2024-2025 Purdue University Career Planning Handbook

®

CAREER

SUCCESS

HANDBOOK

DESIGN BY RILEY GAY 2024 - 2025 Young Hall Room 132 | www.cco.purdue.edu | 765-494-3981 | askCCO@purdue.edu

CENTER FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING

BOILERMAKERS ARE BUILT TO WORK HERE! Founded on like-minded principles of innovation, authenticity, passion and genuine care for people – apply your skillsets on one of the nation’s most diverse project portfolios. Working alongside some of the industry’s leading minds – we set the stage in creating construction’s next great generation of leaders.

Forge your path in construction – shaping the future of the nation – one project at a time. Learn more at mcgough.com/internships.

VISIT OUR BOOTH ON 9/29!

McGough offers one of the truly unique job experiences in construction. Getting to work with some of the sharpest minds in the industry, while enjoying one of the most genuine cultures I’ve touched in my career – is something to truly admire.

— Justin Kenny, Purdue Grad ‘11

www.mcgough.com

CITGO LEMONT CAREERS Located 35 Miles Southwest of Chicago

Challenging work. Rewarding compensation. Opportunities to give back. It’s all part of your career at CITGO.

Apply Here

Center for Career Opportunities 2

CENTER FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES & PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING CAREER SUCCESS HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Table of Contents

FCaCsOtTSerarvckicPesa.r.tn.er.s.....................................46 On-DemandServices.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Career Decision Making CCaarreeeerr DFoeucnisdioantioMnask. i.ng. P. ro. c.es.s .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Job Search Technology myCCO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 The Job Search 1Fr0aJuodbuSleenatrcJohbSstraantdegSiceasm. . Po. s.tin. g.s .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1123 JLoebv eSreaagrec hYoTui pr sGfroardDu ai vt ee rDs ee gProepeuIlnattoi oan Jso. b. ! . . . . . . . . . . 11 45 Cover Letters DS aemv epl loepJionbg Da eWs ci nr inpitni og nC. o.v e. r .L e. t t .e r . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 78 STahme pAlgeeCoofvAeIr aLnedt tYeor .u .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 12 90 Resumes DPoewveelropVienrgbsa fWorinYnoiunrgRReessuummee. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2212 SampleResumes..................24 Curriculum Vitae (CV) DSaemveplloepCinVg. a. W. i.nn. in. g. C.ur.ric. u.lu.m. V.ita. e .(C. V.). .. .. .. 3389

Networking TLehveeArargt eofYNouertwLoinrkkeindgIn. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4423 Interview and Career Fair Preparation RG ee st tei anrgc thhi ne gMCoosmt Op ua nt ioefsa. C. a .r e .e r. F a. i r. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 45 SS .aTm. Ap. Rl e. MI net tehr ov ide wo f QB ue he satvi ioonrsa.l I. n t. e r. v .i e w. i.n g. . .. .. .. .. 44 67 PHroowfetsosiDonreaslsDfroersSsuacncdesPsr.es. e.nc.e.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4489 ITnotper1v0ieEwtiiqnuge.tt.e.Ru. le. s.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5502 Offer, Negotiation and Ethics! T5hSeteJposbtOofNfeerg. o.ti.at.ion. S. u.cc.es.s.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5534 NDeocni-sSiaolnasryanNdegCootniasebqleuse. n. ce. s:. E.ye. -O. p.en. in. g . . . . 55 C o nSsciednear irni ogsEonftJroebp rSeenaeruc hr sEhtihpi.c.s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 67 Advanced Degree Preparation P5 rTeh- Pi nr og sf ePs rsei o- Hn aelaAl tdhv&i s iPnrge -iLnatwh eSCt uCdOe. n. t s. . . . . . 5 8 G Po ra w N d e e u r e a P d te a t c o S k c K h Y n o o o o u w l r A . P p e . p r s . li o c . n a a t . i l o S . n t a . C t h e . e m c . e k n . li t s . t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 6 6 9 0 2 Advertiser Index .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

2Ga p0A p23r4o0- v21 a00 l 21o5; f TPCe ual err ped ehu roe nMUeen -di vLi aeorScs aoi tll :yu (tC7i oa7nr0es)eo9r r7PP5l au- 3nr d3n u0i ne0g, UTHnoai l vnl edFrbrseoi etoy: k. ( C8wo0an0st) ap9cut5bC5l ia- s5rhe1ee3dr4 Mb. TyehCdi aisar geSueoirlduMet i ecoadnni san aSo tot al budetsi c@o oncpsmi , e3ed3d o3i ar0s r. Cne ope btr obf odPrukic wne fdyo riNnmWaa ,nt Siyouwni t aoe yn3 w2r e4i ct - he2 oi 4vu6i nt , gtAhcaewCpoar rri toe her , r Guide for your university.

Fast Track Partners

“Building relationships that count!”

The Center for Career Opportunities relies heavily on the financial support of our corporate partners to assist in funding such things as career-related programs, resources, software programs, and our Peer Consultant program. We are proud to extend our appreciation for their interest in assisting the CCO in our eeorts to connect Purdue students and alumni with prospective employers.

Gold Plate - 10,000 Annual Gift

Steel Plate - 5,000 Annual Gift

- Atlas Excavating - Bechtel - Clark Dietrich - Endress + Hauser - Ensign-Bickford Industries

- HWC Engineering - John Deere - Kennametal - L3Harris - Lockheed Martin

- Milwaukee Tool - Norfolk Southern - PepsiCo - Uline

Boiler Plate - 2,500 Annual Gift

- Caterpillar - Charles Schwab - Crown - Cummins - GE Healthcare

- General Motors - Grainger - MyPath - NTN Bearing Corporation

- Sandia National Laboratories - Starplus Energy - Syngenta - The Andersons - Zoro

- Nucor - Polaris

4 Center for Career Opportunities

Create the future with us

Joining Egis, formerly known as Beam, Longest and Neff, is an opportunity to make a valuable, positive impact on the world, whilst growing and developing as a person. We’re working together to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges and improve local communities, all around the globe. That means bringing together a talented, diverse team that can imagine, create and achieve a sustainable future with us. Building sustainable futures: Our commitment to people first We truly live our core value of ‘people first’. This is a supportive, caring environment where everyone can thrive both personally and professionally. We know you want to have both a rewarding career and a rewarding life outside of work so we make flexibility a priority where possible. We can only create a sustainable future if our people have sustainable careers and balanced lives.

19,000 1,000+ PEOPLE STRONG GLOBALLY

PEOPLE STRONG IN NORTH AMERICA

TRULY SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

Come join the One of a KIND team at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), named the best airport in North America for an unprecedented 10 years in a row. The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) represents a high-performing culture that fosters world-class service to enhance the community. We’re always looking for leaders to join our diverse team! For more information and to apply online, visit IND.com/Careers

5

www.cco.purdue.edu

CCO Services

Career Fairs

One-on-One Counseling

For a complete listing visit the CCO Calendar and Campus Career Fairs section of the website.

Career Service Consultants are available to meet with you concerning your career needs. Contact the CCO to make an appointment to address any of the following:

myCCO

- Graduate School Planning or Personal Statement - Internship/Job Search Preparation • Mock interviews • Job search resources and strategies

- Major & Career Exploration • Learn more about your career interests • Explore majors • Research information about careers - Pre-Professional Advising

myCCO is an online tool that allows employers to post positions, view resumes, and schedule interviews with candidates. Job seekers are able to access job postings, refer their resumes to potential employers and schedule interviews with prospective employers. Employers from around the country visit the CCO to recruit Purdue students and alumni. FInd out when employers are visiting Purdue, locate job postings, submit your resume, and meet with employers by registering for a FREE myCCO account. On-Campus Recruiting & Job Postings

Same Day Services

Spend 10 - 15 minutes with a CCO representative for:

- Resume Review - Cover Letter Review - myCCO Assistance - LinkedIn Profile Review

Big Interview Virtual Interview Practice

A simulated, interactive job interview in which you are asked challenging questions and ooered valuable feedback. This service is only accessible through myCCO.

Workshops & Outreach Presentations The CCO ooers a variety of workshops. Visit www.cco.purdue.edu for a complete list of workshops. Invite us to speak to your group or class about one of the following topics:

Career Spots

Short video clips addressing key job search issues such as interviewing, creating and delivering your pesonal “commercial” to an employer, social networking and much more.

- Resumes - Job Fairs - Acing the Interview - A-Z Job Search

- CCO Services - Career Exploration - Other (customized)

Career Research Portal

Online library that provides access to valuable resources to help you research company information and job search tools. http://career.lib.purdue.edu

- Networking - Negotiating - myCCO

Hours of Operation

MONDAY - FRIDAY

8 AM - 5 PM

Young Hall, Room 132 // (765) 494 - 3981 // askcco@purdue.edu www.cco.purdue.edu

Follow Us!

6 Center for Career Opportunities

CCO On-demand Resources for Job Search & Career/Major Exploration

CCO

Purdue’s one-stop career fair portal and online job board

24x7 available machine learning driven resume review tool

Mock interview platform with tutorials to help you excel in interviews

Short videos at your ngertips for all career prep and occupation info

Read about all possible career sectors with each major

Purdue’s nationally renowned dashboard for students’ post-grad outcomes including average salaries for all colleges

Visit - www.cco.purdue.edu - to nd the resources; or contact us at 765-494-3981 or askcco@purdue.edu for more information

7

www.cco.purdue.edu

Career Decision Making Process

Choosing an academic major and/or career can be a daunting task. The Career Decision Making Process, in conjunction with related activities can help you tackle this challenge. This model reflects a continual process with no specific starting point. Constant evaluation, planning, and action take place within each task, which represents points in the process that can happen separately or simultaneously. Visit www.cco.purdue.edu to access interactive tools and resources.

Career Compass

c e

n

i e

I d

e r

e

n

p

x

t i

E

f y

t

n

S t

a

r e

v

e

n

e l

g t

R

h s

i n

G a

E x

s

o r

p l

a j

o r

e

M

C

t o

a r

I n

e

e r

o k

s

L o

8 Center for Career Opportunities

CAREER DECISION MAKING

Visit the CCO blog to learn from other Boilermakers’ experiences

CAREER DECISION MAKING

CAREER DECISION MAKING

9

www.cco.purdue.edu

myCCO Search for opportunities, apply for positions, check out career fair events with participating employer lists, and schedule interviews all in one place! https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Home/myCCO 5 Steps to Set Up Your myCCO Account

1. Go to https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Home/myCCO and login with career account credentials 2. Go to “Accounts” > Read and acknowledge the Participation Agreement 3. Go to your profile and complete the questions (aim for 100% completion) 4. Select “yes” for the following; - Receiving email notifications - Receiving alerts - Included in Resume Books 5. Upload your resume as a Word document

Upload Your Resume, Cover Letter, & Transcript Your myCCO account IS NOT ACTIVE until you upload a resume!

1. Click “Resumes ETC” on the left navigation bar 2. Select “My Documents” 3. Click “Add New” 4. Label your document with a title that will help you remember each document 5. Select document type, use “Other Documents” for your transcript

Create Job Search Agents

Job Agents notify you by email when new jobs matching your criteria are posted in myCCO

1. Login to myCCO 2. On the left navigation bar click “Jobs” 3. Select “Search” then “Jobs” under the blue search box on the right side of the screen 4. Select “More Filters” then select the filters you want to use 5. Click the blue “Apply” button at the bottom of the selection criteria

6. Click on the “Create Job Alert” and this will save your search, select “Job Alerts” to see all of the alerts you have set up, delete the searches, or select how often you want to receive this alert (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, never) * You will not receive multiple emails concerning the same job

10 Center for Career Opportunities

JOB SEARCH TECHNOLOGY

Apply for Jobs & On-Campus Interviews 1. Click “Jobs” 2. Click “Search” 3. Click “Jobs” under the blue “Search” button 4. Click on the “All Jobs & Interviews” options directly under the “Keyword” search bar 5. Select “Interviews I Qualify For” 6. Narrow down your search by selecting “Position Type” or “More Filters” 7. Click on the options that you want to use and click on the “Apply” button at the bottom of the search selection criteria box. Read carefully as the employer may refer you to the company website to apply. Follow their directions 8. To submit a resume, click “Apply” and follow the directions in the box

Schedule On-Campus Interviews Time slots for on-campus interviews are on a first-come, first-served basis so sign up for your interview time as soon as possible. Note: To apply for on-campus recruitment opportunities, you must meet all screening criteria including major, degree level, graduation date, and work authorization. If you have questions about your eligibility for specific opportunities stop by the CCO for our Drop-In Services available in Young Hall.

1. On the left menu bar, click on “My On-Campus Appl.” to check on the status of your applications 2. If you status is “Invited,” select the time that works best for your schedule

Note: Review the CCO’s “Cancellation & Missed Interview Policy” to be aware of the consequences for missing an interview

Practice Interviewing

Students are encouraged to practice interviewing through Big Interview, our virtual interview practice system. Big Interview is accessible through the student myCCO. During the academic year, Peer Mock Interviews are available by scheduling an appointment via BoilerConnect.

1. From your myCCO Desktop, navigate to the Job Search Preparation resources, click on the Big Interview link. 2. Once you have created an account, you can capture your video responses to the interview questions you complete. These videos can be emailed to anyone you choose for feedback and coaching, including a CCO staa member or peer consultant during an upcoming appointment.

JOB SEARCH TECHNOLOGY

11 www.cco.purdue.edu

Schedule a Job Search Strategies appointment to speak with a CCO Representative.

12 Center for Career Opportunities

THE JOB SEARCH

www.bbb.org.

www.ftc.gov.

THE JOB SEARCH

www.cco.purdue.edu 13

For addi i onal resources, please visit h h ps://www.cco.purdue.edu, and click on the Student Communi i es sec c on

You can choose if or when to disclose disability. If you choose to disclose, you could talk about it in your cover letter or during your interview or when you’ve received an offer. Talk to a Career Consultant to discuss the pros and cons and timing of disclosure. Keep in mind that employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to conduct and interview or to perform job requirements if you disclose in advance. Regardless of your decision regarding disclosure, focus on your abilities and accomplishments in all your professional documents and interactions. You should also consider including specialized skills and experiences such as reading Braille or involvement in organizations for individuals with disabilities. Utilize all your resources to navigate the job search process including: disability-specific associations, disability placement companies and government workforce recruitment programs. Make informed decisions by using the international student resources on the CCO website to identify companies who have hired international students, and find opportunities for employment outside of the US. Build connections with Purdue alumni in your targeted industries. Such efforts will help you to understand how you fit in an industry and how you can better market yourself for your target job. Highlight technical and professional skills on your resume and cover letter. Sample professional skills would be communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and more. It is recommended that you avoid stating your visa status on your resume. However, you are required to disclose your work authorization on your job application. Disclosing or coming out about your identity is completely your choice. Research companies to learn their work culture and inclusive policies. If you are comfortable being out at work based on that research, list activities on your resume accordingly. You can list the full name of the LGBTQ related group, their abbreviation or an alternative name, such as Diversity and Inclusion Group or Anti-Discrimination Organization. Be prepared to discuss upon request from an employer. During the job search process, focus on the skills and values you bring to the hiring organization. As you prepare for your civilian job search, be sure to connect with the Veteran and Military Success Center. This organization provides support and assistance that will help guide you in this process, including networking and workshops to help transition military experience into civilian careers. Review your resume to identify areas where you transition your military experience into civilian terms. Seek career opportunities that capitalize on the skills you developed and utilized in the military. Be prepared to speak to potential employers about your accomplishments.

14 Center for Career Opportunities

THE JOB SEARCH

Graduate Degree Into a Job! Leverage Your Amruta A. Inamdar, PhD, Senior Career Services Consultant - Graduate Students Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University

6 CHAT WITH A CCO CONSULTANT RESUME

1 Identify your interests, strengths, preferences and requirements. What skills do you want to use? Which responsibilities would you enjoy? What is your ideal work environment? KNOW YOURSELF 2 Employers seek candidates who can investigate and solve problems, learn quickly, work under pressure, communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, and develop and implement projects. Sound like your graduate school training? REMEMBER TRANSFERABLE SKILLS 3 Talk to other career explorers inside and out side your own academic worlds. Join groups on LinkedIn to learn from others with PhDs. Social media platforms, too, can be a source of valuable career information and thriving EXPAND YOUR REACH private sectors) as well as within it. Why not explore all your options? Ideas to start your career exploration (and eventual job search): 5 PhDs often think, wrongly, that there are no jobs outside of academia for someone with their specialization. They do exist; they may just have different titles. Consider using specific skills and responsibilities as your RESEARCH THE KEYWORDS 4 You may realize, as you network or research career possibilities, that you are missing some skills. How can you gain them? GAIN EXPERIENCE professional community! E.g. check out #sciencetwitter and #academictwitter. Graduate students have the skills needed for careers beyond the academe (in both public and

CV Learn how to convert your CV into a resume.

AUDIENCE GOAL

General audience of employers. Demonstrate you have the skills for the specific job you are applying for. Experiences (paid, volunteer, research, extracurricular) and the skills gained from these. One to two pages.

Fellow academics

Present your full academic history.

LENGTH FOCUS

As long as necessary.

Scholarly achievements and potential, incl. grants received and professional service.

REFERENCES

Do not include.

Include.

Get Started! > ImaginePhd: https://www.imaginephd.com > The Chronicle of Higher Education: https://www.chronicle.com > Carpe Careers and Gradhacker on Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/gradhacker 7 Make an appointment to discuss your indi vidualized career development and planning. If you choose to pursue the tenure track, the CCO can provide guidance with reviewing your job application materials [Research, Teaching, Service and Diversity statements, CVs and cover letters]. Please note that the academic job search process differs from discipline to discipline, and your professors and departments often have the best and most current knowledge about standards and practices within your disciplines. We strongly encourage you to reach out to them for assistance. *International students should consult the Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS) before accepting any paid or unpaid work. CHAT WITH A CCO CONSULTANT

keywords. Look up jobs on O*Net (www.onetonline.org) to learn about alternative titles and similar jobs.

THE JOB SEARCH

www.cco.purdue.edu 15

Launch your career with Belden

Internship & Early Career Leadership Program opportunities

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

FINANCE HUMAN

MARKETING

RESOURCES

Learn More

SALES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

OPERATIONS/ SUPPLY CHAIN

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

START A CAREER WITH

We are a multi-disciplined engineering firm offering Mechanical, Chemical, Civil/Structural and Electrical engineering, along with complete Project Management services. Career Opportunities SuperiorEngineering.com/Careers

• Employee-Owned Company • Competitive Wages • 401K & Profit Sharing • Full Insurance Package • Paid Time-Off • Tuition Reimbursement Office Locations:

NOW HIRING DIVISION ENGINEERS

Washington, Indiana

For 80 Years, Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) has been a privately held, family-owned company dedicated to providing superior quality products and excellent service worldwide.

Muscatine, Iowa

HEAR FROM GPC’S ENGINEERS:

• Hammond, Indiana • Bolingbrook, Illinois

GRAINPROCESSING.COM

16 Center for Career Opportunities

Winning Cover Letter Developing a

A cover letter is a type of job search correspondence that is sent with your resume to a prospective employer to indicate your interest in a position; it serves as the bridge between your resume and the job listing. What is a Cover Letter?

PURPOSE

• Refers the reader to your enclosed resume. • Specifies the action(s) that you will take in pursuit of this employment opportunity.

• Identifies the position for which you are applying. • Indicates interest in the position and employer. • States your main qualifications, with supporting examples.

GUIDELINES

• Typical length is 1 page of approximately 3-5 paragraphs; 2 pages may be allowed for some academic positions or programs. • Use specific, relatable examples in alignment with job description, company, and industry. • Avoid grammatical errors, boastfulness, exaggeration, and inconsistency. • Proofread often and come into the CCO for staff to provide feedback for improvement. • W hether submitting via email or postal mail, send a typed document on white paper.

FORMAT

Opening paragraph: Pique the interest of the employer. 1. Name the position for which you are applying and how you heard about it. 2. Give information to show your interest in the specific company. 3. Briefly preview your skills and values and how they match the company. Middle paragraph(s): Create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. 1. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. 2. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements. 3. Reference a relevant fact, accolade, or unique aspect of the company’s operations and connect this with your desire to work there. 4. Avoid repetition between cover letter and resume by explicitly stating how your skills and experiences will contribute to position/company. Closing paragraph: Pave the way for the interview. 1. Ask for an interview.

2. State that you will contact the employer in the near future. 3. Thank the employer for the consideration of future employment.

Use CCO, online, and personal resources to research the values and identity of the company to help craft your cover letter to best match it to them. • Career Research Portal • Career Fairs • Company Website • Social Media • Your Network RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS

COVER LETTERS

www.cco.purdue.edu 17

Sample Job Description

If you are interested in applying for a 2021 summer or season-long internship, we will accept resumes between the period of January 9, 2021 and February 17, 2021. Interns are typically interviewed in March/April with start dates in early My. Please specify in your cover letter if you’re interested in summer only (May – August), summer/season (May – March), or season only internships (August – March0. The Sports Team does not offer spring internships. Exactly how many interns The Sports Team will hire will not be decided until interviews have been completed. The Sports Team internships encompass all aspects of business in the NFL. Understanding the process of sports teams and sports managements - Working with sports fans, players, coaches, and administration to develop procedures to elevate fan Experience . - Manage The Sports Team’s social media accounts and direct messages to fans. - Working independently on projects and collaborative with a diverse team. - Developing a positive and encouraging mindset for individuals or fans Qualifications may include: - Strong professional communication skills (Verbal and written) - Adaptable to a fast pace and ever-changing work environment - Previous internship or work experience with sports teams preferred Job Description: -

Resumes should be addressed to:

Alex Appleseed C/O The Sports Team, 7001 W. 56 th St Las Vegas, NV 46254

We are fortunate to have hundreds of outstanding candidates apply, though it makes the selection process quite challenging. We appreciate your interest in The Sports Team and wish you the best of luck in your internship search.

Notice how Sally Sports tailored their cover letter to this job listing. Notice the color- altered text of the cover letter corresponds directly to key skills and attributes of the ideal candidate as described in the job listing. What are some ways Sally incorporated these key elements into her cover letter while keeping her own voice?

18 Center for Career Opportunities

JOB DESCRIPTION SAMPLE

Sally Sports 155 Young Hall Road, Apt 231 West Lafayette, In 47907 (765) 555 – 4321

Your name, email address, and phone number should be listed first, followed by the current date, and the name, title, organization, and address of the person being addressed. Use the Human Resources department if you do not have a specific person to contact.

January 15, 2025

Internship Coordinator C/O The Sports Teams 7001 W. 56 th St Las Vegas, NV 46254

Avoid misgendering by dropping prefixes and using full names. Note: The prefix “Dr.” is an exception to this suggestion, as it is genderless.

Dear Alex Appleseed:

The energy of the fans, the love of the stats, and the dedication to understanding the sports industry contributes to my interest in the summer Fan Development internship with The Sports Team working with Colts fan of all ages. I am fond of and align with your company’s mission and came across this position on your website. My pursuit of an Applied Statistics degree in addition to values of dedication, innovation and optimism align with your mission to improve the experience of the fans and continue its tradition of being one of the best football franchises in the country. Working for Purdue Athletics Communications, since my arrival at Purdue, has given me insight to the athletic operations at a Big Ten University. I have developed the ability to make informed decisions quickly and adapt to a continually changing environment. More specifically, I worked as the main contact for men’s tennis in the 2024 2025 season for all home matches. With no previous knowledge of the sport, I successfully fulfilled the communication expectations . Weekly, I updated social media sites, researched statistics, edited programs, and contacted opposing sports information directors to distribute and obtain relevant updates and highlights. Recently, I became Co-Founder and Vice President of the Sports Analytics organization at Purdue and holding gives me a platform to share my position for the integration of athletics and statistics to a broader audience. Through the organization, I lead the effort to collaborate with Purdue Athletics’ Sports upcoming years. Moreover, I collaborate with driven people who also have a passion to learn statistics as it relates to athletics. Additionally, my interactions with fans and families of various ages as a Gameday Experience Host within Purdue Athletics allow me to use my interpersonal and improvisational skills. In both roles, I engage with a diverse team of people of varying perspectives, backgrounds, and experience level in the field, as are the fans. Again, I am available for a full-time, summer internship that runs from May to August and can be contacted at sallysports@purdue.edu or (765) 555 – 4321. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I am looking forward to your response.

Here you want to provide a couple key points: • Introduce yourself • Name the position and how you found it • Explain your enthusiasm for the company • R easons why you are qualified

Use this space to explain interest in the employer and highlight examples of why you’d be a great candidate. Consider using the STAR method to effectively explain your example.

S ituation T ask A ction R esult

By utilizing specific examples you can illustrate your skills to the employer without simply repeating skill statements from your resume.

Match skills described in the job listing with the ones you choose to highlight in the cover letter.

In this last paragraph, keep in mind to: • R eiterate your qualifications . • Ask for an interview. • Thank them for their time and consideration. • You can provide your email and phone number as well.

Sincerely,

Be sure to leave three spaces between salutation and your name. Although it is not necessary, you can add your scanned signature in this space.

Sally Sports

COVER LETTER SAMPLE

www.cco.purdue.edu 19

The Age of AI and You

The Age of AI and You

Dear Purdue University Students, As you embark on your journey toward achieving your professional development goals, it's essential to stay informed and adept at using new tools, including artificial intelligence (AI). We are living in a fascinating era where the promises of AI are potentially becoming reality. These tools, once the realm of science fiction, are now influencing business, government, and beyond. However, as you navigate your professional launch, it's crucial to balance the use of AI with your own skills and intellect. AI cannot replace the mind you have worked so hard to train. These tools can perform amazing tasks and will continue to grow and evolve, but you are the person who will bring genuine change and progress to the world. Relying too heavily on AI for tasks suc h as creating resumes or writing cover letters can diminish your personal impact. It’s essential to consider how investing your time in these activities is still a crucial part of your professional development. When you allow AI to handle these personal tasks, you must ask yourself if it accurately represents who you are. Does this accuracy even matter? We contend that it does. Genuine human interactions will become increasingly important as AI tools proliferate, making it harder to distinguish between human and machine- generated content. Therefore, maintaining your unique voice and perspective is vital. The blurred line between AI and human - created content underscores the need for critical thinking skills. Employers already highly value these skills, and their importance will only grow. Critical thinking not only enhances your ability to reason but also i mproves how you interact with AI tools. Effective communication with AI can amplify your capabilities rather than replace them. This collaborative capability will set you apart when competing for internships and jobs, giving you control over your professio nal path. Owning and enriching your future by maintaining control over what you put into the world is crucial. There may come a time when personalized AI assistants, trained by you, can handle many tasks on your behalf. While this might save time and effort, it could also lead to missed opportunities for personal growth and valuable lessons. These lessons, though sometimes challenging, are essential for your development as an individual, leader, peer, and friend. Embrace the learning experiences available at Purdue. Use AI to enhance your skills, not replace them. Take ownership of your professional journey and ensure your voice remains authentic and strong. The Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) is here to support you r professional development . We offer a range of resources and services designed to complement your use of technology and help you achieve your career aspirations. Please reach out for personalized advice and support. Wishing you all the best in your professional endeavors. Sincerely, Stephen L. Roach Interim Director, Center for Career Opportunities Purdue University

20 Center for Career Opportunities

Developing a Winning Resume

WHAT IS A RESUME?

A resume is a written document that is used to highlight the skills, contributions and experiences that represent the personal brand you want to portray to potential employers to secure an interview. Use VMock to help develop and enhance your resume. See CCO On-Demand Resources for more information. Decide the resume style you prefer to use, based on the message you want to convey to employers: • Chronological – Highlight information starting with the most recent. Prioritize your sections so you start with the most important first! • Functional – Highlight information in categories based on commonly grouped skills. This type is useful for those with gaps in experience or a wide variety in work history, but can demonstrate similar skills. RESUME TYPES Keep the following rules of thumb in mind when preparing the resume: • Margins – Top: 0.8” - 1”; Sides and Bottom: 0.5” - 1” • Font – Size: 10-12; Style: simple, readable fonts (eg. Calibri, Times New Roman); single spaced • Balance – white space and text space • Length – Undergraduate level - 1 page; Graduate and Ph.D. - 2 pages; Education, Nursing and Medicine can have 2 pages • Templates – Refrain from using them! Use resume samples as a guide to create your own document, unique to your skills and qualifications • Order – Heading, Objective (if included) and Education are listed first, in that order • Bullet Points – Recommended 2-5 bullet points per experience • Optional Components - Objective, GPA, and Address FORMAT The makeup of your document should be deliberate and powerful: • Prioritize – Top two-thirds of page when highlighting key categories and skills • Own the Order – Highlight the most relevant experiences first; Experience does not always have to immediately follow Education • Identity Disclosure – It is acceptable to use your preferred name and/or pronouns in the heading CONTENT Photographs, marital status, salary requirements, age, race, national origin, visa status or references DO NOT INCLUDE

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS

• Professional Affiliations • Class or Design Projects • Practicums

• Teaching Experiences • Publications • Presentations • Notable Achievement

• Certifications of Licensure • Campus Involvement • Honors, Awards, Scholarships • Community Involvement

RESUMES

www.cco.purdue.edu 21

22 Center for Career Opportunities

RESUMES

RESUMES

www.cco.purdue.edu 23

Pages 24-33 are examples of chronological and functional one-page resumes.

BERNARD BOILER 855 Business Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906  765-773-1025  purduepete@purdue.edu

EDUCATION Purdue University Dual Degree Recipient Bachelor of Science in Management, Krannert School of Management Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, College of Agriculture • Overall GPA: 3.72 /4.0; Dean’s List Five Semesters • The Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program (BOP) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Cargill AgHorizons Grain Sales Intern • Promoted Cargill’s website and online grain sale s tool to local corn and soybean producers using Cargill Sales Effectiveness techniques • Researched and prepared multiple presentations for Regional Sales Meeting • Organized tools and information to support sales team on farm sales calls Brooks Livestock Enterprise Farm Manager • Implemented pasture sustainability practices to ensure long-term health and profitability of farm • Maintained 50-head beef cattle breeding herd and produced high quality beef feeder cattle • Operated farm equipment which contributed to maximum farm upkeep

West Lafayette, IN May 2025

Hennepin, IL May 2024 – Aug 2024

Charleston, IN May 2023 – Aug 2023

LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT Purdue Student Government Operations Manager on Programming Committee

Sep 2024 – Present

• Procure marketing and logistics strategy for monthly Coffee Wednesday events • Contact Purdue Memorial Union staff to reserve equipment for 2020 End-of-Year Banquet • Coordinate the construction and transportation of PSG 2020 Homecoming Float Krannert School of Management Employers’ Forum (SMEF) Strategic Planning & Events Committee Member • Establish communications with Marketing Committee to incorporate company RSVPs in flyers • Manage resource cart during fair to support SMEF team ’s marketing of employer recruitment efforts Student Relations Committee Member • Led training session and created accompanying presentation for incoming Career Fair Hosts • Directed activities of hosts during fair to ensure smooth operations

Aug 2023 – Present

Aug 2021 – May 2022

CASE COMPETITONS Krannert School of Management

2024

• Parrish Library Business Research – 1 st Place Agriculture and Applied Economics Association

2022

• AEM Case Study – 3 rd Place

ACHIEVEMENTS • Mortar Board Leadership Conference • Black Caucus Academic Award

2023

2021 – 2023

24 Center for Career Opportunities

RESUME SAMPLES

AMELIA AVIATION

CURRENT ADDRESS

U.S. Citizen (913) 123-4567

PERMANENT ADDRESS

321 Earhart Road

4998 Flight Street Atchison, KS 66002

aaviation@purdue.edu

West Lafayette, IN 47907

EDUCATION Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

May 2027 GPA: 3.8/4/0

Minor: Economics Relevant Coursework: Aerospace Design, Aeromechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Structural Analysis Technical Skills: CATIA, MATLAB, Fire Dynamics Simulator, Inventor, Python, and Adobe Photoshop RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah, GA June 2024 - August 2024 Power Plant/Environmental Controls Systems Intern • Tested Gasper Tubes remotely to clarify part requirements and implemented a new procedure for assembly operations • Constructed Source Control Documents and Technical Requirement Documents for installations to provide technical requirements for manufacturing, assembly processing and testing • Provided mark ups for maintenance procedures for preparation, removal and installation of parts 757 Training Initiative, United Airlines, (Remote Internship) May 2023 - June 2023 Curriculum Guide Intern • Coordinated with United Airlines to design a pioneering simulator training program with Purdue Students • Created curriculum for simulator preparation and conducted training for new members with 2 interns and 3 engineers • Conducted research and cost analysis to provide viability to program DESIGN PROJECTS Aircraft Design, Purdue University September 2024 – December 2024 • Awarded 1 st place of 15 teams by Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) for best design project • Designed a new commercial aircraft for an existing airport with customer requirements • Performed cost analysis of previous fleet of aircraft at the airport to maximize cost efficiency • Developed MATLAB code to perform constraint analysis, mission analysis and control surface sizing AIAA Design Build Fly (DBF), Purdue University August 2023 – September 2023 • Designed an RC aircraft to compete in three missions in the annual DBF competition • Conducted wind tunnel testing and perturbation stability analysis to size control surfaces • Collaborated with a pilot on test flights to achieve greatest control and stability LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Aviation Technology Student Council (ATSC) September 2022 – May 2024 Vice President of Finance, January 2023 – May 2023 • Served on ATSC Executive Board and as club liaison to Business Office of Student Organizations • Managed all organizational spending and club finances with an established annual budget of $6,000 General Member, September 2021 - Present • Represented ATSC at information fairs, socials and panels • Informed approximately 3000 high school students per year about Purdue ’s Aviation Management program • Collaborate on development of specialty applications such as virtual tours Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) August 2023 – Present Varsity Captain , August 2023 - Present • Led 7 students in developing cooperative problem-solving abilities through application of math, chemistry, and physics to real-world challenges AFFILIATIONS Purdue Association of Technology Students January 2024 – Present Women in Technology August 2022 – Present

RESUME SAMPLES

www.cco.purdue.edu 25

Ruth B. Government ruthbgov@purdue.edu – Phone: (202) 999-4321 – 1234 Policy Place, Washington, DC 20500

EDUCATION Purdue University, College of Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Arts Majors : Chinese Studies and Political Science | Certificate in Public Policy

West Lafayette, IN

May 2025

London School of Economics and Political Science

London, England Jan 2025 – Apr 2025

Hansard Society Scholar

Dissertation: The Interdependence between Government and Investment Banking EXPERIENCE Partiful | Tech Startup

New York, NY Jun 2024 – Aug 2024

Project Management Intern

• Collaborated directly with CEO to program and design Partiful member interface via squarespace • Researched, surveyed, and collected data on user demographic to determine company market size • Designed product and financial packages for customers and investors ranging from $100 – $1000 United Kingdom House of Lords Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 • Researched international trade deals and potential impact on UK economy; synthesized findings in 5 weekly reports • Developed 12 memos for weekly circulation and production of Chairman’s brief ; used in parliamentary meetings • Authored 2 policy brief publications covering Fund for European Aid Program and Environmental Regulation • Planned logistics on a 4-person team to host evidence sessions with government officials concerning Brexit Purdue University Basketball Team West Lafayette, IN Student Academic Support Aug 2022 – May 2023 • Launched program to oversee growth in student-athlete grade improvement in compliance with NCAA regulations • Surpassed goal of less than three absences and at least a B average with student-athlete PRESENTATION • Government, R. B. (February 15, 2020). The European Union’s Big Bang: Investment Banking in a Post -Brexit World (podium presentation). Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference. Washington, D.C. LEADERSHIP Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Student Council West Lafayette, IN Executive Board Member Aug 2023 – Present London, England European Union Internal Market Sub-Committee Intern Student Researcher Aug 2023 – Present • Headed research with Krannert Business School Professor on impact of Brexit on British Investment Banking sector • Invited to conduct research covering voter behavior and presidential candidates at 2020 Iowa Caucus Model United Nations & Model Arab League West Lafayette, IN Executive Board Member Mar 2022 – Mar 2024 • Managed annual budget of $2000 to run club activities, conferences and competitions • Planned logistics of Purdue’s first home conference by recruiting and partnering with local university teams • Facilitated planning and ran marketing campaign for WashU, UChicago, and Colombia conferences SKILLS AND EXTRACURRICULAR Language: Proficient in Mandarin Chinese; Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) Technical: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Slack, Project Management, SEO Involvement and Interests : Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity, Mock-Trial Team, Masters Swimming, Traveling, Linguistics • Elected to lead reinstated student council as treasurer of executive board • Catalogued the use, reimbursements, and allocation of $2,000 club funds • Coordinated and financed college wide events to promote the College of Liberal Arts Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society West Lafayette, IN

26 Center for Career Opportunities

RESUME SAMPLES

An (Donna) Tang 234 Communication Court, Lafayette, IN 47909 | 765.494.3981 | adtangpr@purdue.com

Education ▪ Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | Honors College ▪ Major: PR & Strategic Communication | Minor: Spanish ▪ Graduation: December 2025 | Portfolio: http://atang.weebly.com/ Communication Experience Boiler Communication Firm Director

Aug. 2025-Current ▪ Manage, edit, and provide strategic direction in the creation and execution of two comprehensive PR campaigns. ▪ Serve as implementation lead of one of the two campaigns with a team of 3 marketing interns. Account Executive Aug. 2024-Dec. 2024 ▪ Led a communication team of three people to create and implement a semester long Campaign for Hoosier Families, a local non-profit, through an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach. ▪ Built awareness by publicizing resources in the community and giving engaging presentations. Social Media Director for Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Jan. 2023-May 2023 ▪ Developed and managed engaging content for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to reach current and prospective members of the PRSSA organization at Purdue. ▪ Spearheaded Social Media Spotlight Series, in which Purdue Communication alumni are highlighted. Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention Council Contributor May 2022-Aug. 2022 ▪ Strategized and implemented an online campaign that included social media accounts, a new webpage, feature stories and news releases for Tippecanoe Child Abuse Prevention Council. ▪ Produced media content that included infographics, feature stories, and a monthly newsletter Related Internships Artistic Media Partners, Inc. Intern Aug. 2025-Dec. 2025 ▪ Supported marketing efforts of radio station departments such as administration, sales, production, and promotion. ▪ Served as the voice for the Sunday morning show on Your Country 95.7 FM Sonder & Élan Public Relations House Virtual Intern May 2024-Aug. 2024 ▪ Created and managed engaging content for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. ▪ Established and maintained strong, long-lasting relationships with stakeholders and publicist. Liberal Arts Career Development (LACD) Virtual Intern Jan. 2023-May 2023 ▪ Devise and implemented social media plans for LACD. ▪ Collaborated in the organization of liberal arts career events and employer engagement on campus. Purdue Student Diversity Initiatives (SDI) Intern May 2022-Aug. 2022 ▪ Promoted the organization and its partner organization, DRIVEN, through social media. ▪ Served as the main editor and contributor of the fall semester newsletter. Skills ▪ Microsoft Office: Word | Publisher | Excel | PowerPoint ▪ Website Development and Video: Experience with WordPress | Weebly | InDesign | Video Editing ▪ Languages: Spanish (Fluent) | Portuguese (Conversational) ▪ Communication: Strategic | Interpersonal | Social Media | Cross-Cultural ▪ Specialties: Marketing & Advertising | Music & Entertainment | Fashion & Lifestyle | Culture & Travel Activities ▪ BoilerMENTOR Aug. 2023-Current | PRSSA Member Sept. 2024-Current

RESUME SAMPLES

www.cco.purdue.edu 27

Henry Hospitality

111 Hotel Court

Chicago, IL 60643

 773-312-6031

 heatherhospitality@purdue.edu



Education Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Minor in Organizational Leadership; Concentration in Human Resources

May 2026

CGPA: 3.25/4.0

Certifications: Food Production Manager, Alcohol Service, and ServSafe Food Protection Manager

Related Experience Grand Geneva Resort and Spa

Lake Geneva, WI

Grand Experiences Intern May 2024 - August 2024 • Facilitated daily activities and interacted with a large variety of guests to enrich their experience at resort • Organized new activities by collaborating with supervisors and researching and planning the logistics of activity • Attended managerial meetings and training, shadowed in other departments, and completed intern project and program W Chicago - Lakeshore Hotel Chicago, IL Event Management/Conference Services Extern June 2023 - August 2023 • Updated hotel’s advertising software to improve customer communication regarding hotel events and services • Shadowed events, catering, and sales managers during walkthroughs, staff meetings, and banquet event order meetings Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lake Zurich, IL Intern/Front Desk Agent January 2023- May 2023

• Rotated in multiple departments including sales, housekeeping, food and beverage, and rooms • Provided a high quality guest experience while using front desk processes and procedures Significant Contributions Meredith Hall Club

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

President April 2024 - Present • Coordinate programs up to $8,000 for all hall residents and weekly Executive Board and General Assembly meetings • Appoint and oversee Executive Board Members, Floor Representatives, Committee Chairs, and Committee Members • Develop a new training program for Floor Representatives in order to empower residents to take initiative as leaders • Prepare and manage a yearly budget of $18,000 to fund educational, service, leadership, and social programs for the hall Executive Board: Media Director September 2023 - April 2024 • Voted campus-wide Executive Board Member of the Year by the Residence Hall Association • Led a committee that is responsible for publicizing, organizing, setting up, and decorating social events • Publicized hall events by creating and decorating bulletin boards and flyers Jay Severson Student Leadership Council Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Programming Committee Chair March 2023 - Present • Arrange and attend a leadership retreat for 200 students to advocate teamwork in Residence Halls’ Executive Boards • Create and design leadership packet which includes retreat programs, keynote speaker biography, and an itinerary • Communicate between leadership committee and programming committee to organize student-led programs HTM Career Day Executive Board Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Director of Decorations January 2022 – Present • Collaborate with board to organize and execute spring and fall Career Fairs, Senior Reception, and Luncheon

• Translated theme for Career Day into decorations for Senior Reception, Luncheon, and Career Fair • Directing and assisting Company Representatives and leading Student Ambassadors during Career Day Campus Involvement HTM Society and Black Tie Dinner Coordinator

March 2024 – May 2024 August 2023 - Present September 2022 - Present

American Hotel and Lodging Association Tourism Association of Purdue National Residence Hall Honorary

December 2022

28 Center for Career Opportunities

RESUME SAMPLES