Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Starting your career
This entry is in response to the fact that I get several hits a day by people searching for information on GE IMLP and the interview process.
For staters, here's a great article on starting your career (after a 4-year degree). You can even look at stats for several top companies including vacation, average pay, and more. GE for example, starts you with 2 weeks of vacation and 50% of hires make more than $55,000/year.
As for the interview, it's really not very difficult. I was asked some basic questions about my resume and the experience I had there. I was also asked some specific behavioral questions. These are simple questions like "describe how you approach a new team with no designated leader," or "describe a time when a team project wasn't going well, and how you handled that situation." To prepare for this type of interview, DON'T try to think of (or google to find) every possible question and prepare a response. Rather, just think about all the team projects you've worked on for school or other jobs and have them fresh on your mind. An interviewer wants you to be thinking, not just rattling off prepared answers.
I was also asked some questions about my technical experience, but it didn't seem like a test, it just seemed like they wanted to get to know my background. Also, for the intern program, at least for me, there was no on site interview, only one on campus interview.
I'd also like to point out that this isn't a very technical program. GE seems to want technical people, but not someone who want to code all day. You might start out somewhat technical and do some coding. But the idea is that you'll be phased (quickly) into a management type position.
If anyone has specific questions feel free to ask.
For staters, here's a great article on starting your career (after a 4-year degree). You can even look at stats for several top companies including vacation, average pay, and more. GE for example, starts you with 2 weeks of vacation and 50% of hires make more than $55,000/year.
As for the interview, it's really not very difficult. I was asked some basic questions about my resume and the experience I had there. I was also asked some specific behavioral questions. These are simple questions like "describe how you approach a new team with no designated leader," or "describe a time when a team project wasn't going well, and how you handled that situation." To prepare for this type of interview, DON'T try to think of (or google to find) every possible question and prepare a response. Rather, just think about all the team projects you've worked on for school or other jobs and have them fresh on your mind. An interviewer wants you to be thinking, not just rattling off prepared answers.
I was also asked some questions about my technical experience, but it didn't seem like a test, it just seemed like they wanted to get to know my background. Also, for the intern program, at least for me, there was no on site interview, only one on campus interview.
I'd also like to point out that this isn't a very technical program. GE seems to want technical people, but not someone who want to code all day. You might start out somewhat technical and do some coding. But the idea is that you'll be phased (quickly) into a management type position.
If anyone has specific questions feel free to ask.
Comments:
<< Home
Hey, I recently had a phone interview with a GE rep. about an IMLP internship opening for this summer in Stamford, CT. I was wondering what your experience during as an IMLP intern was like, and how many hours a week you worked.
Hi Jon,
My experience was pretty decent overall. I definitely learned I didn't want to go back, but that was because I'd rather spend my time working on cool projects, rather than jumping through hoops for management to get what I need to do my job.
Working with the other interns was cool, and talking to executives was definitely a neat experience. The workload was light, and I easily got my job done in 40 hours a week.
My experience was pretty decent overall. I definitely learned I didn't want to go back, but that was because I'd rather spend my time working on cool projects, rather than jumping through hoops for management to get what I need to do my job.
Working with the other interns was cool, and talking to executives was definitely a neat experience. The workload was light, and I easily got my job done in 40 hours a week.
Thanks for your input mike. Did you work at the Stamford office? and if so, was it difficult to commute to the office, did you drive or take the train in?
Post a Comment
<< Home
