December 5, 2025

Job Corner with Ms. Whelton, PE

This section is prepared for the newsletter by Ms. Margaret Whelton, PE. She is the SEE Manager of Industrial Experience. The responsibilities of this position include working with industry to secure internships, co-ops, and full-time job opportunities for students; developing real world senior design and research projects; and facilitating partnerships between industry and Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering. She has twelve years of experience as a practicing environmental engineer prior to becoming part of SEE.  She is a registered professional engineer in Indiana, Virginia, and Alabama. 

Linked In Profile Tips

In the past I have discussed the importance of LinkedIn and how many recruiters are using this as the main way to identify potential employees.  Many jobs are posted through LinkedIn (see the “jobs” category on the bar of options at the top of the screen) and you can set your preferences for location, experience level, etc. on the career interests tab. 

It is important to have your LinkedIn profile polished and up to date.  And you want to be found and stand out.  Below are some tips to help you set up a great LinkedIn profile.  Note, these tips come from the blog post found here.

  • Be found on LinkedIn by using the keywords in your Headline that a Recruiter or Hiring Manager would use to search for a job candidate
  • Add a meaningful job title to attract as many Recruiters or Hiring Managers as possible
  • Add a Value Statement

Choose the Right Keywords. The way to attract Hiring Managers and Recruiters on LinkedIn through your Headline is to include the keywords that the Hiring Managers and Recruiters would enter in a LinkedIn “People Search” to find Job Candidates like you.

Your Headline is one of the few areas of your LinkedIn Profile that impacts the LinkedIn Search Algorithm more heavily than the other LinkedIn Profile fields. The other two are your Job Titles and Skills & Experience section.

NOTE: The LinkedIn Search Algorithm is the formula by which LinkedIn calculates the order in which people appear in “People” Search results.

If, for example, a company is looking to hire a Financial Advisor, their Recruiter might use any of these keywords to find Candidates for the job:

  • Financial Advisor
  • Investment Advisor

To be found by as many Recruiters as possible, the Financial Advisor would include all three keyword phrases in their Headline.

The following is an example of a possible format:

►FINANCIAL ADVISOR, INVESTMENT ADVISOR, RETIREMENT ADVISOR◄

If you’re unsure what job title a Recruiter or Hiring Manager might use to find Candidates on LinkedIn, look at relevant job listings on a job search website like Monster or Indeed.

You can also now use AI in Linked In to help write your “about” section.  I used AI for mine, but like using an LLM for anything, you need to check and correct to make sure it is accurate.  I had to make multiple changes, but the AI version gave me a first draft for my about section. 

Spring Career Fair Prep

To get ready for Expo Career Fair at the start of spring semester, you may want to use some of your time between semesters to prepare for interviews.  I have included some resources on preparing for interviews and the CCO service Big Interview, which is a great way to practice.

Big Interview is a platform that provides you information and tools to prepare you for an interview and improve your interviewing skills.  They have curriculum under the “Learn” tab on the left side of the screen which includes quizzes and practice questions.  In addition, you can practice interviewing via the “Practice” tab where you can take multiple interviews of varying interview styles with the ability to cater the interview (somewhat) to your expertise.

Don’t forget to check your email for anything I receive over break.  I’m here between the semesters except when Purdue is closed.  If you have any questions, would like to talk or meet about something job related, contact me.

Good luck on your finals and final projects. Congratulations to our fall graduates!  We hope you all enjoy a relaxing and restful break.

MyPurdue Emergency Contact Updates

There is a new card titled "Emergency Contacts" in your MyPurdue portal. It displays the primary emergency contact only. To release an Emergency Contact Hold, navigate to the Emergency Contacts card and click the "VERIFY" button. To edit, add, delete, or change the order of their emergency contacts, they must visit the MyPurdue "My Personal Information" card.

Microsoft Multi-factor Authentication to replace Duo Mobile

In January 2026, Purdue will adopt Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all university accounts systemwide. This will simplify the MFA process for all users and eliminate the need for Duo Mobile. All users will be required to enroll with Microsoft MFA to access Purdue applications including email and those protected by Purdue Single-Sign-On (SSO) such as SuccessFactors, Brightspace, myPurdue, etc.  Purdue IT recommends users set up at least two MFA methods (ex: Microsoft Authenticator app and SMS Codes). To add an additional authentication method, see: How to change Microsoft MFA authentication methods.  See full article here.

ENGR 10301POL Mission Driven Engineering Seminar

Unlock your potential to drive meaningful change. ENGR 103POL is a dynamic spring seminar that explores the critical role of engineers in public service and the wide range of opportunities available to engineering majors. On Thursdays, 4:30-5:20 PM, this one-credit seminar explores how your engineering skills can shape city, state, and federal government through impactful careers in public service. You’ll engage directly with prominent guest speakers, such as representatives from the Department of Defense, current and former government officials, and former intelligence professionals, while building professional connections and policy-focused networks Students also have the option to participate in a Spring Break Study Away trip to Washington, D.C., where you’ll gain firsthand insight into multiple government agencies and connect with Boilermakers who are making a real impact in public service. Hotel costs for seminar students are fully covered. This course serves as gateway to the Innovation in Public Service Certificate, an exciting new opportunity offered through the Office of Professional Practice. See https://engineering.purdue.edu/NobleReach.  Contact Sue Bayley at sbayley@purdue.edu.

Lime Connect Fellowship Program

The Lime Connect Fellowship Program is for rising juniors/current sophomores with disabilities. The program guides fellows through the summer internship recruitment process and connect them with the Lime Program corporate partners. Learn more and apply here: https://limeconnect.com/opportunities/leadership-programs/fellowship-program/?utm_source=campaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_1527380&utm_content=learn_more. Applications are due by February 10th, 2026.

Short-Term Campus Job Opportunity

Purdue Testing Services (PTS) is currently hiring for immediate coverage to assist with Finals Week operations, with the option to remain employed in Spring 2025 if interested. 

Position Details:

  • Hours: Minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 hours during Finals Week
  • Schedule: Any time Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m. and Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Pay Rate: $11.00 per hour
  • Start Date: Students will begin work as soon as they complete the interview process, allowing time for training prior to Finals Week shifts.
  • Location: Purdue Testing Services, Stewart Center G39/G59

PTS is seeking dependable, detail-oriented students to assist with proctoring and operational support during one of their busiest times of the year.

Apply here as a current Purdue employee: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Student-Clerical-Purdue-Testing-Center/6439-en_US/?isInternalUser=true

Or here if not currently employed by Purdue: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Student-Clerical-Purdue-Testing-Center/6439-en_US/

Boilers Back Home Program

The Office of Future Engineers is asking for help with the Boilers Back Home program where current Purdue students visit their home high schools to represent Purdue Engineering. They are looking for students to return to their high school while on break from Purdue (winter break, spring break, or early summer break) to talk about their engineering experience. The goal is to encourage high school students to learn about engineering and STEM and introduce them to Purdue. A presentation template and example presentation will be provided to you closer to the date. Once you've signed up, you will receive more information and the materials you’ll need to be successful.

If you're interested: SIGN UP NOW

American Water Works Association - Indiana Section (INAWWA) Poster Competition

INAWWA is seeking abstracts from undergraduates, graduates, and young professionals conducting projects for the improvement of the drinking water industry. The poster competition takes place in Indianapolis on March 24, 2026. The deadline to submit is Friday, February 27th, 2026. See the flyer for more details. 

Interested in Graduate School?

Check out these websites that provide guidance to those considering graduate school and during their academic journey.

Purdue Indy Engineering Graduate Programs

Available as a Professional Master's or Thesis Research Track, post-B.S. degrees are offered in biomedical, civil, electrical and computer, software, and mechanical. The MS in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Smart Cities and Urban Informatics may be of particular interest to EEEs. See the full flyer here.

Daniels School of Business Residential Master's Programs

Purdue's Daniels School of Business is offering STEM-infused, interdisciplinary Master's degrees in business and technology, global supply chain, and a one-year MBA. STEM students looking to build their leadership skills and increase their earning potential are encouraged to apply. See the fact sheet for the one-year MBA or the Masters of Business and Technology (MBT) here. All programs can be found at this site: Mitch Daniels School of Business - Purdue Business

PESC EXPO Scholarship

The Purdue Engineering Student Council (PESC) is excited to announce that the application for the 2026 EXPO Scholarship is now open! This merit-based $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to students who demonstrate a significant commitment to their education and community. The judges for the EXPO Scholarship are Purdue engineering professors with experience in various fields, and they will evaluate all applications based on academic merit, volunteer work, and overall quality. The EXPO Scholarship is open to all undergraduate engineering students graduating after Fall 2025. If you have previously won a PESC scholarship, you will NOT be eligible. Applications will be evaluated based on achievement, leadership, and personal growth. Students will share their experiences, goals, and reflections through a combination of background information and short responses that highlight their character, motivation, and potential for future success. To apply for the scholarship, please complete the appropriate application by December 31st, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Recipients will be notified at the beginning of February 2026.

Scholarship Application: https://forms.gle/hfnktyNky6aj9BeMA

College of Engineering Well-Being Survey and "Well-Engineered" Scholarship Opportunity

The College of Engineering wants your feedback! Take the 2025 Purdue Engineering Well-Being Survey to share your thoughts on student well-being, Purdue’s resources, and ideas for the CARES Hub in Armstrong.

Take the Survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ahOAgeBFlByrzvw

Free Cookie Giveaway: Screenshot your submission confirmation and pick up a cookie on Thursday, Nov. 13, 11:00–2:00 PM in the Dudley-Lambertus Lobby.

Survey closes Dec. 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

 

“Well-Engineered” Scholarship

PESC is proud to announce the return of the “Well-Engineered” Scholarship, celebrating students who promote mental health and well-being within Purdue Engineering.

 Awards: $500–$2,000

 Questions? Email pescwellengineeredscholarship@gmail.com

 Nominate yourself or a peer:

Self-Nomination Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TVgO7B8_88eSZsM61yEShmtbyJERhn1b/copy

Peer-Nomination Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CIqUF0XZBl69mrl9Lrx7o5bfRv5HThTe/copy

Science & Technology Studies (STS) Certificate

The STS Certificate is meant to expose students to the intersection of technology and liberal arts. For more information, visit the website (https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/certificates/science-and-technology-certificate/index.html) or see the flyer. 

LEED Green Associate Certification

EEE students should understand that LEED is one professional certification. Earning a PE license in engineering requires considerably more education, knowledge and experience, and all EEE graduates are qualified to eventually earn a PE license, which is significantly more valuable. On occasion, an EEE student will ask about LEED. LEED is more within the domain of the Arch Engr group within Civil. The LEED Green Associate (GA) credential is the only entry level sustainability designation and shows employers and clients that you have certified knowledge in the green building industry. Most people can take a short course and pass the LEED certification test. As a courtesy, the following info is being provided. It is not required or necessarily endorsed.

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training - Webinar and Online self-paced options:

LeadingGreen will be offering live webinars that can be streamed on any of the following dates:

1. November 15 2025 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST
2. December 20 2025 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST
3. January 17 2026 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST
4. February 14 2026 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST - OR -
5. On-demand recordings completed at your own pace

The above options (1-5) are all identical.

Register for a live online seminar or start today with our on-demand recorded workshop completed anytime at your own pace here - https://leadinggreen.com/online

Both options offer comprehensive training, practice exams, valuable tips, and required textbooks - all led by a USGBC Faculty member. It's the most efficient and affordable way to master the material without breaking the bank!

Cost: $200 with the coupon code ‘green’ for $100 off! (Non-students $300)

Please contact the instructor Lorne directly with any questions at info@leadinggreen.com.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Scholarship

Each year, ACEC Indiana extends scholarships to talented Hoosier college students who uphold the value of engineering for a better quality of life in Indiana. Recognizing the importance of attracting talented graduates, the scholarship program aims to support students who plan to work in the consulting engineering industry in Indiana after graduation.

To receive an ACEC Indiana Scholarship, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, including:

  • Be an Indiana resident
  • Enrolled as a full-time student entering at least their junior year
  • Attending an ABET-accredited college in Indiana
  • Be in good academic standing at 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Pursing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an eligible program: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Surveying
  • Prior industry experience (internship) with a consulting firm is highly encouraged

Last year, ACEC Indiana awarded $28,500 to collegiate students in Indiana (multiple recipients awarded annually, award amounts vary). Our scholarship is intended for students interested in working in the consulting engineering industry, but students in any of the above disciplines of Engineering may apply as well as those interested in Surveying. See the flyer here. 

Create an AwardSpring Account to Apply

The application is open until March 13, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Need to Organize Your Calendar?

Shovel is a real-time college planner app that Purdue is offering free to all students; it can help you to schedule your time effectively with less stress. You can enter your course requirements, co-curricular commitments, and/or employment hours--and be able to balance your time so that you also schedule downtime and breaks. You can access your free Shovel account by following this link and using your purdue.edu email to sign-up. More details and Self-Help Guides can be found here.

Horizons Student Support Services Accepting Applications

Horizons Student Support Services (SSS), a TRIO program, is still accepting applications for the 2025–26 cohort. The attached flyer includes a program overview and application link.  The SSS team will then verify eligibility and follow up with next steps. Horizons supports students who are first generation, income-eligible per federal TRIO income guidelines, and/or registered with Disability Resource Center for a documented disability evidencing academic need (at least 2/3 required). 

For questions, please contact the advising liaison and Horizons’ Assistant Director, Jazmyn Nichols, at horizons@purdue.edu.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is here to support students. Anyone seeking services can be seen for brief screen on the same day or next day when requesting services. Students can schedule these appointments online, by contacting the main line at 765-494-6995, or coming to PUSH. During the same day/next day brief screen appointment, the counselor and student develop a support plan and identify next steps. The longest wait for the next appointment is when a student wants individual counseling and the current wait for the next appointment is 2-3 weeks for a Routine Initial Consultation while an Urgent Initial Consultation is 1-2 days. 

See the Fall 2025 Welcome Letter, Let's Talk Drop-in Flyer, Anxiety Toolbox Flyer, or Wellness Workshop Poster for more information on CAPS events this semester. 

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The ASC offers a collection of services and programs designed to help students be successful in the classroom. Be proactive and review available resources now. Don’t wait till things get difficult to manage.  ASC provides:  Study Skills Consultations, Peer Success Coaching, Supplemental Instruction (SI), Workshops, Accountability Groups, and much more.  See ASC’s offerings at https://www.purdue.edu/asc/. 

QUESTIONS? For more specific information about each service, be sure to check out their homepages, or Email academicsuccess@purdue.edu, call 765-494-4700, or visit Wiley C215.

Some of the Fall 2025 events include: 

  • Workshop Schedule - They will be offering 9 workshops throughout the semester. All of the workshop descriptions and links to register are available here.

  • Accountability Groups – They are offering 14 Accountability Groups this semester. Students can view group times and join here. These groups provide students with consistent, dedicated study time, peer connection and support, and academic skill development. 

  • Peer Success Coaching – The Fall 2025 Peer Success Coach Request Form is now open. Peer Success Coaches serve as a point person for students as they navigate life at Purdue. Coaches function as guides, listeners, and motivational partners. Think you could benefit? attend PSC drop-in hours or request a personal PSC.

  • Supplemental Instruction (SI) - The Supplemental Instruction (SI) session and office hour schedule is live. Students enrolled in a SI linked course will also have a course titled Fall 2025 Supplemental Instruction on their Brightspace. This course will indicate session times, locations, leaders, and any changes made throughout the semester. 

  • Study Skills Consultations - Study Skills Consultations are individual meetings (in-person or virtual) with a professional staff member to discuss academic skills and strategies related to time management, studying, exam preparation, etc. Students can schedule an appointment using BoilerConnect.

 

Did you miss a previous newsletter? Click here.

 

 

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