"We are a very focused university:" Hundreds of MSOE students take big step in professional world



MILWAUKEE -- Hundreds of MSOE students took a big step in the professional world Friday, October 9th. They met with employers at the school's career fair, but that is not the only reason they'll likely have a better chance at getting hired right out of school.

MSOE Career Fair



MSOE's Kern Center was packed with a record setting 250 employers from around the country.

"It makes it a lot easier than spending hours looking for companies online that have job openings," said MSOE senior Elizabeth Schmitt.

Elizabeth  Schmitt graduates in February as an industrial engineer. She know she only has a few minutes to impress.

But in a tough job market these students might have a leg up.

"We are looking for hands-on students, which are really hard to find," said Jake Nagel, Rockwell Collins Recruiter.

"We don't have those challenges some of the liberal arts students face," said MSOE Director of Career Services Mary Spencer.

In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, engineering is at the top of the list of degrees most companies want right now.

"We are a very focused university. We have the disciplines that are in high demand -- we're talking engineering, business, MIS, nursing," said Spencer.

When you think of a career fair at a college, you might think seniors looking for jobs, but not at this one. You'll also find freshmen, sophomores and juniors because MSOE encourages students to network early.

MSOE Career Fair



"I got my first internship my freshman year, by coming to this career fair," said Schmitt.

Now, it's all about staying focused and patient.

MSOE has a job placement rate of 96 percent for graduating seniors. The career fair happens each fall.