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. 

I am sure you are all ready for a break.  Thanksgiving vacation is a great time to apply for job opportunities and graduate school or to polish up your resume and LinkedIn account.  Putting in a little extra time over the holiday when you don’t have classes can really help with your job search.  While meeting with family and friends over the break, you could also practice your elevator speech and ask for their feedback.  Meeting and talking with a variety of people is a great way to “practice” your networking skills.  In addition, by speaking with people about EEE and your specific interests you might learn about a job opportunity!

Not sure how to network?  Here are some tips to get you started.  The tips at the end for starting conversation are in regard to noncareer fair discussions.  When you have a short time meeting with a recruiter you need to talk about your interests and skills and relate them to the company.   Some networking tips are found here. 

As we head into the end of the fall semester, many of you have or will be hearing from companies.  If you have a job offer, check out the CCO online.  The CCO gives some good information on evaluating job offers, negotiating aspects of your position, and even how to professionally accept or decline an offer: https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Students/JobOffersandNegotiation.  The Career Portal provides online free support for the job search via employer research, salary date, and interview and resume guides.  If you have questions on an offer or on comparing offers and would like advice, contact me.  I have helped many EEEs with salaries and negotiating their offers.

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.

Fall 2026 Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity

Students interested in conducting research about Greening the Digital Economy, Transportation, or Decarbonizing Steel and Electricity are invited to apply. More information can be found on the flyer. 

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

Interested in Graduate School?

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

• GradThriving  - co-founded by a couple Purdue employees along with other colleagues from four other universities.
• Purdue-specific info - https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/ProspectiveGraduate
• Not necessarily Purdue-specific, in terms of who can apply - https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/gradtrack (You might recognize names on the Scholar side.)

Cornell Engineering - Systems Engineering M. Eng. Program virtual session

Register to attend a virtual information session about the Cornell Systems Engineering M.Eng. Program, held on Wednesday, Nov 5 at 8PM ET.  Register at this link.  Other dates and info available here. Fall 2026 Apps Due: May 31, 2026

Learn About:

Curriculum & Course Offerings

Real-World M.Eng. Project Examples

Specialized Pathways in SEMI, Health, & Energy Systems

Professional Certificate Opportunities

Admissions & Application Requirements

GRE waived for 2025 - 2026 applicants

Application fee waiver codes available upon request

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. 

Systems Certificate

The Purdue Systems Collaboratory is offering a Systems Certificate to "equip the next generation of systems thinkers with the tools and approaches for tackling the world’s complex challenges – to move our world forward." See the flyer for more information and learn about the courses here: https://www.purdue.edu/collaboratory/

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.

Help SEE Reach Goal of Picking Up 1 million Pieces of TRASH!

In celebration of earning over $1 Million on Purdue Day of Giving, SEE pledged to pick up a piece of trash for every dollar donated. We need all hands on deck to achieve this goal. We invite you to collect and properly dispose of litter (and document it with pictures/videos!). Help us reach our goal of picking up 1 million pieces of trash! 

Use this link to report how much trash you collect and to submit pictures/videos: Help SEE Pick Up 1 Million Pieces of Trash

The link will remain open, so keep collecting trash and adding it to our count! 

SCAA Environmental Excellence Award

The Spill Control Association of America (SCAA) Environmental Excellence Award is awarded annually to three students conducting studies in the areas of Oil Spill Response, Disaster Response & Recovery, and Emerging Contaminants. Three $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded. Two EEE seniors won last year, so you are encouraged to apply! Applications are due November 17th, 2025. Find more information on their website: https://www.scaa-spill.org/scaa-scholarship-opportunities

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.

Create an AwardSpring Account to Apply

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

Hypersonic Horizons 2025: The High-Speed Video Challenge

The Joint Hypersonics Transition Office (JHTO) is pleased to announce the release of Hypersonic Horizons 2025: The High-Speed Video Challenge! This video competition is intended to introduce students to hypersonics science concepts and career opportunities. Students will answer questions designed to spark an interest in hypersonic wind tunnel testing and will have a chance at part of a $50,000 prize pool! The top prize is $10,000 paid directly to the student.   

The prize challenge is open, and more information can be found at https://hypersonics.tamu.edu/hypersonic-horizons-2025-the-high-speed-video-challenge/

JHTO reports to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Science & Technology (OASW (S&T)), and is responsible for accelerating hypersonics technology, developing the hypersonics workforce and moving hypersonic technologies from the conceptual to prototypes and then to working hypersonic vehicles.   

The challenge is open to any high school student or post-secondary school students enrolled in an undergraduate program, junior college, technical college, community college, vocational school, or trade school program. 

Grief Sucks

Grief Sucks is a discussion-based student organization focusing on fostering community and making grief talkable. They meet weekly on Thursdays. More information can be found on the flyer.

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.

CARES Hub Check-In & Chat

Emma Brehm, social work grad student, has started Check-In & Chat for students - No therapy. No diagnosis. No appointment.  Just confidential walk-in hours to talk about whatever students want to discuss...personal issues, time management, stress, and more.  Emma is super supportive, nonjudgmental, and full of great ideas and resources!  Details on Flyer, or see below: 

The CARES Hub will be closed the entire week of Thanksgiving!

Mondays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in ABE 1034; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in ME 3057

Thursdays from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in LMBS 2243

Fridays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in ARMS 1264

Students are also able to schedule time with Emma by emailing her at brehme@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. 

FYE Academic Success Program is Seeking Volunteer Mentors

First-Year Engineering is seeking upper-class students to be mentors for the First-Year Engineering students that are on Academic Notice for the Spring 2026 semester. You can read more information about the ASP program here.  If you would like SEE to nominate you for consideration, please contact Tammi Thayer (thayert@purdue.edu) no later than Monday, Nov 24 by 9AM.

Mentors are expected to meet with their mentee(s) two times per month for about 20-30 minutes each time, starting in February through April. Most mentors will only have 1-2 mentees assigned to them. There will be a brief meeting at the start of the semester to go over best practices and give mentors an opportunity to share ideas with each other. FYE would like to have mentors paired up with a mentee by the end of the second week of spring classes. It’s not a paid position but you can add the experience/skills acquired to your resume - mentors' focus is on having conversations with the student about how to keep organized, how to manage their time, study, take effective notes, and where you go when help is needed. 

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.