Tools of the Trade
By: Linda Thurman
Faculty Associate for Student Professional Development
The Office of Student Development & Success
Lee College of Engineering
Tool # 1
COVER LETTERS:
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Tailored it
Inform, entice and captivate the reader
Business letter format
HIGHLIGHT your qualifications as they pertain to the
description/posting
Give short and concise examples to reinforce your point (s)
Do not apologize, avoid being ‘negative’ focus on the positive and what
you DO have to offer
Mention people and business skills- how did you get them?
Address these questions:
(1) What can you do for them?
(2) Why do you want this project?
(3) Why are you qualified for this project?
• Check for spelling, grammar usage and use descriptive/power action
verbs
August 31, 2006
Dr. Josh Conrade
Director of Engineering Systems
Flow Systems Inc.
123 Brookshire Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28200
Dear Dr. Conrade;
The accompanying resume is in response to your company’s technical project listing for the UNC Charlotte, Lee
College of Engineering Senior Design course. I am currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and my interests
are aligned with your company’s project as I have a strong desire to design HVAC systems for large commercial
buildings.
This past summer I was fortunate enough to be an intern with Dynamic Heating & Air Inc. and gained hands on
experience designing industrial HVAC systems using Solid works. I served as project manager for several small
projects, ranging from $5,000 to 50,000, which I completed on time and under budget. I also had an opportunity to
work with a team of experienced engineers on several large-scaled and complex projects (ranging from 1 million
to 5 million dollars). I enjoyed the challenge of working on my own as it allowed me to hone my project
management and organizational skills. However, I also found working on a team to be a very enlightening and
invaluable experience. As a team member, I had to give weekly status updates and served as the “unofficial notetaker”. This experienced helped me improve both my verbal and written communication skills.
In closing, I would like to reiterate my interest in your company’s HVAC project and hope that if you are looking for
a hard-working, dedicated and responsible individual, you will consider selecting me for this project. Thank you
kindly for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Will Ling
Tool # 2
RESUME
When it comes to your resume, you have immediate control over
these factors:
(1) How it looks (2) What it says (3) Who you send it to
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A good resume is a quick and easy read. It contains no fluff.
There are no unnecessary words.
It's a streamlined (tailored). 1 page long for college students
Use descriptive/power action verbs
DO NOT use “First person” tense (I, me, my, etc…)
NOT an autobiography of your life
Consider listing activities, courses, events or experiences that
make you “DIFFERENT” in a positive way
• Spelling and grammar usage and consistency --- a must
Objective
Seeking a challenging opportunity to work on an industrial solutions project emphasizing in networking and hardware
infrastructure.
Education
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering
Cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0
May 2007
Related Coursework:
Data Structures, Hardware System Design, Analog & Digital Communication, Network Theory II, and Computer Organization
& Architecture
Internship Experience
BellSouth Corporation, Charlotte, NC
Hardware Engineer Intern
May 2006 – August 2006
 Tested functionality of prototype router designs.
 Troubleshot the hardware at the component level.
 Consulted with hardware and software groups to implement necessary design changes.
 Worked with diagnostics and test engineers to provide strategies for optimal functional test coverage in manufacturing.
 Utilized laboratory test and troubleshooting equipment including meters, analyzers, oscilloscopes, frequency generators,
routers, and switches.
Technical Skills
C++, Verilog, VHDL, Embedded Systems, UNIX (Sun Solaris), VLSI, Clean room, Pspice, Windows NT, and Cisco Routers
Affiliations
IEEE, Member 2004-present
NSPE, Member 2006-present
Lee College of Engineering Leadership Academy, Graduate, May 2005
Interests
Building and fixing computers, guitar, intramural sports and chess
Tool # 3
You:
1. Self-assessment (interests & skills)
2. What do you have to offer to the project &
company
3. Reflect & strategize (no skills or experience….go get it)
Needed Skills & Abilities……
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Communication skills
Honesty/Integrity
Strong work ethic
Teamwork skills
Analytical skills
Motivation & Initiative
Interpersonal skills (get along with others)
Flexibility & Adaptability
Tool # 4
RESOURCES:
• The OSDS, Smith 228
– Books, Hand outs, CD’s (Post graduation plans)
– Linda Thurman, Smith 266 [email protected]
Office hours: 3-4 pm M-TH
• Writing Resource Center (Fretwell 220)
• Univ. Career Center (Atkins 150)
– Variety of resources, programs & services
– Ben Cudia, Engr. Career Advisor
FALL EVENTS
• FALL CAREER EXPO 9/13
SAC-Track
• ENGINEERING PICNIC
Hayes Field
10/13
• College of Engineering sponsored
“technical program/meetings’