The School of Engineering & Computing views hands-on experience as an important part of a student’s academic journey at Fairfield. Internships allow students to make connections and gain real-world experience while giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Engineering students pursue internships across a variety of industries from government, to private sector, to non-profit:
The Professional Development Series (PDS) at the School of Engineering & Computing is a comprehensive program designed to supplement the academic development of our students through a sequence of professional development events, workshops, and panels offered by the School of Engineering in partnership with the Academic Career and Development Center.
This program will provide School of Engineering & Computing (SEC) students with a structured way in which they can obtain the necessary knowledge and skills that will help them reach their career goals and succeed in a challenging job market. The program is optional, but highly encouraged for all SEC students.
PDS is structured in four different levels that coincide with a student’s four years at Fairfield University. The objectives are meant to build upon one another, but do not necessarily have to be done in consecutive order. Students may opt to start or progress in the program at a speed that is comfortable for them.
- Help students explore SEC's program offerings, study abroad, and other opportunities that will enhance their overall education.
- Educate students on the tools and resources they will need and can use to succeed.
- Reward extracurricular involvement (join the student branch of an engineering society)..
- Help students develop the skills and documents (e.g., resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile) they will need to succeed in the professional world.
- Educate students on job and internship search techniques.
- Encourage an internship or summer co-op experiential learning opportunity.
- Gain experience through leadership roles in the Engineering Student Society.
- Offer networking opportunities.
- Continue to develop interview skills and fine-tune resumes and other key documents.
- Encourage a second internship or summer co-op experiential learning opportunity.
The SEC Professional Development Series utilizes Parson’s Trait and Factor Theory, Krumboltz’s Planned Happenstance Theory, and Donald Super’s Life-Span Development Theory.
- Utilize skills obtained to focus on job search.
- Continue to network and build connections.
- Begin to learn about the transition from college to career.
- Develop essential financial literacy skills.
