Professional Development Advising

Professional Development Advisor

Ms. Linda Thurman, Director for Employer Relations and Student Professional Development and Career & Co-op Advisor, is available to all students and alumni in the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte. With over 28 years of technical recruiting, employer relations, professional development, and career advising experience, Ms. Thurman is a valuable resource. She coordinates the Multi-disciplinary Professional Development courses (ENGR 3295 and ETGR 3295) as well as hosts various campus events that allow students to engage with alumni and employers. She was the first public board member to serve as Chair of the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors and is now an emeritus member. She was recently reappointed by Governor Cooper to the NC GICC (Geographic Information Coordinating Council). She is also a notary.

Ms. Thurman is available to meet one-on-one with students and alumni to discuss a wide range of topics including:

• Choosing or Changing Majors? Plus two resources to get you started: (1) Exploration Handout and (2) ENGR vs ETCM Handout
• Internships for experience (undergrads & graduates)
• Co-Ops **all students interested in co-op are REQUIRED to attend a virtual session (offered weekly) or meet with Ms. Thurman PRIOR to enrolling in the undergraduate co-op program or co-op work session/course. Co-op seminars can result in earned 1-3 credit hours, depending on your major.
  Note: F1 visa students may not be eligible for co-op during the fall and spring semesters due to the immigration policies. Please work with ISSO for experiential learning options.
• Professional Licensure (including the FE/PE process)
• For FE Cord Pick Up, for Graduating Students, please contact Ms. Thurman
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities (outside of the university)
• Study Abroad
• Interviewing Skills
• The Job Search Process
• Networking
• How to Get Involved as an Alumni
• Graduate School
• Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
• And more

Want to chat? Ms. Thurman is pretty casual with her office and meeting times, normally she is in the office M-F by 7:45 am – 4:15 pm.
For fall & spring, Tuesdays 12-1 & Thursdays 11-12 open hours
Feel free to stop by Smith 228f. You can also email or call lthurman@charlotte.edu or by phone (704) 687-5024.
To get you a quicker response, please include:

• Your Full Name & Major
• The best way to reach you (email or phone-include your #)
• What you want to chat about

Start Planning for SUMMER or FALL 2024 Co-ops

Brief virtual Co-op Info. Sessions are offered several times via Zoom. Times and dates will vary to meet the various needs of students. Once the dates are posted, use the Zoom link to register for a spot. (note, day of, students must log into the actual Zoom session by the start time).

These 15 minutes (approx.) sessions will replace meeting with Ms. Thurman. However, one on one meetings (in-person or via phone) are still available upon request.

Online Session have concluded for spring 2024. Session information will be shared by appointment (online or in-person) only. Please note, I am not available to meet 4/29-5/1.

Congrats to all the students who are doing Summer 2024 co-ops. Be sure you complete the process and are registered for ENGR 3500 this spring term, before you leave for your summer co-op-it is REQUIRED!

University Career Center

The University Career Center is committed to providing comprehensive, innovative services and resources for diverse populations of students and alumni that prepare them for the competitive global market. The University Career Center offers self-assessment tools, job shadowing, career treks, informational interviews, and many other options for students and alumni to explore their options and gain relevant technical work experience regardless of the stage of their college or professional career.

• Student (& Alumni) Resources
• Alumni Resources