It might seem unusual to hear 23-year-olds use the word “nostalgia” to describe an experience.
But the term fits when it comes to Sheldon Blackamore and Emma De La Cruz and the recent College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) Fall Job and Internship Fair.
For both 2024 graduates from the Department of Engineering Technology, it has been a rapid transition from undergraduate to professional.
On September 24, they represented their companies at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. Blackamore is a business development associate with Omron Electric Components, while De La Cruz is an associate product manager in the mechatronics division of Mitsubishi.
Those businesses were among the 45-plus companies who met with hundreds of Huskies, mostly undergraduate and graduate students as well as some alumni, over a five-hour span. Representatives of the companies repeatedly expressed how impressed they were with the caliber of CEET students’ preparation and professionalism, said CEET Dean Dave Grewell.
Among the companies were BorgWarner, Collins Aerospace, the Federal Aviation Administration, G & W Electric, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Trane, UL Solutions and Woodward, Inc.
“We’re proud of our students,” Grewell said. “Through workshops and ongoing communications, we’ve emphasized how important it is that they put their best foot forward when interacting with companies.”
As for their full circle moments, Blackamore and De La Cruz enjoyed connecting with students, some of whom they studied alongside until only recently.
“It was a great experience to offer advice to students and share my journey—especially since I met my boss at the same fair just a year ago, which led to my current role,” De La Cruz said. “It really reinforced how career fairs can open doors you might not expect.”
For Blackamore, the day “made me realize how quickly time flies. Reliving the experience of being in the same position as the students were just a year and a half ago was quite nostalgic.”
His approach as a student was to bring at least 50 copies of his resume and “visit every single table to get myself out there.”
“It may feel very overwhelming,” he said, “but it’s crucial to improve your communication and people skills.”
The two shared further insights:
Q: What are some of the tips you’d have for students about navigating the transition from school to the workforce?
De La Cruz: Don’t limit yourself to just one field or opportunity. I found product management during school because it allowed me to combine my interests in mechanical, electrical, technology and business, without being confined to a lab like a traditional engineer.
I also discovered that I enjoy marketing and get to apply my technical mindset in that space too. The transition can be tough but exploring different paths and finding what you’re passionate about can make a huge difference. Stay open to networking too—it played a huge role in helping me land where I am today.
Blackamore: First, understand what you like to do or define your career interests. Understanding your passions will help you find a career you truly enjoy. Companies don’t expect you to know everything right after graduation, so it’s important to have the willingness to absorb information and grow in your chosen career.
Also, create an outline for your short-term and long-term career goals and identify the steps needed to achieve them.
Q: While at NIU, what were some of the most important lessons you learned in the classroom? Outside the classroom?
De La Cruz: In the classroom, I learned the technical skills that formed the foundation of my career, but I also learned the importance of teamwork.
Many of the projects required us to collaborate with others, which is something I do daily now. Outside the classroom, I learned to balance multiple responsibilities as a tutor and student ambassador, which helped me develop leadership and communication skills—crucial for the role I’m in now.
Post-grad life can be challenging because you often have to take the initiative to find answers and figure things out on your own. One thing that helped me was finding an area I’m passionate about—automation. Stay curious, explore your options, and trust that you don’t have to fit into one traditional role. There are many opportunities that can align with your diverse interests.
Blackamore: Never be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from professors, other students or staff. Everyone wants to help you succeed and utilizing your resources will help you do so. The community at NIU is strong and has helped me get through tough exams, quizzes, and even assignments.
Make sure to utilize your professor’s office hours and study sessions if you’re struggling. It’s important to manage your time and stay organized with all your classes and assignments.
The next CEET Job and Internship Fair will be Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Information about other NIU-wide career services events and opportunities can be found here.
