Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

 The overall objective of this course is to provide students with career advancement and career management skills. Specifically, the weekly seminar sessions will help students develop skills in job search, research and presentation, critical reading and thinking, technical report writing, ethics in technology, and project management.Additionally, these sessions will provide students with opportunities to network with program graduates and articulate with local electronic industry professionals. Guest speakers from local industry will make presentations for many of these seminar sessions. Through these sessions, students will gain knowledge regarding various semiconductor industries, employment opportunities, duties and responsibilities of electronic technicians and technologists, manufacturing technicians and technologists, and skills needed to be successful and continue to advance. Representatives from a 4-year institution will make presentations on required skills, and knowledge and course work needed to transfer to a four-year institution for a baccalaureate degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. A mock interview session simulating actual job interviews will be offered. Interviewers will be comprised of industry managers and engineers from organizations such as Hewlett Packard, Tektronix, Intel, Maxim, ESI, and other employers in the Portland metropolitan area. This is a one-credit course that meets once a week. This course is a requirement for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student wishes to transfer.

After completing this course the student will:

• Research the industry and potential employers, develop an effective resume and cover letters, and employ effective interview techniques for a position within electronic engineering technology or related field.
   
• Effectively communicate technical skills as an electronic engineering technician or related-position

This course will be presented through lecture and discussion sessions. Guest speakers from local industries will make presentations for a majority of the seminar sessions. The methods of delivery will also utilize audio-visual and power point presentations.

Themes, Concepts, and Issues
The following skills are critical for engineers and engineering technicians in Electronic Engineering Technology:

• Job Search and Career Advancement Skills
• Research and Critical Thinking Skills
• Effective Written and Oral Communications/Presentation Skills
• Networking Skills, Connect with Local Industries
• Professionalism Including Ethical Conduct
• Project Management Skills, Large and Small
• Participation in Team Projects
• Interpersonal Skills
• An Understanding of New Trends

Suggested Topics
Research of local industries
"PCC Education And How It Helped Me In My Job,"- several seminar sessions are conducted during the term by former graduates, who are employed by firms (Intel, Maxim, ESI, Tektronix, among others) in the Portland metropolitan area.
Trends in the Electronic & Computer Industries
"Skills We Look For In Our Employees", seminar sessions offered by employers, managers/supervisors of semiconductor Industries
Develop critical reading and thinking skills- review articles, make value judgments about uncertain information.
Ethics in Engineering & Technology
Finding The Perfect Job - Job Search Skills - Writing Effective Resumes, Cover Letters/Thank You Notes
Continuing Your Education at OIT
Mock Interviews conducted by Industry Representatives