Student conducting research

Careers in Industry and Government

A successful job search involves using a variety of resources. Cornell Engineering students secure positions by participating in on-campus recruiting (OCR) activities, applying for opportunities posted in Handshake and on company websites, and networking with employers, alumni, and people in their field of interest.

We offer targeted services and resources for undergraduate and graduate students, and employers. Our team specializes in working with students one on one and in small groups to develop individualized career exploration and planning strategies. 

Career Development Toolkit

The Career Development Toolkit is your go-to Cornell resource for career-related information on topics such as job searching, networking, résumés, and more! Content is organized in discrete modules that can be completed any time, in any order, and at your own pace. For more info on where you might start in the toolkit based on your needs, see the frequently asked questions below.

Career Development Toolkit

Additional Resources

In addition to the myriad of resources in the Career Development Toolkit modules, you may find the websites below useful as well.

Graduate Student Support

Cornell Career Services offers additional career resources for graduate students.

Pathways to Success

The Cornell Graduate School offers these professional development resources. Their website includes information to enhance training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to prepare for careers beyond conventional academic research

Graduate Student Career Resources Newsletter

Be sure to activate your Handshake account so that you receive the Cornell Career Services monthly e-newsletter for career related information and job opportunities for graduate students exploring or pursuing careers beyond academia. 

Pathways to Science

Search Postdoc opportunities in STEM. 

Employer Websites

Not all employers participate in Cornell's On-Campus Recruiting program and/or post positions in Cornell's Handshake database. If you are interested in an employer and they do not recruit at Cornell, visit their website and search for opportunities on their careers or jobs page. Refer to the Networking module in the Career Development Toolkit to learn tips for connecting with individuals at your companies of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might not be sure where to start in the Career Development Toolkit. Depending on your questions, there's probably a perfect module to help you get started.

Where do I find more information about:

Campus Recruiting: Job Search Module

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Every year, hundreds of employers from organizations across the country connect with technical Cornell Engineers as part of our campus recruiting program. For Fall 2020, all recruiting will be virtual. To identify talented students to fill internship, co-op, and full-time positions, employers participate in career fairs, host information sessions, and conduct thousands of interviews. This fall, all this will still happen virtually. Employers interested in recruiting Cornell engineers also post their jobs in the university's Handshake database.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Career Fairs: Virtual Events Module

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For Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, career fairs will be held virtually. Participating in career fairs is one way for you to connect with employers to learn more about the organization, and the qualities and skills they seek in candidates. It's also an opportunity for you to express your interest in an organization, highlight your relevant experiences, and potentially secure an interview. For those who are just getting started in the career search process, participating in a career fair is a great way to explore industries and organizations, and start building your professional network.  

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Exploring My Career Options: Exploration Module

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As an engineering student, you have many career options! We encourage a developmental process in which you learn more about yourself and explore options to develop your focus, and then take action to pursue opportunities. After you review the Exploration module, schedule a meeting with a career advisor to discuss your interests. 

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Career Workshops and Events: Job Search and Virtual Career Events Modules

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We advertise career-related workshops and events in Handshake, our online career platform where employers also post internships and full-time positions. The Job Search module covers how to use Handshake and the Virtual Career Events module specifically includes information about career fairs and other events.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Jobs and Internships: Job Search Module

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A successful job search involves using a variety of resources and strategies. Cornell Engineering students secure positions by participating in on-campus recruiting (OCR) activities, applying for opportunities posted in Handshake and on company websites, and networking with employers, alumni, and people in their field of interest. 

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Identity-Based Resources: Job Search Module

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You may have personal or social identities that generate unique questions for you about your career development and job search.  The Job Search module includes additional information and resources for you to consider.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

International Students: International Module

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For international students seeking to work in the United States, it is important to start planning early. Be sure to understand the work authorization regulations related to your visa by attending information sessions offered by the Office of Global Learning. 

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Interviewing: Interviewing Module

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Wondering what you should expect in an interview and how best to prepare? The Interviewing module includes information on interview structures and formats, questions, case and technical interview preparation, professional attire, and more. Practice interview are available to help you prepare to shine in an interview.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Résumés and Professional Correspondence: Résumés and Letters Modules

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Preparing a résumé and crafting effective professional correspondence are fundamental career skills to develop. The Résumés and Letters modules provide resources and information to get you started. Once you’ve drafted your résumés or cover letter, an advisor can review it with you. 

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Networking: Networking Module

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Networking is the single most effective method of gathering career-related information, developing contacts within an industry, and uncovering the hidden job market. The ability to identify and connect with those working in your field of interest is an essential skill in the career search process. To successfully grow your professional network through conversations with others, you must prepare and develop a plan. The Networking module includes information on using platforms such as LinkedIn and CU-Elinks to make career connections.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Offers and Negotiating- Job Offers and Negotiating Module

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Congratulations! You just received an internship or job offer (or you're getting close!). There are many factors to consider, and this module is designed to help you think through the process of considering and accepting an offer to ensure it's a good option for you. This will help you avoid making a hasty decision and learn some best practices. In the Job Offers and Negotiations module, you will:

  •     Gain an understanding of the job-offer landscape.
  •     Revisit your personal salary needs.
  •     Identify the stages of negotiation.
  •     Learn best practices for communicating whether you  accept or decline an offer.
  •     Consider the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.

Portfolios- Portfolios and Work Samples Module

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A portfolio is a way to display examples of your work and showcase your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. It is also a great way to show your approach to a problem or your thought process. Some employers will require a portfolio as part of their application. There are many methods for creating a portfolio, and the Portfolios and Work Samples module in the Career Development Toolkit describes your many options.

Enroll in the Career Development Toolkit at the link at the top of the page.