Students
The Industrial Associates (IA) program connects optics students with industry professionals, very often leading to job opportunities.
Industrial Associates meetings are held in the fall and spring semesters. Each meeting features presentations by faculty and industry partners, a student poster session, and job interviews. The Friday evening reception provides a networking opportunity for members, students, and faculty in a relaxed environment.
The Company Connection Showcase, which provides excellent face-to-face interaction for IA members with students.
For years, optics students have enjoyed virtually 100 percent job placement rate upon graduation, in part due to their active participation in IA events. All Institute of Optics students are highly encouraged to attend Industrial Associates events.
Preparing for IA Meetings
Before going to an IA meeting, students should:
- Attend a resume workshop hosted by the Institute of Optics or the Greene Career Center.
- Create your resume using a template from the workshop and have it reviewed by Greene Career Center staff or a staff member of the Institute.
- Submit your resume to Dustin Newman at dustin.newman@rochester.edu.
- Develop your “elevator pitch.” In other words, your 30 second speech on why a company should hire you.
- What makes you unique?
- What qualifications do you have?
- What sets you apart?
- Research the companies who are attending. Review IA’s member organizations and see which companies you find to be the most interesting. Look at what they do and what types of positions they have.
- Register to attend the IA meeting.
- Wear business casual clothing to the IA meeting but have your best business attire set aside and wear it to any interview you schedule.
- DON’T BE SHY! These company representatives came to see you so make the uncomfortable step and go talk to the people that are in a position to hire you. Remember, they were once students themselves and know what it is like to be in your “shoes” and may be just as uncomfortable as you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.