L to R : New graduate and former IEEE Student President from the University of Minnesota, Chris Post; Engineering Test Manager John Hoschette, and new graduate and former IEEE Student President at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Dustin Dykhoff

Joining the IEEE Before Joining the Workforce Pays Off

by John Hoschette

This past year, engineering manager John Hoschette faced the challenge of hiring 10 new engineering graduates. He turned to Lockheed Martin’s Human Resources department for help in identifying potential candidates.

The HR department identified more than 75 candidates from around the nation. John and his team of four hiring supervisors screened the candidates carefully before selecting more than 20 students for interviews. The hiring team narrowed the field to 10 finalists, which included Chris Post and Dustin Dykhoff.

John asked his hiring supervisors why they rated Chris and Dustin so highly and why they selected them as finalists. The supervisors noted that these new grads displayed great presentation skills, outstanding communication skills, and had excellent education credentials. He then asked Chris and Dustin to explain how they developed such superior skills. They both said that serving as IEEE student presidents helped them tremendously.

Being a student member and IEEE officer helps new graduates stand out in the crowd. Congratulations, Chris and Dustin, on your new positions!

What are Chris and Dustin doing for their careers now? Joining IEEE Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) of course!

John Hoschette is an engineering manager with Lockheed Martin in Eagan, Minn., and a senior member and resource speaker for the IEEE. He is also the author of Career Advancement and Survival for Engineers and co-owner of the CTS Group, which provides career and technical training for engineers. He can be reached at todaysengineer@ieee.org.

For more information on the IEEE's Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) program, visit www.ieee.org/organizations/rab/gold.