About the Backpack to Briefcase Series

In September and October, CEE presents a series of informational seminars geared towards preparing students for their transition to a professional workplace. This annual event features topics ranging from résumé preparation to salary negotiations and is an excellent opportunity for students to begin working towards a successful career.

Details on the individual sessions and registration links are provided in the Session Guide below. To attend, click on the "Register" link to sign up. Registration for each session opens one week prior to that event. Note that participation is limited to current CEE students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus.

If you are an alumnus or company interested in participating or sponsoring a session, please contact Amy Whitaker at amwhit@illinois.edu.

2025 Fall Session Guide:

Recruiters: What They Want to Hear

Thursday, August 28
2311 Yeh Center
5:30pm - 6:30pm

In this session, you'll learn about what recruiters are looking for when you meet with them and how you can make a good first impression. This event is a great way to start preparing for the fall CEE Job Fair and ECS Career Fair.

Resume Workshop + Live Resume Reviews

Wednesday, September 3
1017 CEE Building
5:30pm - 7:30pm

Bring your résumé to this review night and find out if it's ready for action. In this session, you will learn what makes a resume stand out, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to highlight your experience. This session includes a live resume review with constructive feedback and a Q&A where you can ask alumni career-specific questions to help tailor your resume for success. This event is a great way to prepare yourself for the fall CEE Job Fair and the ECS Career Fair.

Powering Through the Interview

Wednesday, September 17
2311 Yeh Center
5:30pm - 6:30pm

You'll hear from an industry professional who will share insights on how to prepare for interviews. Learn what to expect, how to highlight your strengths, and strategies to make a lasting impression.

Negotiating Salary and Job Benefits

Wednesday, September 24
2311 Yeh Center
5:30pm - 6:30pm

Learn effective strategies for negotiating salary and job benefits with confidence. This session will provide practical tips to help you evaluate offers and advocate for yourself as you begin your new career.

Student Panel Discussion: Participating in Student Organizations

CANCELED

Student organizations can be useful tools to help you begin your journey of networking and career development. In this panel discussion, you'll hear first-hand how participating in RSOs opened doors and created opportunities for students just like you.

2026 Spring Session Guide:

What to Expect in the Workplace

Wednesday, January 28
Virtual (via Zoom)
5:30pm - 6:30pm

Making the transition from school to a professional workplace can be intimidating. Come learn how to adapt to the workplace as an intern or new hire. This panel discussion brings together CEE alumni and Alumni Association board members working in a variety of private fields such as consulting, design, and construction, as well as public sector municipalities and governmental agencies, to discuss their own personal working environments and conditions. Panelists will share advice on how to match your personality with workplace expectations and how to position oneself for career advancement.

International Career Search Success

Wednesday, February 4
Virtual (via Zoom)
5:30pm - 6:30pm

Searching for a job after graduation is a daunting task for all students. Added to an already stressful process, international students also have to be aware of visa policies, CPT/OPT options and legal obligations, all while selling themselves to a potential job opportunity. The team at Mott MacDonald is knowledgeable in the art of sponsoring F1 Visa employees, and will help you navigate the tricky waters to a successful job search. Learn tips and tricks during a short presentation by CEE alumni followed by a panel discussion with Mott MacDonald’s CEE International alumni.

For official university of Illinois OPT, CPT, STEM and H-IB information please visit the following ISSS sites:
For CPT: http://isss.illinois.edu/students/employment/f1cpt.html
For OPT information: http://isss.illinois.edu/students/employment/f1opt.html
For STEM: http://isss.illinois.edu/students/employment/f1_optext.html

Nurturing Your New Career

Wednesday, February 11
Virtual (via Zoom)
5:30pm - 6:30pm

You have a knockout resume that has been reviewed, critiqued and polished. You made it through the interviewing process unscathed. You got a job offer and successfully negotiated an acceptable salary and benefits. You know what to expect when you start your new job. But do you know how to turn that new job into a meaningful lifetime career? In this final spring session of the Backpack to Briefcase Series, members of the CEE Alumni Association Young Engineers Division will talk about how to nurture and enhance your career to achieve ongoing success and happiness. We will explore the importance of ongoing networking, continuing education, involvement in trade associations, involvement in your community, and how to handle the stress of balancing your career with all of the other aspects of your life.

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