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Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Student Professional Development Resources

Here at Iowa State, we offer many resources to help students to grow their careers, read more below about Internships, Undergraduate Research, Campus Involvement, Career Services, Academic Success Center and NSF Graduate Research Programs.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

  • 74%

    of students graduate with a co-op or internships experience.

Engineering cooperative education and internship programs blend classroom learning with supervised, hands-on work experiences. These programs place students in industry, business, or government positions that align with their major field of study, potentially anywhere in the world. By participating in co-ops and internships, students gain practical work experience and apply classroom theories to real-world projects.

Internships and co-ops not only provide valuable industry experience but also offer students a chance to establish connections with potential employers for post-graduation opportunities.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) highly recommends that students engage in summer work, internships, or cooperative education programs while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

Career fairs present students with invaluable opportunities to connect directly with a wide range of companies. At Iowa State University, we host two dedicated engineering career fairs each year—one in the fall semester and another in the spring semester. These events are designed to help students explore potential career paths, network with industry professionals, and learn about job and internship opportunities, click here to learn more about how you can prepare.

Upcoming Events:

September 18, 2024, 12 PM – 5 PM, Scheman Building

September 24, 2024, 12 PM – 5 PM, Scheman Building and Hilton Coliseum

Students can find opportunities through numerous sources:

Research Opportunities

  • $9M+

    of yearly research funding.

Undergraduate students at Iowa State University have numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty on a diverse range of research projects. Engaging in research with a professor offers students hands-on, practical experience that complements their academic studies and enhances their educational journey. Additionally, these research projects provide valuable mentorship, allowing students to develop strong professional relationships and receive guidance from experienced faculty members.

Learn more about On-Campus Research Opportunities

Click here to learn more about research opportunities and current openings.

If you are a faculty member interested in having your research site shared here, please email szbar@iastate.edu.

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) encompass a range of programmatic opportunities offered by universities, national societies, and scientific organizations. REUs are available across all fields, providing undergraduates with high-level research experiences. These programs encourage active participation in diverse areas of scientific research and can be hosted both within the United States and internationally. Participants often receive stipends and may also receive assistance with housing and travel expenses, click here to find opportunities.

 

Campus Involvement

  • 800+

    on-campus student organizations.

Students at Iowa State University can enrich their college experience by participating in learning communities and student organizations. Learning communities provide a supportive environment where students with shared academic interests can collaborate and build strong connections. Student organizations, including various clubs and societies, offer countless opportunities for involvement, leadership development, and networking. By joining these groups, students can enhance their academic and social experiences, develop new skills, and find mentors who can guide them throughout their academic journey.

There are over 800 student organizations available to student, a complete list of student organizations can be found here.

There are several learning communities available to students of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Career Services

Iowa State University offers comprehensive career services to support students in their professional development. These services include resume reviews to ensure students present their skills and experiences effectively, and access to salary and employment data to help them make informed career decisions. Additionally, career development presentations and workshops provide valuable insights into job searching, networking, and other essential skills. Through these resources, students can confidently navigate their career paths and prepare for successful futures, click here to see

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center empowers students to pursue academic support and collaborate with our trained peer leaders, fostering impactful learning and community for everyone. We provide a variety of services to help students succeed, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, writing and communication consultations, and academic skills coaching. If you’re unsure about the specifics of each service, consider scheduling an Academic Success Navigator appointment. In this one-on-one session, you’ll discuss your academic goals and challenges with a Navigator who will provide personalized referrals to ASC services and other campus resources, click here to learn more about Navigator.

NSF-GRFP (National Science Foundation – Graduate Research Fellowship Program)

For the ones interested in pursuing a PhD (or research-oriented MS) degree, NSF-GRFP offers a unique opportunity to obtain (self)funding for multiple years. Please check Home – NSF Graduate Research Fellowships Program (GRFP) (nsfgrfp.org) for details on this opportunity. Additionally, the ECE Department offers guidance sessions (typically in early September) for interested applicants.