OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the 2021 Engineering Work Experience (EWX) Program at Portland State University are 1) to provide high-performing, diverse students with opportunities to obtain work experience at engineering and technology companies in the Portland region during the summer before their senior year with an option to continue full or part-time during their senior year, 2) to provide companies with an opportunity to work with some of the best PSU engineering students before graduation, and 3) to provide feedback to PSU on how to better prepare PSU engineering students for successful careers.

OVERVIEW

The program is limited to students in their junior year in electrical and computer engineering. The program admission is selective and competitive. We expect to have 2-3 candidates for every available position. Candidates will be mentored and coached to prepare for the interview process. Students will submit resumes and company preferences. Employers will review resumes and provide preferences for candidates they wish to interview. PSU staff will create the interview schedule.

SCHEDULE

12/07/20       Employer applications due.  
12/09/20       Employers notified of admission status
1/1/21           Employer position descriptions due
1/11/21         Student applications due
1/22/21         Student selection finalized
1/25/21         Student final resumes available
2/05/21         Interview day (MME/ ECE)
2/12/21         Interview day (CEE).
2/26/21         Student placement notification


COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES

Employers must have at least one open position to participate in the program, and must provide a position description by the deadline. The position must pay $20/h or more, be for 12 weeks in duration or more, and include at least 30 h/week of work during the summer. An employer representative with authority to make a hiring decision must attend the interviews for each position, and up to two representatives may attend the interview. The employer must make offers to the students within 3 weeks of the interview day. If interviewed students are not sufficiently qualified, the employer may choose to not fill the position. The employer also has no obligation to continue offering employment after the summer. Employers are expected to share information and feedback with PSU staff about offers made, student strengths/weaknesses, feedback during summer internship, and ideas about how to improve the program.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Frank Goovaerts <fhg@pdx.edu>.