Career Planning

Clarkson University » Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering » Student Handbook

There are many things that you can do to plan your career. The best place to start is to decide on your interests. Build a career on the aspects of engineering that you enjoy. Talking to your advisor is a good way to see what is available in the working world. Many faculty members have held industrial positions before entering teaching, or are working for industry or government as a researcher.

Make contact with the staff of the Career Center in the ERC (268-6477) and discover what they can offer you. Also, attend the Career Fair held each fall. Many company representatives come to Clarkson for the fair, some of them are Clarkson graduates, and it would be a good chance to speak to them about opportunities in the world today.

After discovering your interests, your curriculum can be chosen. Consult the Courses booklet for when courses are offered and what are their prerequisites.

Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op Program) is a good way to get practical experience by working in a company for one semester. To find out more about this program contact the Cooperative Education Program Office located in ERC 232 (268-6578).

Study Abroad Program
Some students, usually in their junior year, participate in exchange programs that Clarkson has with Lulea University in Sweden, City University of London in England, Universität Potsdam in Germany, Monash University and University of Newcastle in Australia, and with Ottawa University and Queens University in Canada. The total number of credits transferred to Clarkson can not exceed 15. Prior to departure, an Off-Campus Coursework Permission form must be completed and approved for each course. To find out more details contact the Career and Professional Development Center located in the ERC (268-6477).

Summer Employment
Each fall, the Career and Professional Development Center holds evening sessions to help students prepare for a summer job-search. In the spring semester, some summer job interviews can be scheduled through the Career and Professional Development Center. The Center is always willing to assist with resume preparation. It is very beneficial for an engineering major to have meaningful summer work experience, especially in the summer between the junior and senior years.