Career Options
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Great expectations
Most employers realize that there’s a steep learning curve during a new graduate’s first two years on the job, but they still keep a close eye on his or her performance. McNaughton says hirees should typically expect to be evaluated every six months for the first two years and once a year after that. “So the first two years are very important,” she says.CAE looks for people who are willing to innovate — an expectation that other companies in engineering-related industries are likely to share. “In our 60th year, we’re considered the leader in the world,” says Bourque, “and we want people who want to continue to raise that level, to make CAE a better company and to improve our products. We want people who are focused on our customers’ needs.” Job candidates should be ready to ask themselves what they can contribute to the company they want to work for.
Employers aren’t the only ones with expectations. Graduates naturally hope to get the perfect job, with a high salary and great benefits. Coronado cautions that it might take a while for your dream offer to come along. “Don’t expect the right job right after graduation,” he says. “Don’t overprice yourself, but don’t underprice yourself either.”
“Some students expect promotion very quickly,” says McNaughton. “They do have to prove themselves first and some are impatient. If you haven’t done internships, you may be less aware of what salary to expect or the realities of the work world.”
Taking the plunge
So you did all your research, shone in your interviews and got several hard-to-resist job offers. Now what? How do you decide where to go?McGill’s Faculty of Engineering Career Centre tends to approach the question by breaking things down, says McNaughton. “We go through exercises looking at the industry and its future, entry level conditions, available training programs, relocation, salary, corporate culture, lifestyle, the number of hours and the length of the job: i.e., is it a contract?”
Coronado says experience has taught him to consider the following: his personal interest in what the company is offering, his career expectations in relation to the position being offered and location. “Does it involve relocating? Are there any relocation allowances?”
McNaughton encourages students to explore what will make them feel good about a job. “If you go after money, you’re taking a different kind of risk if you end up not liking the job. You’ll do better at your job if it’s something you enjoy.”
Interview Dos and Don’ts
• Do prepare by learning about the company before the interview.
• Do show up on time and dressed appropriately.
• Do have a positive attitude.
• Do ask important questions.
• Don’t exaggerate or lie about your qualifications.
• Don’t be too shy or modest, either!
• Don’t be too laid-back during the interview.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of a flawless résumé.
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