This summer, CCE’s Employer and Alumni Relations team explored opportunities for students in North Carolina’s “Research Triangle” which is centered around Duke University, NC State, and UNC Chapel Hill. The Research Triangle is a buzzing area known for its rapid industry growth and appeal. Since RTP (Research Triangle Park) opened in 1959, it has become home to over 300 companies in fields like biotech, IT, and pharma. Businesses love “The Triangle” for its lower costs, great financial incentives, and pool of talented workers. For people living and working there, it offers plenty of job opportunities, fun cultural spots, and a great quality of life.
The team engaged in meaningful discussions with a diverse group of employers in order to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available in the Research Triangle area. We connected with organizations focused on sustainability, biotech, science, engineering, and more! For a closer look at the companies visited, view their websites or profiles on LionSHARE:
KEY INSIGHTS
Our meetings were filled with valuable insights from employers. We narrowed them down to three key areas:
Resume Insights:
We received valuable resume advice that will help you stand out among candidates.
Across the board, employers advised students to make sure they consult with CCE on their resumes and ensure there are no major formatting or spelling errors. Ed Spears from Eaton Corporation mentioned that a resume is looked at by multiple members of the team, so it’s important that it is up to the highest standards.
Additionally, he stressed the significance of making a clear connection between the role you’re applying for and the experiences you highlight on your resume, even if that means listing relevant coursework or club activities. He added that for Eaton, cover letters are very important, as they provide an opportunity to elaborate on your background and passion for the industry. This is crucial when companies are deciding between applicants. Even if a position says a cover letter is optional, the employers we spoke to all communicated their importance.
Many of the employers we spoke to also emphasized that human beings are manually reviewing every resume that is submitted and meets the basic requirements of the role. While AI is used throughout the recruiting process by both hiring organizations and applicants, no one’s resume is removed from consideration because of AI.
The beautiful National Humanities Center building.
Many of the employers highlighted the importance of interpersonal skills. Heidi Camp of the National Humanities Center shared that the ability to collaborate on a team, coachability, and genuine curiosity are qualities that will allow students to be successful in any industry. Undergraduate students can work with the National Humanities Center through the NHC Leadership Council where they will participate in a unique series of interactive experiences with leading humanities scholars and leaders from across the country. In round tables and discussion sessions, council members explore the essential importance of humanistic perspectives in addressing the concerns of contemporary society.
For any role, tailoring your resume to a specific job posting is crucial because it highlights your most relevant experiences and skills, making it easier for employers to see why you’re a perfect fit for their needs. A customized resume not only increases your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also demonstrates your genuine interest in the position. Balancing both soft and hard skills is equally important; hard skills—like technical abilities or programs you can use—show you have the necessary expertise, while soft skills—such as communication and teamwork—reveal your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. Together, they create a comprehensive picture of your qualifications and your potential to contribute effectively to a team.
Carly Sinani, HR Specialist at The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), discussed how the application process for federal jobs is a little bit different than applying to other positions: applicants must be very specific about how their skills relate to the requirements in the job description. She advised applicants to use the exact language that’s in the job posting to ensure all of their relevant academic and job experience can be noticed by the hiring team.
A meaningful quote on the wall of the EPA.
Candidate & Applicant Profile:
We found that many employers prioritize a holistic approach when evaluating applications. They emphasize the importance of not only excelling academically but also taking on leadership roles and participating in extracurricular activities. These employers seek well-rounded individuals who show a diverse skill set and a commitment to personal growth beyond academic success.
At the Duke University Nicholas Institute of Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Senior Career Specialist Carl Thompson shared that they look for candidates with a combination of research and analytical skills. Roles for undergraduates focus on assisting the team with climate-focused research. They look for Research Assistants with experience with policy, leadership, and liaising with key decision-makers in work students have done inside or outside of the classroom.
At the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, we spoke to Head of Volunteer and Intern Services Sarah Irizarry. She spoke about how important it is for candidates to use their application materials and interview to express their interest in working for the museum specifically and their interest and commitment to the industry and community. Sharing a commitment to education, community engagement, and life sciences shows her that a candidate is committed to the mission of the museum and the overall experience of their guests.
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh, NC.
Diversity & Inclusion:
The employers’ commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident in their various recruitment initiatives such as Early ID programs, rotational programs, and the active involvement of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These organizations understand the significance of fostering inclusivity and embracing diverse perspectives to fuel innovation and achieve success, both within and beyond the workplace.
Sarah Irizarry also spoke about how professionally rewarding it has been for her to connect with other Women of Color in the museum field, and seeking out community has been hugely beneficial for her own career growth and personal development.
Lenovo was ranked on the Human Rights Campaign’s Best Companies for LGBTQ+ inclusion for five years in a row and recently signed the Workplace Pride Declaration of Amsterdam. This commits Lenovo to funding LGBTQ+ programs and employee resource groups, as well as measuring progress around inclusiveness.They were also named by Forbes as a “Best Employer for Diversity” in 2023. Check out this video from Lenovo highlighting their Employee Resource Groups.
Additional Research Triangle Area Highlights
Impact of Education:
Being near so many universities boosts the economy and job market in the Research Triangle area. With schools like Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State nearby, there’s a steady flow of college graduates looking for jobs and starting new businesses. This makes the region a hot spot for tech, biotech, education, and other high-skill industries into which Columbia University students are well-positioned to enter. These features keep the area’s economy vibrant and attractive to new businesses and investors.
The NC Biotechnology Center is a resource that supports many universities and companies looking to collaborate around research and new technologies, including with job opportunities for recent graduates. Their goal is to maintain North Carolina’s position as a leading location for biotechnology and life sciences by “engaging partners, maximizing opportunities, and delivering solutions to accelerate innovation, investment, and job creation.” Students can learn about job opportunities and more on their website.
After a fun visit walking the production floor of Eaton Corporation.
Office Spaces & Culture:
Most of the employers we met with are on a hybrid work schedule, balancing the value of in-person collaboration with a flexible work environment. During our visit, we were treated to a sneak peek of their vibrant office cultures and stunning workspaces. From offices situated in large-scale campuses like The EPA and Eaton to smaller spaces with iconic architectural and naturalistic features like The National Humanities Center, the range of environments was amazing. At The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, you could even work alongside live animals and dinosaur bones!
NC Museum of Natural Sciences summer 2024 intern Tia, showing off her fun work environment!
Final Thoughts
Our visit to the Research Triangle surprised us with the potential the city holds for students and recent graduates. With its abundant early-career opportunities, particularly within the diverse job market in tech, engineering, biotech, and the humanities, North Carolina stands as a great option for students seeking to launch their professional journeys after college.
Don’t forget to check LionSHARE for upcoming career fairs, info sessions, coffee chats, and other recruiting opportunities organized by the Center for Career Education. Also, look out for more employer updates in the coming months! Stay informed about these events and more fall programming by following us on social media @columbiacce. We look forward to seeing you take advantage of these exciting opportunities and make the most of your Columbia experience!