EagleHire Network; it is especially valuable for those searching based on geographical location. It also allows students and alumni to search company contact information and track their job search efforts
  • Company-specific Websites – search company career pages for opportunities
  • LinkedIn – professional networking site with job postings and groups to join. We recommend that you join the Embry-Riddle Career Services group along with those groups related to your field of study and interests
  • Networking – connect with those around you, including your fellow classmates
  • Industry/Career Expo – October 10, 2010 from 9am-4pm in the ICI Center (Check out the list of 2012 attendees)
  • Online Recruiting Events – Career Services hosts a Virtual Hiring Event in the spring, and you can take advantage of other groups offering online events
  • Professional Associations/Conferences – seek out associations to join and conferences to attend; many of the associations have job opportunity sections and lists of their industry members and conference attendees
  • On-Campus Visits – stay up-to-date on what employers will be on campus giving an information session and/or interviewing for open positions
  • Home Country – if you are a citizen of another country, conduct research about other countries’ bi-lateral agreements with your own country
  • Home State – research companies in your home town/state. Again, CareerShift is a great resource for these efforts
  • Going Global – all students and alumni have access to this database through the EagleHire Network, which hosts an H1B section that summarizes a list of companies from the Department of Labor who have requested H1Bs in the past
  • Internet – there are many resources, but a good one to start with is myvisajobs.com, which discusses information about H1B visas, green cards and work visas and contains information on preparing for a job search in the U.S.
  • Faculty – talk to faculty; let them know your career aspirations and ask if they know of any companies that may be a match

Once your list is developed, you want to effectively use it to search for co-op/internship or full-time job opportunities.  Your list can guide you through many of the basic job search methods, including networking, researching, preparing, interviewing and more.  For research purposes, you can spend your time wisely learning about your top companies and their culture, developments and resume and interview preferences.  You can focus your networking efforts on people who are working at or have connections to your targeted companies.  Many of the more advanced company applicant tracking systems allow you to set up a job feed, so you automatically get a list of opportunities in your inbox.  Use the list throughout your search but be ready to adapt it based on your changing needs and priorities such as a new geographical preference or a new career goal.

Your targeted company list can be consistent, or it can constantly evolve.  There are many reasons to regularly re-evaluate your targeted company list, but the main, overreaching reason is that companies have changing needs just like you do.  Other reasons include new product development, different company focuses, varying government contracts and company regulations that change on a frequent basis.    For example, a company may advertise desirable jobs, but the organization may lose out on its bid to obtain a contract, which means that those job opportunities are no longer available.  In other scenarios, a company may advertise opportunities open to non-U.S. citizens, but the next day the opportunities may change due to restrictions imposed by various governing agencies.  It is imperative that you stay up-to-date on these developments, so you can revise your targeted company list based on real-time information.

Lists are part of everyone’s life, and many people rely on lists to help them through their professional and personal experiences.  For your job search experience, create your own targeted company list that enhances your abilities to conduct the search to your specifications…a list just for you.

Adriana Hall has a Bachelor of Arts in Languages (Spanish-English) from Colombia-South America and a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  She has been with ERAU for 9 years. Adriana worked for the Department of State in Colombia at the United States Embassy before moving to the U.S.

Valerie Kielmovitch has been working as a Program Manager in the Career Services Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for nearly two years.  She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida and Master of Education specializing in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina.  Valerie has a diverse background in the field of higher education from residence life to career services.

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by eraucso on October 4, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on October 4, 2012

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Industry Spotlight: Volusia Manufacturers Association

Volusia Manufacters AssociationWe asked President/CEO Jayne Fifer to tell us a little bit about how the Volusia Manufacturers Association can be a valuable resource for students and alumni seeking internships or full-time positions in manufacturing.

VMA was founded in 1980 by manufacturers for manufacturers. We provide information, education and networking opportunities to help manufacturers grow and succeed. We are made up of companies that range in size from one employee to over 500. There are companies with CEO’s, presidents, plant managers, CFO’s and HR managers and companies whose owners do it all. We have members willing to share their expertise in manufacturing operations, purchasing, international trade, human resources, marketing and more.

Tell us what is exciting in the U.S. manufacturing industry at this time.

The kind of media coverage manufacturing has received over the past 20 years or so has convinced us that America no longer makes anything.  But, here is the really good news -the United States is the world’s largest manufacturing economy, producing 21 percent of global manufactured products. China is second at 15 percent and Japan is third at 12 percent. This is according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

Nearly 12 million Americans are employed in manufacturing, and that number is growing. Many manufacturers that did move overseas are bringing their companies back home due to increased manufacturing and logistics costs and patent piracy.  In addition, Americans want to buy American made products.

What kinds of opportunities are typical within the manufacturing industry for new college graduates?

The opportunities in manufacturing are limitless.  For example:

Manufacturing

  • CNC Machinists & Programmers
  • Tool & Die Makers & Apprentices
  • Die Setters
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Quality Inspectors
  • Press Operators

Engineering

  • Design
  • Electrical
  • Estimation
  • Lean
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechanical
  • Process
  • Quality Assurance
  • Research & Development

Business

  • Shipping & Receiving
  • Material
  • Handling
  • Production Control
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Project Management
  • Trade Compliance
  • Purchasing
  • Accounting
  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Customer Care
  • Information Technology
  • Human Resources

What advice can you give for students interested in a career in manufacturing?

Manufacturers are looking for people with critical thinking skills; systems thinkers -people that can design and implement failure proof systems; work in teams; and communicate effectively.  These skills are hard to find now, so develop these;  it will make the difference to achieving career success or failure.

How can students and alumni learn more about manufacturers in Volusia county?

There are over 400 manufacturers in Volusia and Flagler counties. The Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA) offers many opportunities to learn about the area manufacturers.

Students, alumni and faculty are all welcome to  attend the Manufacturers Showcase on October 3 from 3:00-7:30 PM at the Ocean Center; to attend monthly plant tours – the next one is at Raydon Corp on October 17th; go to the Advanced Technology College on Williamson and LPGA and view the Manufacturing Career Display Boards – the only place in Volusia County to see what over 25 companies produce and the careers they have available (more on the way everyday); volunteer like the students in RAER, who are designing and judging the 1st VMA Robotics Competition at the Manufacturers Showcase; or get involved with the VMA  marketing competition.

Go to www.VMAonline and learn about the manufacturing community and search for specific companies.

The Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA)  is the ONLY trade association for manufacturers in Volusia and Flagler counties and the surrounding areas!

Manufacturers are very interested in providing internships, externships and co-ops for ERAU students.  We want you to get to know us.

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by eraucso on October 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on October 1, 2012

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Check Out The New and Improved ERAU Career Services Website

http://careers.erau.eduEmbry-Riddle Career Services has a new website! Please update your bookmarks and check us out at http://careers.erau.edu.

The new Embry-Riddle Career Services website is inclusive of all three campuses and includes information on everything you need to know to be successful in your job search, including, but not limited to:

  • Upcoming events, including the Industry/Career Expo
  • Career planning
  • In-person and social networking
  • Resume/CV tips and samples
  • Cover letter and references tips and samples
  • Interviewing preparation
  • Resources for special populations, including military transitioners, career changers, international job seekers, displaced professionals, disabled job seekers, and PhD candidates
  • How to access and utilize the EagleHire Network, Embry-Riddle’s online career management system
  • Co-op/Internship Program information
  • Interns in Action
  • Federal employment, civic service, and research opportunities
  • Useful links
  • Information on the services and resources available at each of the three ERAU campuses
  • How to recruit candidates for full-time and co-op/internship positions
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by eraucso on September 26, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Announcements, Career Services Resources
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Posted by eraucso on September 26, 2012

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Alumni Career Spotlight: Algeria “Queenie” Morse

Algeria Queen Morse

Queenie Morse, DB 2004/2012

Queenie Morse is a 2004 graduate of Embry-Riddle’s BS in Aerospace Engineering program and a 2012 graduate of the MS in Mechanical Engineering program. As a student, Queenie completed an internship as a Space Station Systems Engineer Intern with The Boeing Company at NASA Johnson Space Center. During her time as a student, she also worked for Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation and FlightSafety International. Additionally,  Queenie attained experience before attending ERAU as a member of the United States Navy.  Upon graduation, Queenie graduated and accepted a position with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, where she worked for several years. Today, she is a Launch Vehicle Engineer with United Launch Alliance and has hopes of one day becoming an astronaut.

How did your internship with Boeing at NASA help you to identify your career focus and/or goals?

Queenie Morse and Eileen CollinsI would say that my most memorable experience at NASA was getting to work alongside astronauts.  It was a goal of mine to one day submit my own astronaut application.  I worked on a project with Eileen Collins (the first female shuttle commander) and had a chance to speak with her on a personal level.  We spoke about what the application process entailed, and she encouraged me to apply multiple times and that most astronauts apply several times before making the cut.  We even spoke about what it was like for her to juggle being an astronaut with being a wife and a mom.

In addition to Ms. Collins, astronaut Steve Robinson also gave me memorable advice.  He told me to structure a fulfilling career and a personal life for myself and let becoming an astronaut be a bonus and not a necessity.  He said that in addition to skills, the selection board looks for well-rounded and fun individuals.  In so many words, he was telling me to work hard but still have some fun and enjoy life.  After all, according to him, the astronaut candidate interview consists of only one question, “So…tell us about yourself.”  I have recalled his advice many times in the last 10 years when making career decisions.

How have the contacts and networking you did on your internship and subsequent jobs  been a benefit to you in your career as an Aerospace Engineer?

In addition to working alongside astronauts during my internship, I gainedAlgeria Queenie Morse with astronauts Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi valuable contacts while at NASA.  One notable contact was the mission director for 30 years (now retired) at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.  We have kept in contact for many years since my internship ended in 2003.  He has been a great mentor and a great reference whenever I needed it.  I recently submitted my first astronaut candidate package, and he eagerly agreed to serve as a reference for me.  This will be a very valuable reference because he knows most of the people in the astronaut selection office.  I am very honored that I gained this connection during my internship at NASA.

How do you feel about students continuing their education directly after completing an undergraduate degree versus gaining experience in the field before entering into a graduate program?

I found working as a full-time engineer and simultaneously pursuing masters courses to be a challenge.  It took a lot longer for me to graduate since I traveled for work and I could only take one class at a time and sometimes no classes at all. Working in the aerospace industry and supporting launches can be very demanding (but rewarding) at times.  There are instances of heavy overtime and travel which is based on launch schedules and/or unpredictable launch delays.

If I could do it again, I would eagerly choose the 5-year bachelor/masters track and get it done all at once.  Because of work demands, it took nearly four years to complete my masters degree.  However, it was nice that my company paid for my masters education!

What are your plans for the future? 

I have now been working in the aerospace community for nearly 10 years.  As a long-time employee with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, I had the pleasure of working in Los Angeles, Florida and Europe.  I have been lucky enough to land jobs building and launching payloads and now rockets.  I recently started a new position with United Launch Alliance (ULA).  ULA builds and launches rockets.  It feels like all my hard work and studies definitely paid off.  What better jobs for an aerospace engineer than to build and launch payloads and rockets! Well, I guess that depends on if I am selected by the astronaut selection office.  I recently submitted my first astronaut application, and I am eagerly awaiting the results!

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by eraucso on August 20, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on August 20, 2012

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Alumni Career Spotlight: Susan (DiLella) Herbert

Susan (DiLella) Herbert, DB 2002

Susan (DiLella) Herbert graduated from Embry-Riddle in 2002 with an Associate of  Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. As a student, Susan worked in the overhaul shop at Embry-Riddle during the last six months of her program. She took a job after graduation with Atlantic Southeast Airlines (Delta Connection, now known as ExpressJet), where she was a Line Maintenance Mechanic for a year and half before being promoted to Lead Mechanic in charge of a group of six mechanics. In September 2006, after four years at ASA, Susan left to join GE Aviation in Durham, NC where she has been for the past five and a half years. Today, Susan is an Assembly and Test Technician, assembling the CFM-56 – 5B/7B engines.

What made you decide to pursue a career in aviation maintenance?

When I was a kid, we got to fly a lot; I always loved to fly on airplanes, as it was just so much fun. I also loved to take things apart and put them back together. So when I was deciding what I wanted to do for a career in my junior year of high school, I came to Embry-Riddle and took a tour of the maintenance department, and I knew right away that this was what I wanted to do. I knew I would be good at it, and I would enjoy doing it.

What do you do in your role as an Assembly and Test Technician for GE Aviation?

In my role as an assembly and test technician, I build the CFM-56 5B/7B engine, which entails everything from building the sub assemblies or piece parts of the engine to taking all the piece parts and putting them together to form a core assembly or the entire engine. I have also taken on the responsibility of work station owner; I am responsible for the maintenance of a grind machine, which we use to cut our shroud sub assembly to meet a specific dimension.

Do you have any advice for candidates who are seeking work in the field of aviation maintenance?

My advice to candidates seeking a job in maintenance would be, do not limit yourself to just looking near the area where you live as there are so many opportunities out there that you might not know about. Keep in touch with your fellow alumni; aviation is a small industry, and you will find that networking is also a great way find out about job opportunities.

How has your Embry-Riddle degree helped you in the course of your career?

Embry-Riddle has helped me because employers find it impressive that I went to this amazing school. They know that I received a great education. I have also run into many people in this industry who went to Embry-Riddle, and we enjoy reminiscing about when we were attending there and what teachers we had. Because of that I have been able to network with my fellow alumni.

What are your long-term goals for the future?

My long term goals are to get my bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and to continue to grow my career here at GE Aviation.

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by eraucso on April 30, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on April 30, 2012

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I Have A Business Degree – Where Do I Find My First Career Opportunity??

By Sandi Ohman

An education in business provides a broad knowledge base, which is helpful in transcending across many industries.  However, it can present a challenge – having so many opportunities that you don’t know where to start looking.

To start, here are some questions to consider:

  1. If you have had an internship during your education – did you like it? If so, check out the opportunities at that company or similar companies.
  2. If you didn’t fully enjoy the internship, what parts of the internship did you enjoy?  Try focusing your career search on those aspects.  For instance, you liked the social network & website duties – check into marketing opportunities.
  3. Not having had an internship doesn’t mean you can’t find a career-launching position – it just means you will need to know yourself or do some self-evaluation to figure out where to start.  What do you like to do?  Consider what you liked about other work experiences or the classes you took – what kind of careers include those elements?  This could involve more education specializing in those areas (certificates, graduate degree, another few classes), but that can be a small investment for the work you will do the rest of your life!

Completing your degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) doesn’t mean you can only find work in the aviation/aerospace industry.  Your education should have prepared you to experience a shorter learning curve in this industry, but you can definitely cross over to other markets.  ERAU alumni have found their careers leading them into a variety of industries, including the following non-aviation related areas:

Commercial Banking, Consulting, Global Business Environments, Government, Healthcare, Insurance, Military, Sports, Transportation, and Wall Street & Financial Markets

Once you have determined career areas you are interested in pursuing and research the companies in that industry, resume and interview specifics for that industry and start applying.  An internship after college is still an option for many recent graduates.  This is an excellent way to start in a new industry and let the employer evaluate performance before a full-time opportunity is offered.  We hear from employers from non-aviation/aerospace industries that didn’t know about ERAU previously but gave a graduate or student an opportunity and now want to recruit ERAU students/alumni because they are so impressed.  ERAU students and alumni can successfully cross into other industries!

Networking is so beneficial to the career search – before and after you have the job!  LinkedIn is an excellent resource for networking, along with professional organizations for that industry.  Check out the ERAU online Alumni directory eaglesNEST and ERAU alumni and Career Services LinkedIn groups to start the networking process.  There is also a list of aviation/aerospace professional organizations on the Career Services website.  There are just as many organizations for other industries as well.

Ultimately, your first career position might not start in the career/industry you were hoping for, but every experience offers learning opportunities (both personal and professional) and a chance to begin molding your experiences toward the career you are pursuing.  Often we tell students, “you get out of it what you put into it,” and this applies for the career search process and the experiences you obtain along the way.  If you are willing to learn new things, improve skills, grow personally and professionally, and continue pursuing your dreams, the likelihood of obtaining those dreams increase greatly!

Sandi Ohman is the Senior Program Manager in the Career Services Office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  She has been with the university for over 9 years and has advised students in most all degree areas while in Career Services.  Sandi brings additional experience having worked in the finance industry for over 6 years in her previous career.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. 

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by eraucso on April 27, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on April 27, 2012

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6 Ways LinkedIn Can Help You Manage and Advance Your Career

By CareerBliss

CareerBliss is a leading online career community that offers salary information, job reviews, and advice articles to help users find career happiness.

So you’ve created a LinkedIn profile  – you listed your work and education experience, uploaded a photo, wrote a personal summary. That’s pretty much it, right?

Not so fast.

With some 65 million users in the U.S., LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to advance your career – but you have to be an active user to reap the benefits.

Consider these six ways of making the most of LinkedIn.

1. Be a Follower

Is there a particular company you want to work for? Chances are it’s on LinkedIn. Search for companies that you’re interested in and then opt to “follow” them. Being a follower is a great way to keep track of changes and developments in a company (and the more you know, the better you’ll do come interview time), scope out open positions, see who works for the company, and see who else follows it. You can also get yourself noticed by prospective employers by commenting on their posts.

2. Network Through Groups

Whether you’re interested in aerospace or zoology, there is a LinkedIn group for you. Groups are a great place to network with like-minded professionals and stay abreast of the latest trends in an industry.

And when you’re part of a group, you can contact other members directly, whether or not they are in your professional network – so groups are a great way to build new relationships and expand your professional network. Here’s a tip: Don’t join so many groups that you aren’t able to participate in each one a few times per week.

3. Be an Active Participant

LinkedIn is a great platform for getting noticed as either an authority in your field or an up-and-comer to keep an eye on. Contribute to industry discourse by commenting thoughtfully on other people’s (and company’s) posts and share relevant articles and blog posts with your network and groups. If you keep a personal or professional blog, use LinkedIn to drive more traffic to it.

4. Get Introduced

LinkedIn’s introduction feature can help you expand your network and connect with key contacts at companies. If you have a second or third degree connection, you can request that one of your first degree connections introduce you.

When you click on your connection of interest, there will be an option on the right of the screen to “get introduced through a connection.” Choose that option and follow the instructions. Using the introduction feature increases your odds of making the new connection.

5. Get Recommendations

Recognition from other colleagues speaks volumes. LinkedIn’s recommendation feature lets you reach out to connections and ask them to sing your praises (or at least say you did a solid job when you worked with them).

Go to the profile tab at the top of your LinkedIn page and choose “recommendations” from the dropdown menu. From there, you can send requests to connections to comment on specific positions you’ve held. Tip: It’s OK to recommend a connection in exchange for a recommendation, but if all of your recommendations are reciprocal, they will carry less weight.

6. Find a Job – or Get Found

Click the “jobs” tab at the top of a LinkedIn page, and you’ll get a list of open positions LinkedIn thinks you might be interested in based on your education, past jobs and profile information. You can also set up job alert emails. Recruiters and companies also use LinkedIn to find job candidates – so make sure to keep your profile updated and relevant.

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by eraucso on April 12, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by eraucso on April 12, 2012

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