Recruiting season at Georgia Tech begins with fanfare in the fall, almost immediately after classes begin, and the busyness of companies on campus continues throughout the year. The competitiveness of Georgia Tech students puts many of them in high demand, and some companies, eager to secure top talent, add pressure with early decision deadlines.

Anticipating factors to consider for full time offers while students work internships, co-ops, on campus, summer opportunities, class projects can prepare them for that first permanent offer. Work integrated learning helps identify some of the factors students like and don’t like; preferences about work environments, co-workers, management styles, “perks,” and sense of satisfaction with the company or organization are additional ones they may have the opportunity to explore.  Tech was recently name #5 for internships: http://www.careerdiscovery.gatech.edu/world-your-internship-oyster

Below are ways you can help your student prepare and successfully navigate their job search and offer guidelines:

• Encourage them to take advantage of workshops and programs to build their networking and job search skills. Available resources include C2D2-sponsored workshops, programs offered by campus and student organizations, company information sessions, and class assignments related to careers. Academics will address technical skills, which are obviously in demand. These skills will prove useful, not only to secure their first job, but actively manage their careers beyond Georgia Tech
• While a 4.0 GPA is great, essential communication and relationship-building skills partner with technical skills in today’s workplace. Encourage your student to become involved in leadership opportunities, clubs, athletics, service organizations, Greek life, drama, music, intramurals, the Student Alumni Association and many other options to develop and practice the “soft” skills that are a challenge for some students.
• As a successful interview leads to an offer, encourage them to thank the company for the offer and then carefully consider the offer and benefits before responding. http://career.gatech.edu/campus-interviewing-policies-students

Staff and faculty are here to help!