College Experiences That Helped A System Engineer At Raytheon Succeed
Cesar's success stemmed from actively engaging in engineering and professional organizations like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, stating that "joining those professional organizations...introduced me to all these conferences and workshops where I was able to network." This networking, particularly at the Keenak conference in Pasadena, secured Cesar's first internship, which proved pivotal in launching their career and highlighting the importance of "being able to sell yourself" to recruiters and industry professionals.
Networking, Professional Organizations, Internships, Career Development, Communication Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cesar Cabrera
System Engineer
Raytheon Technologies
California State University, Long Beach
N/A
Engineering - Mechanical
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Government & Public Sector
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Join professional organizations to gain practical skills and network with industry professionals.
2. Seek internships early to build your resume and increase job opportunities after graduation.
3. Develop strong self-presentation skills to make a positive impression during interviews and networking events.
Transcript
But did you do an undergraduate degree to set you up for success?
I think joining organizations like engineering or professional organizations is really critical. Honestly, I attribute all the success I've had thus far to doing that.
I say that because as an undergrad, I didn't really know how to get an internship. An internship is so critical, especially as an engineer. If you get an internship, you're pretty much set after you graduate to get a full-time job.
I joined the Society of Automotive Engineers, and that helped me improve my technical skills. As an engineering student, everyone is on par; everyone's taking the same classes. You may be an A student, but odds are there are many other A students.
The things that will really separate you from your peers are whether you've actually applied these skills and demonstrated them. I think that was really critical. Also, joining professional organizations, like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, introduced me to conferences and workshops.
There, I was able to network with many professionals in my industry and various other industries. I attended a particular conference called SHPE, held in Pasadena. That's where I got my first internship and got my foot in the door.
Honestly, as soon as I had that one internship on my resume, everything kind of just opened up. It was a lot easier to have professional conversations, reach out to people, or even get scheduled for interviews.
So, I think those two things are probably the most critical. Also, just being able to sell yourself when talking to recruiters or even a manager at a conference. If they aren't there to hire, but to give information about their company, you have to know how to present yourself and leave an impression that may carry forward when they are ready to hire.