CDC Resource Library

Whether you’re looking for advice on how to interview or the best way to market your athletic skills to potential employers, the Career Development Center (CDC) offers a wide array of tipsheets to help you over the course of your college career and beyond.

 

The CDC is back and in person!

Feel free to stop by for quick questions. We are also offering the following options this fall:
 

  • In person Drop-ins: Come meet with a CDC Peer Advisor Monday- Friday 12-4pm. Drop-ins give you the opportunity to ask quick questions, get your resume or cover letter critiqued, talk about a job offer, learn about Handshake, and more. Drop-ins don’t require an appointment; instead, you’ll be seen on a first come, first-served basis.   
  • In person and virtual appointments: You can schedule appointments to meet one on one with a CDC staff member through your Handshake account. Appointments can be held either in person or virtual through the Handshake platform. If you need help or have any questions, stop by the CDC office or call us at 508-831-5260.

Appointment Topics Include: Alumni Career Advising, Application Materials, Discovering Majors & Careers, Graduate School, Internship/Co-op/Job Search, Job Offers, Networking & Career Fairs, and Interview Prep.
 

  • In person and virtual events:  There are always programs and employer events happening both in person and virtually.  Follow this link to go to our events page in Handshake and search for events. Information on how to access/attend the sessions will be included in the event. Keep checking back as new events become available. 

If you do not see an option above that accommodates your needs, please email CDC@wpi.edu and we are happy to work with you to set up something for you.

Application Materials

When applying for internships, co-ops, jobs, and graduate school, you’ll need to be prepared. Use these tipsheets to learn more about crafting the perfect resume, elevator pitch, cover letter, and more.

Career Plans

Let the CDC help you figure out how to plan your career path, starting from the moment you step on campus as a first-year student.     

Graduate School

Once you decide if graduate school is right for you, use these tipsheets to help you tackle the important steps to successfully complete your application.

U.S. Graduate Schools

International Graduate Schools

Considering an MBA?

Check out these useful web resources for financial aid:

WPI Resources for Fellowships and Scholarships

Handshake Resources

Handshake is the Career Development Center’s system for accessing internship, co-op, and job postings along with requesting appointments and accessing additional resources (GoinGlobal, Career Shift, Focus2, Shortlist.me, and more!).  Check out our video tutorials. 

If your gender assignment in Handshake does not accurately reflect your gender identity and you would like this to be corrected, please fill out this survey. This information is only for use by the CDC in Handshake. Please note that employers are not able to see the gender field in Handshake. If you have any questions please contact us at cdc@wpi.edu. 

All of the resources highlighted below are accessible through the Resources section of Handshake. For help getting started with Handshake, go to their Help Center.

CareerShift

You can use CareerShift to create folders to store jobs, companies, and contacts you’d like to use during your career search. You can also use the My Jobs, My Contacts, and My Companies tabs to search for jobs, contacts at particular companies or organizations, and companies you’d like to learn more about.

Vault

Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work within an industry, company, or profession—and how to position yourself to launch and build the career you want.

Vault provides detailed information on nearly 5,000 companies in more than 120 industries. Vault also provides extensive information on more than 840 professions. This includes education requirements, skill requirements, salaries, advancement prospects, and more.

GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

  • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
  • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
  • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
  • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.

Focus2

Focus2 guides you through a reliable, intuitive, career and education decision making model to help you choose majors offered at WPI, explore occupations, and make informed career decisions. 

Focus2 contains five quick self assessments (work interest, personality, leisure, values, and skills) which help you to identify possible careers and majors of interest. To take any of the self assessments:

  • Create a Focus2 account and agree to Focus2 terms and conditions
  • Enter the license code displayed in Handshake.

Once you’ve taken the assessments, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule an “Focus2 Self Assessments” appointment with a CDC staff member to discuss your results, and learn about additional steps and resources.

Shortlist.me

Shortlist.Me is an interview preparation platform which helps students reach their full potential through practical application, putting them ahead of the competition in real interviews and increasing employability. 

DIVERSEability Magazine-

This magazine celebrates the advancements and achievements of people with all types of abilities; topics include Employment, Business, and Education for today’s Diverse-Abled Community. Subscribe, for free, to this digital magazine by clicking here!

International Student Resources

Some international students worry that not being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident will add a layer of difficulty to their job search, but it’s important to remember that there are many companies and industries interested in hiring foreign nationals. The Career Development Center (CDC) staff is familiar with the special situations international students face, and can provide help and advice in your job search.

As an international student, you’re eligible to work in the U.S. during your schooling and after you receive your degree. However, there are specific regulations, requirements, and restrictions to keep in mind, so the best thing for you to do if you’re interested in a career in the U.S. is to plan ahead.

It’s important that you work with the CDC to learn about job search strategies, but also make sure to stay connected with International House, which can help you with information on work authorization and immigration regulations. Regulations change from year to year, so be sure to visit International House regularly to stay up-to-date.

If you’re interested in an internship or co-op, you must complete nine months of education in the U.S. before being eligible to apply. Once you have applied and accepted a position you must report your experience with the CDC for approval and processing of summer internships or co-op. This can be done through your Handshake account by reporting an experience under the experiences tab. If you’re a Fire Protection Engineering graduate student, you must complete additional paperwork with the CDC for approval and processing, as well.

Download the International Students tipsheet (PDF) for information on resources, work authorization, strategies and advice on finding job openings in the U.S., and more.

International students often have additional steps they need to take in order to successfully apply for internships, co-ops, and jobs; these tipsheets help make the process as smooth as possible.

  • Job Search Process for International Students (PDF)
  • Undergraduate Students interested in pursuing summer internships need to submit their internship experience through the CDC.  To do so, go to the Experience section in your Handshake account, to begin the process for processing your internship with WPI.  More information can be found on the Internships page.
  • Graduate Students interested in pursuing summer internships or co-ops must contact their academic departments for paperwork. Note: If you are a Fire Protection Engineering graduate student, co-ops are processed through the Career Development Center. See the Co-op page  for more information.

To start off your job search, check out some of the links to websites that cater to international students:

  • Embassy offers access to information about foreign embassies and other international resources around the world
  • Foreignborn.com connects you to U.S-based companies looking specifically for foreign-born employees
  • Internationalstudent.com has an array of resources for international students and students preparing to study abroad
  • https://www.myvisajobs.com/ you can review annual visa reports or search employer database or visa job database to find employers who have sponsored your skills or occupation before, and then contact them directly.

GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

  • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
  • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
  • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
  • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.
Interviewing

Interviewing is an essential skill that will help lead to landing internships, jobs, graduate school, and more. Use these tipsheets to help you prepare for all types of interviews.

Shortlist.me

Shortlist.Me is an interview preparation platform (that can be accessed through Handshake) which helps students reach their full potential through practical application, putting them ahead of the competition in real interviews and increasing employability. 

Coding Interview Practice and Certification

  • Codesignal Get your coding skills certified, practice for technical interviews and build your developer resume.
  • HackerRank provides Programming Interview Practice Problems
  • Hacker-U's Just Code provides coding challenges that can provide objective measures, evenly applied across applicants.
  • Pramp provides the complete tech interview practice you need, for free. Hone your interviewing skills, learn from your peers, and become comfortable performing under pressure within an interview setting.
  • Preparing for your Google Interview: Coding Googlers share targeted advice for the coding portions of Google's interview process for technical and engineering candidates, covering tips for communication and collaboration advice, algorithms and data structures, and more!
  • Interview Pro Tips: How to Nail a Technical Interview Allstate provides expert guidance to help you prepare for your next step in the recruitment process.
Coding/Technical Interviews

Coding Interview Practice and Certification

  • Codesignal Get your coding skills certified, practice for technical interviews and build your developer resume.
  • HackerRank provides Programming Interview Practice Problems
  • Hacker-U's Just Code provides coding challenges that can provide objective measures, evenly applied across applicants.
  • Pramp provides the complete tech interview practice you need, for free. Hone your interviewing skills, learn from your peers, and become comfortable performing under pressure within an interview setting.
  • Preparing for your Google Interview: Coding Googlers share targeted advice for the coding portions of Google's interview process for technical and engineering candidates, covering tips for communication and collaboration advice, algorithms and data structures, and more!
  • Interview Pro Tips: How to Nail a Technical Interview Allstate provides expert guidance to help you prepare for your next step in the recruitment process.
Job Offers

Whatever position you’re offered, you can always visit the CDC to review the offer and learn how to negotiate.

WPI First Destination Outcomes

WPI Summer Internship and Co-ops

Resources for Evaluating Salary and Your Worth

LGBTQIAP+ Career Resources

Gender in Handshake

If your gender assignment in Handshake does not accurately reflect your gender identity and you would like this to be corrected, please fill out this survey. This information is only for use by the CDC in Handshake. Please note that employers are not able to see the gender field in Handshake. If you have any questions please contact us at cdc@wpi.edu. 

Resources

Utilize the Out for Work LGBTQIAP+ Library for information and tips on finding LGBTQ+ friendly companies, coming out at work, and more. Note: the Library requires a username and password for access; WPI’s username is outforwork; the password is cccp2013.

Networking Tools

CareerShift

You can use CareerShift to create folders to store jobs, companies, and contacts you’d like to use during your career search. You can also use the My Jobs, My Contacts, and My Companies tabs to search for jobs, contacts at particular companies or organizations, and companies you’d like to learn more about.

Parents

WPI First Destination Outcomes

WPI Summer Internship Salaries

Preparing for your Internship, Co-op, and Job Search

There are many resources, tips, and strategies when it comes to searching for and applying to various opportunities. These tipsheets provide information, resources, and best practices.

Info about Patent Careers for Engineers and Scientists

In this 5-part series focusing on patent careers for engineers and scientists, Mark Dighton, Administrative Director of Practising Law Institute's Patent Office Exam Course, tells you what you need to know about becoming a patent agent.

Video 1 introduces you to patent careers and explains intellectual property terms. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78IhiUfM7zg&list=PLwqvEb2ZqRVgGvovc7jzd0lZVW26Sp5VD

Visit our POEC site here: https://www.pli.edu/poec/home

Social Media

Using Social Media for Networking

Technology and social media are key components of your job search, and employers will often use them to research potential candidates. WPI’s Career Development Center helps you learn important skills to show employers your best self, both online and in person.

Did you know that 80-85 percent of available jobs are not advertised? Instead they are filled by referrals. Networking allows you to tap into that hidden job market. Learn how to build a strong network of contacts to increase your likelihood of success during the job search. Download the Networking tipsheet (PDF) for tips on reaching out to contacts, how to best utilize the features on your LinkedIn profile, and more.

Informational Interviews

Different from a regular interview, informational interviews are when you reach out to someone with a position you’re interested in and “interview” them for about 30 minutes to learn about career options and get firsthand advice. You may ask questions, learn more about a company or organization, or seek out additional contacts and resources.

Tips for a successful informational interview:

  • Be flexible—arrange a time that works best for your contact

  • If possible, conduct your interview in person

  • Prepare a list of questions to ask your contact
  • Always follow up with a thank you note

For even more tips and information, download the Informational Interviews tipsheet (PDF).

LinkedIn and Social Media

Social media, particularly LinkedIn, is a powerful way to network. Download the Networking, Informational Interviewing, and LinkedIn (PDF) for information on how best to use the website for career management, personal branding, resumes, and making connections. You can also find some helpful tips to help you get started here. If you would like feedback on your LinkedIn profile, schedule an appointment or stop by for a drop-in.

You can also use LinkedIn to search for jobs and research salaries:

Employers also search other social media sites—such as Facebook and Twitter—for information on potential candidates. Therefore, it’s important for you to make sure that your posts, comments, and photos represent yourself in a professional manner.

Resources for Students of Color

Professional Associations and Online Resources

There are many professional associations and online resources that center the needs and experiences of people of color. These are great places to identify resources, support, mentors, and job boards. We have provided some links below to help you identify organizations and resources. Don’t see an organization that fits your needs? Try doing a quick, targeted Google search (e.g. professional association for Black mathematicians). When exploring professional associations, if you do not see a discount for students, reach out and ask as many organizations do provide a discount (even if unadvertised).

Resources for Students with Disabilities

Websites and Resources

• ABILITYJobs: abilityjobs.com
• Association on Higher Education and Disability: ahead.org
• Getting Hired: Jobs for People with Disabilities: gettinghired.com
• JAN (Job Accommodation Network): askjan.org/index.cfm
• Work Without Limits: workwithoutlimits.org
• National Organization on Disability: nod.org
• National Business & Disability council: https://www.viscardicenter.org/businesses/
• Disability:in : disabilityin.org
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute Office of Accessibility Services
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ADA Information Line: www.eeoc.gov; phone 1-800-669-734
• ADA National Network: www.adata.org; phone 1-800-949-4232

DIVERSEability Magazine-

This magazine celebrates the advancements and achievements of people with all types of abilities; topics include Employment, Business, and Education for today’s Diverse-Abled Community. Subscribe, for free, to this digital magazine by clicking here!

    Websites for Research Opportunities

    Full-Time Research Opportunities

    Undergraduate & Graduate Research Opportunities

    Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

    Designed for undergraduate science and engineering students, REU programs are paid, 8-10 week-long opportunities to give students a glimpse into the grad school experience. Check out some sample REUs:

    International Research Opportunities (Germany)

    Research Opportunities within Individual Organizations

    GoinGlobal

    GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

    • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
    • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
    • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
    • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.
    Websites for your Internship Search

    Massachusetts Internship Opportunities

    If you’re looking for an internship in Massachusetts, these websites are a good place to start your search.

    Other Internship Opportunities

      Handshake

      Handshake is the Career Development Center’s system for accessing internship, co-op, and job postings along with requesting appointments and accessing additional resources (GoinGlobal, Career Shift, Focus2, Shortlist.me, and more!).  Check out our video tutorials. 

      If your gender assignment in Handshake does not accurately reflect your gender identity and you would like this to be corrected, please fill out this survey. This information is only for use by the CDC in Handshake. Please note that employers are not able to see the gender field in Handshake. If you have any questions please contact us at cdc@wpi.edu. 

      All of the resources highlighted below are accessible through the Resources section of Handshake. For help getting started with Handshake, go to their Help Center.

      CareerShift

      You can use CareerShift to create folders to store jobs, companies, and contacts you’d like to use during your career search. You can also use the My Jobs, My Contacts, and My Companies tabs to search for jobs, contacts at particular companies or organizations, and companies you’d like to learn more about.

      Vault

      Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work within an industry, company, or profession—and how to position yourself to launch and build the career you want.

      Vault provides detailed information on nearly 5,000 companies in more than 120 industries. Vault also provides extensive information on more than 840 professions. This includes education requirements, skill requirements, salaries, advancement prospects, and more.

      GoinGlobal

      GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

      • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
      • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
      • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
      • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.

      Focus2

      Focus2 guides you through a reliable, intuitive, career and education decision making model to help you choose majors offered at WPI, explore occupations, and make informed career decisions. 

      Focus2 contains five quick self assessments (work interest, personality, leisure, values, and skills) which help you to identify possible careers and majors of interest. To take any of the self assessments:

      • Create a Focus2 account and agree to Focus2 terms and conditions
      • Enter the license code displayed in Handshake.

      Once you’ve taken the assessments, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule an “Focus2 Self Assessments” appointment with a CDC staff member to discuss your results, and learn about additional steps and resources.

      Shortlist.me

      Shortlist.Me is an interview preparation platform which helps students reach their full potential through practical application, putting them ahead of the competition in real interviews and increasing employability. 

        Websites for your Government Job Search

        Interested in jobs with the federal or state government? Check out these websites for more information on how to land one.

          Websites for your Job Search

          Use these websites to find jobs and internships that will help you achieve your career goals.

          Handshake

          Handshake is the Career Development Center’s system for accessing internship, co-op, and job postings along with requesting appointments and accessing additional resources (GoinGlobal, Career Shift, Focus2, Shortlist.me, and more!).  Check out our video tutorials. 

          If your gender assignment in Handshake does not accurately reflect your gender identity and you would like this to be corrected, please fill out this survey. This information is only for use by the CDC in Handshake. Please note that employers are not able to see the gender field in Handshake. If you have any questions please contact us at cdc@wpi.edu. 

          All of the resources highlighted below are accessible through the Resources section of Handshake. For help getting started with Handshake, go to their Help Center.

          CareerShift

          You can use CareerShift to create folders to store jobs, companies, and contacts you’d like to use during your career search. You can also use the My Jobs, My Contacts, and My Companies tabs to search for jobs, contacts at particular companies or organizations, and companies you’d like to learn more about.

          Vault

          Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work within an industry, company, or profession—and how to position yourself to launch and build the career you want.

          Vault provides detailed information on nearly 5,000 companies in more than 120 industries. Vault also provides extensive information on more than 840 professions. This includes education requirements, skill requirements, salaries, advancement prospects, and more.

          GoinGlobal

          GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

          • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
          • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
          • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
          • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.

          Focus2

          Focus2 guides you through a reliable, intuitive, career and education decision making model to help you choose majors offered at WPI, explore occupations, and make informed career decisions. 

          Focus2 contains five quick self assessments (work interest, personality, leisure, values, and skills) which help you to identify possible careers and majors of interest. To take any of the self assessments:

          • Create a Focus2 account and agree to Focus2 terms and conditions
          • Enter the license code displayed in Handshake.

          Once you’ve taken the assessments, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule an “Focus2 Self Assessments” appointment with a CDC staff member to discuss your results, and learn about additional steps and resources.

          Shortlist.me

          Shortlist.Me is an interview preparation platform which helps students reach their full potential through practical application, putting them ahead of the competition in real interviews and increasing employability. 

          Info about Patent Careers for Engineers and Scientists

          In this 5-part series focusing on patent careers for engineers and scientists, Mark Dighton, Administrative Director of Practising Law Institute's Patent Office Exam Course, tells you what you need to know about becoming a patent agent.

          Video 1 introduces you to patent careers and explains intellectual property terms. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78IhiUfM7zg&list=PLwqvEb2ZqRVgGvovc7jzd0lZVW26Sp5VD

          Visit the POEC site here: https://www.pli.edu/poec/home

            Websites to Search for Positions Overseas

            If you’re interested in working overseas, these websites will provide opportunities to help you get a new stamp in your passport.

            GoinGlobal

            GoinGlobal is a perfect job-searching tool for both international and domestic students.

            • The Country Career Guides section includes country-specific information, resources, and tips for finding internships or full-time employment in other countries
            • The USA/Canada City Career Guides section offers career and employment resources for some of the largest cities in North America
            • The Job Postings and Internship Listings section allows you to search for opportunities in the United States and around the world
            • The H-1B Information Section allows international students to search the H-1B database to view companies who have submitted H-1B visa petitions.
            Working Professionals & Alumni

            Check out our tips for writing an effective resume and how to get on the right track to find your dream job.