Life After College – Yes, It Exists!

This past Monday I attended the Women Alumnae Panel hosted by the sponsored by the Career Development Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and WECE (Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering). We were lucky enough to talk to three women that have graduated from WPI in the past 10 years to learn more about life after college and any advice they have for women in college. Here are some highlights!

Q: What do you wish you had known while still in college?

A:  Stay up to date with your resume and cover letter writing skills outside of WPI. Even if you already have a job it is extremely important to keep these skills polished! Network like CRAZY!! Plug into your field through Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other sources of social media. Keep in touch with your friends and networking buddies! Once entering the work force be respectful, humble, and assertive with your ideas.

Q: What is the transition like going from college to career?

A: It’s weird. The first few weeks/months you’re going to feel strange because you’re still holding onto the college life that you’ve known for 4 years. You’re starting a new chapter in your life so make the most of it! Meet lots of new, like minded people. It’s also strange having no homework sometimes. With this extra leisure time try new things like pottery classes, a kickball club, pilates, etc.

Q: What are your suggestions for the interviewing process or salary negotiation?

A: When you come right out of college you may not have much experience yet, so salary negotiation might be tough. Look on websites such as salary.com and glassdoors.com to see average incoming salaries for college graduates. If you need to relocate for your job, never be afraid to ask for this money to cover your moving costs. The worst your company can say is no, so give it a try! When preparing for interviews, research the company to learn more about your potential workplace and write down typical interview questions. This will help you think of what you may say when the interviewer asks you specific questions. Don’t say what you think the employer wants to hear; be honest and genuine. These are the type of people employers want to work for them, so just be yourself!

Q: How do you boost your confidence in the workplace?

A: In the engineering field often you may be the only woman on your team, but don’t let that discourage you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if you’re unsure of yourself, “fake it til you make it!” Don’t feel like you need to know everything. Working is all about learning and improving your skills. Speak your mind and be assertive with your ideas because once you start  speaking up your confidence will boost!

Q: What is some advice you have for young women just entering the career field?

A: Like what you do. Even if you don’t, stick with the job for at least one year to see if you change your mind. Plus, job hopping doesn’t look great on your resume. See out older people you know as mentors and ask for help. However, professionally you want to ask the right questions. If you have a question about something, try to look for the answer yourself. If you come up short, that’s when you ask for help. Your co-workers will gain more respect for you, and you don’t want   to embarrass yourself! And most of all, do your best.

Feel free to email the CDC Peer Advisors at cdcpeeradvisors14@wpi.edu and check out everyone’s blogs this week: Adam, Sam, Ahmad, and Sebastian!! Keep up the hard work and the job search. Only 2 weeks left until break!!

Until next time,

~Emily