Message from the Director
Dear ECE Alumni,
As director of alumni, student (and corporate) relations for the ECE department, I can say with even greater certainty this year that it is a great time to be an ECE student or alumnus. ECE remains one of the top-ranked engineering programs in the world. In addition, the August 21 issue of Newsweek hailed Carnegie Mellon University as one of the “New Ivies” in recognition of its stellar academic achievements that have put it on par with other “Ivy League” institutions.
These sentiments are echoed by the many companies that recruit our students and seek connections with our alumni. I consistently hear from company representatives that they value ECE grads for their extreme smarts, creative energy and work ethic. If they want to move their company to the next level, they know it is Carnegie Mellon-educated employees and, in particular, ECE grads who will help make it happen. Consequently, the ECE and Carnegie Mellon professional network is becoming ever more valuable. It is also becoming more available.
In the last year, Carnegie Mellon developed two online methods that make it easier for alumni and industry to connect. Career Services helps alumni to search for experienced positions and the Alumni Relations website now has an online career center where alumni may post positions for other alumni to view, along with a full range of career resources.
Important connections are also occurring via Network Night events around the country. Network Nights is a joint effort of technical and non-technical disciplines that bring together Carnegie Mellon students and alumni with companies in areas such as Boston, the Bay Area, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Through some ingenious methods, appropriate introductions are made and quality conversations extend into an enjoyable evening of professional networking. I am looking forward to meeting more of you at these events next year.
As an ECE alum, you are always welcome to return to campus to stir up cherished memories and to see all that is new. When you do, be sure to stop by the Department and say hello. You may want to keep two campus events in mind—Homecoming and ECE Day.
The tradition of fall Homecoming now consists of a Friday meet/greet with the ECE Department Head in his office, followed by a reception for all engineering alums. Early Saturday morning you’re invited to rise and shine for a networking breakfast with some ECE faculty.
ECE Day is a new annual tradition in late April or early May that resulted from the sense of pride and community that was felt by last year’s undergraduate class. This event is organized and hosted by ECE Student Advisory Council in conjunction with the other ECE student organizations, IEEE, HKN, WinECE and EGO.
Let me remind you to look for the combined ECE/CS alumni events that often occur in national and international locations during the summer months. These delightful get-togethers will be reflected on the ECE Event Calendar. If you have provided your email address, you will receive periodic updates and reminders about events in your area. If you have not, please consider adding this information to your profile on the campus Alumni Relations website. If you prefer to be in the ECE database, feel free to contact me via email.
Finally, what if you are an alumnus representing a company that wants to recruit current ECE students for internships and full-time positions? In addition to talking with the Career Center, please feel free to contact me.
I hope this information will help you enjoy and strengthen your ties to the Carnegie Mellon network and the ECE community.
Best wishes,
Susan
Susan Farrington
Director of Alumni and Student Relations