Code of Ethics
The Engineering Career Center requires students to act professionally and ethically in all aspects of recruiting and career services, with the acknowledgment that providing misinformation* in the recruiting process or failure to follow through with accepted appointments, interviews or job offers may result in the loss of career center privileges.
By signing into the eCONNECTION system, you have acknowledged that you have read and agree to the policies of the Engineering Career Center.
*Misinformation includes, but is not limited to, misrepresenting one’s academic major on resumes, job applications, and/or in conversations with company representatives. Additionally, misinformation includes, but is not limited to, misrepresenting one’s status in the United States on job applications.
Student Account Registration
The Engineering Career Center utilizes a career management system, eCONNECTION, powered by Symplicity to help Cullen College of Engineering majors develop professionally as they navigate their career journey. To complete your student profile on eCONNECTION click here.
Counseling Appointment No-Show Policy
After one no-show for a scheduled appointment (resume review, cover letter review, mock interview, or general career counseling) without notifying a member of the Engineering Career Center team, a student will be “soft-blocked” in eCONNECTION which will limit access to many services.
A student with two or more no-shows for scheduled appointments without prior notification is subject to getting blocked for the remainder of the current academic semester in eCONNECTION. Notification will be sent, and students must meet with the Career Development Specialist to determine whether access should be granted.
Professional Development Events
The Engineering Career Center has curated professional development programs designed for Cullen College of Engineering majors to broaden their knowledge and develop professional skills. These events serve as platforms where students can engage in various learning opportunities, including workshops, networking events, and career fairs.
Resume Café
Resume Café is a two-day event that takes place every semester before the Career Fair, aimed to provide students guidance and support in crafting a strategic resume, which is crucial for securing internships and job opportunities, while also offering valuable insights into effective self-presentation for future career success. This event also provides students an opportunity to have their resumes reviewed by industry professionals.
Networking Social
Connecting with industry professionals is an integral part of career development. The Networking Social takes place every semester before the career fair and serves as an opportunity for employers to network with students in a less formal setting.
Career Fair
The UH Engineering and Technology Career Fair is a two-day event that serves as a platform for companies and Cullen College of Engineering majors to come together to explore job opportunities and establish connections. Students get an opportunity to interact with recruiters, gather information about potential employers, available positions, recruitment processes, and showcase their accomplishments.
Mock Interview Day
Mock Interview Day offers students a simulated interview experience, allowing them to practice their interviewing skills in a supportive environment. Industry professionals provide constructive feedback, helping students enhance their performance and boost their confidence for real-world interviews. This event is a one-day event and takes place after the career fair every semester.
Through these career development events, the Engineering Career Center aims to empower students to realize their full potential, prepare them for challenges, and build meaningful connections with employers to ultimately secure employment opportunities and career growth.
Please Note: To attend these events, you MUST be an active student or a recent graduate* of Cullen College of Engineering and Technology.
*A recent graduate refers to an individual who completed their degree one semester prior to attending the career fair, e.g., if attending the Fall Career Fair, the individual graduated in the spring.
Job Offers
Evaluating Job Offers
Choosing a job offer is a significant step for students. The Engineering Career Center provides resources to assist students in assessing job offers, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with their career goals. Career Resources.
Accepting Job Offers
If a student has accepted a job offer, it is highly recommended that they discontinue the job search. The Engineering Career Center is committed to counseling students as it relates to the entire job search process, including but not limited to, application, interview, job offer review, acceptance, and much more. Many employers consider it unprofessional to accept a position only to later decline when a more appealing offer is given; reneging on an offer can have a significant impact on the Cullen College of Engineering. We advise students to carefully evaluate the offer, before accepting or declining. The Engineering Career Center supports students by helping them make the right decision for them BEFORE they commit.
Job Scams
In recent years, there has been a rise in fraudulent and illegal job scams conducted through email or phone communications nationwide. The Engineering Career Center treats fraudulent claims very seriously. The University of Houston Career Services has created a page for students and alumni to learn how to identify a job scam. To learn more, click here.
Interview Cancellation/No-Show Policy
Late Cancellations and No-Shows result in companies having open slots on their schedules that are difficult to fill and can potentially affect the relationship between the college, the career center, and industry partners. To promote and encourage student behavior that is consistent with our goal of having a robust recruiting program, the following policies are in effect:
- No-Show: Interview No-Shows are not tolerated. A no-show is defined as a student who cancels a scheduled interview at the last minute or fails to arrive for their scheduled interview time.
- Late Cancellation: An interview canceled less than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled interview date is considered a late cancellation. For example, if you have an interview scheduled for Monday, you have until 5:00 pm the preceding Wednesday to cancel without being considered a Late Cancellation. Remember weekends and holidays CANNOT be counted in the 2-day period.
- Cancellations: Students unable to keep an appointment for an on-campus interview may cancel the interview two (2) days prior to their scheduled interview through eCONNECTION without penalty.
- Penalty: Late Cancellation or No-Show will automatically result in suspension from eCONNECTION for one long academic semester.
- Appeal Process: For a Late Cancellation and/or No-Show, the student must schedule an appointment with the Career Development Specialist via eCONNECTION. At the scheduled appointment, students must provide a draft of an apology email that will be sent to the recruiter/company representative. If a student fails to complete this step, access to eCONNECTION will extend past the initial one-semester period.
Our policy is not meant to harm the student but to help the Engineering Career Center office maintain collaborative relationships with companies that recruit Cullen College of Engineering students for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment opportunities. When a student fails to maintain their responsibility in the recruiting process, strong relationships may result in lost resources and access to future opportunities for students not only within the college but the university overall.
First Offense
If a student cancels an interview late or fails to keep a scheduled interview appointment with an employer, they must do the following:
- Make an individual appointment to discuss the late cancellation or no-show with the Career Development Specialist.
- Draft an apology letter/email to the employer.
- Bring a draft of the apology to the appointment.
- If not completed promptly, eCONNECTION privileges will be terminated until the start of the next academic semester.
Second Offense
If a student cancels an interview late or fails to keep a scheduled interview appointment with an employer, eCONNECTION privileges will be immediately revoked for the remainder of the academic year.
Apology Email
An apology is important, as it helps to repair a tarnished image due to an interview cancellation or no-show with a company that recruits Cullen College of Engineering majors. The apology should include:
- Explanation for the late cancellation or no-show
- Genuine regret and acknowledge the inconvenience to the recruiter given his/her time and preparation.
- A request consideration for an alternative time to meet or express your continued interest in the company.
Student Obligations
- A student should fulfill all promises and obligations.
- Provide the Engineering Career Center with accurate information.
- Adhere to schedules.
- Accept an offer of employment in good faith.
- Notify employers promptly of an acceptance or non-acceptance of a job offer.
- Withdraw from the recruiting process after accepting a job offer.
- Interview only with employers that you are interested in working for and have met the company's eligibility requirements.
- Dress and conduct yourself in a manner that models the College's commitment to the community.
- Be prepared for all recruiting events.
- Uphold ethical guidelines.