University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Grainger College of Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Backpack to Briefcase Series

Overview

In the fall and spring semesters, CEE presents a series of informational seminars geared towards preparing students for their transition to a professional workplace. This annual series 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 Fall & Spring Session Guides 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 alum or company interested in participating or sponsoring a session, please contact Amy Whitaker at amwhit@illinois.edu.

Backpack to Briefcase

2025 FALL SESSION GUIDE

Recruiters: What They Want to Hear

You’ll hear directly from recruiters who will be attending this fall’s CEE Job Fair as they share what makes students stand out, common mistakes to avoid, tips for preparing your elevator pitch, and how to follow up effectively. Don’t miss this chance to gain practical advice from the people you’ll be meeting at the job fair.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

Resume Workshop + Live Resume Reviews

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.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

Powering Through the Interview

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.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

Negotiating Salary and Job Benefits

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.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

Student Panel Discussion: Participating in Student Organizations

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.

TBD

Registration opens one week prior to session.

Backpack to Briefcase

2026 SPRING SESSION GUIDE

What to Expect in the Workplace

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.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

International Career Search Success

Searching for a job after graduation is a daunting task for all students. For international students, the process can be even more complex, with visa policies, CPT/OPT options, and legal obligations to navigate, all while presenting themselves as strong candidates. Join CEE alumni for a presentation sharing tips and strategies for a successful job search.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.

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

You've landed your dream job and you know what to expect on day one, but what happens after that? The CEE Alumni Association Young Engineers Division will share strategies for nurturing and advancing your career. Learn how ongoing networking, continuing education, involvement in professional and community organizations, and effective stress management can help you achieve long-term success and fulfillment.

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

Registration opens one week prior to session.