Get Ready For The Professional Workplace
Once you have assessed your offer(s)—whether for a co-op, internship, or full-time position—and made a decision about where you want to work, be sure to do the following things before you start your job.
If you will be completing a co-op or internship position:
- Formally accept the job offer at your employer of choice and sign any necessary acceptance paperwork
- Talk to your academic adviser or department coordinator to confirm how you can use your co-op or internship credits toward your degree in your major
- Make housing arrangements both at your work site and at Penn State, if you intend to return to Penn State in the semester following your work experience
- If you are receiving financial aid, talk to an adviser in the Office of Student Aid about how your financial aid package may be impacted by your co-op or internship experience
- Plan to attend any orientation programs that are offered on-site
- Confirm details you will need to know on arrival at the work site (e.g., appropriate dress, starting time, etc.)
If you will be starting a permanent full-time position:
- Formally accept the job offer at your employer of choice and sign any necessary acceptance paperwork
- Ask the employer about benefits packages
- Talk to the employer about relocation assistance, including help in finding suitable housing in the vicinity of the company
- If you have been receiving financial aid, talk to an adviser in the Office of Student Aid to get answers to any questions you may have about loan repayment following graduation
- Plan to attend any orientation programs that are offered on-site
- Confirm details you will need to know on arrival at the work site (e.g., appropriate dress, starting time, etc.)
Engineering Career Resources & Employer Relations staff also offer some useful tips on how you can be successful in any workplace.
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