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Chetsada
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How can I get noticed by companies and gain industry experience?
How should I approach companies for internships? How do I make myself standout without industy experience? (Specifically the engineering field however general tips welcome)
My CV consists of basic college part-time jobs such as waiting and bartending and have no relevance to my field of study so I feel like this would just instantly disqualify me as a candidate.
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chetsada!
How to Get Noticed by Companies and Gain Industry Experience
Gaining industry experience and getting noticed by companies, especially in the engineering field, can be challenging but is achievable with a strategic approach. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you stand out and secure internships.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a professional online presence is crucial.
LinkedIn Profile: Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Ensure it includes a professional photo, a compelling headline that reflects your career aspirations (e.g., “Aspiring Mechanical Engineer”), and a summary that highlights your skills, interests, and what you are looking for in an internship.
Portfolio Website: If applicable, create a portfolio showcasing projects you’ve worked on during your studies or personal projects related to engineering. This could include design projects, coding samples, or any relevant work that demonstrates your skills.
2. Network Effectively
Networking is one of the most effective ways to get noticed by companies.
Attend Career Fairs: Participate in university career fairs where you can meet recruiters from various companies. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself and what you seek in an internship.
Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of engineering societies such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These organizations often provide networking opportunities and resources for students.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews. This can provide insights into the industry and may lead to internship opportunities.
3. Tailor Your Application Materials
Your CV and cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for engineering despite lacking direct experience.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills gained from part-time jobs like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These are valuable in any field.
Relevant Coursework Projects: Include academic projects relevant to engineering on your CV. Describe your role in these projects, the skills used, and the outcomes achieved.
Customize Your Cover Letter: Write tailored cover letters for each application that express why you’re interested in that specific company and how your background makes you a good fit.
4. Seek Out Relevant Experience
Even without formal internships, there are ways to gain relevant experience:
Volunteer Work: Look for volunteer opportunities related to engineering projects or community service initiatives that require technical skills.
Personal Projects: Engage in personal projects that showcase your engineering abilities—this could involve building something tangible or contributing to open-source software if you’re in software engineering.
Competitions: Participate in engineering competitions or hackathons which can demonstrate practical skills and teamwork.
5. Approach Companies Strategically
When reaching out to companies for internships:
Research Companies: Identify companies that align with your interests and values. Understand their work culture and recent projects they’ve undertaken.
Cold Emailing: Don’t hesitate to send cold emails expressing interest in internship opportunities even if they aren’t advertised. Be concise; introduce yourself briefly, mention why you’re interested in their company specifically, and attach your CV.
6. Prepare for Interviews
If you land an interview:
Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths?”
Technical Questions Preparation: For engineering roles specifically, review fundamental concepts related to your field as technical questions may arise during interviews.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining persistence and enthusiasm throughout the process, you will increase your chances of being noticed by companies within the engineering sector.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides comprehensive guidelines on how students can effectively prepare for internships through networking strategies and resume tips tailored specifically for college students entering the workforce.
2. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE offers resources aimed at students pursuing careers in civil engineering including networking events, career development tips, and information on internships available through their network.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides courses focused on job searching strategies including how to build an effective LinkedIn profile, networking techniques, resume writing tips tailored for entry-level positions across various industries including engineering.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
How to Get Noticed by Companies and Gain Industry Experience
Gaining industry experience and getting noticed by companies, especially in the engineering field, can be challenging but is achievable with a strategic approach. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you stand out and secure internships.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a professional online presence is crucial.
LinkedIn Profile: Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Ensure it includes a professional photo, a compelling headline that reflects your career aspirations (e.g., “Aspiring Mechanical Engineer”), and a summary that highlights your skills, interests, and what you are looking for in an internship.
Portfolio Website: If applicable, create a portfolio showcasing projects you’ve worked on during your studies or personal projects related to engineering. This could include design projects, coding samples, or any relevant work that demonstrates your skills.
2. Network Effectively
Networking is one of the most effective ways to get noticed by companies.
Attend Career Fairs: Participate in university career fairs where you can meet recruiters from various companies. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself and what you seek in an internship.
Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of engineering societies such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These organizations often provide networking opportunities and resources for students.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews. This can provide insights into the industry and may lead to internship opportunities.
3. Tailor Your Application Materials
Your CV and cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for engineering despite lacking direct experience.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on skills gained from part-time jobs like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These are valuable in any field.
Relevant Coursework Projects: Include academic projects relevant to engineering on your CV. Describe your role in these projects, the skills used, and the outcomes achieved.
Customize Your Cover Letter: Write tailored cover letters for each application that express why you’re interested in that specific company and how your background makes you a good fit.
4. Seek Out Relevant Experience
Even without formal internships, there are ways to gain relevant experience:
Volunteer Work: Look for volunteer opportunities related to engineering projects or community service initiatives that require technical skills.
Personal Projects: Engage in personal projects that showcase your engineering abilities—this could involve building something tangible or contributing to open-source software if you’re in software engineering.
Competitions: Participate in engineering competitions or hackathons which can demonstrate practical skills and teamwork.
5. Approach Companies Strategically
When reaching out to companies for internships:
Research Companies: Identify companies that align with your interests and values. Understand their work culture and recent projects they’ve undertaken.
Cold Emailing: Don’t hesitate to send cold emails expressing interest in internship opportunities even if they aren’t advertised. Be concise; introduce yourself briefly, mention why you’re interested in their company specifically, and attach your CV.
6. Prepare for Interviews
If you land an interview:
Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths?”
Technical Questions Preparation: For engineering roles specifically, review fundamental concepts related to your field as technical questions may arise during interviews.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining persistence and enthusiasm throughout the process, you will increase your chances of being noticed by companies within the engineering sector.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
NACE provides comprehensive guidelines on how students can effectively prepare for internships through networking strategies and resume tips tailored specifically for college students entering the workforce.
2. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE offers resources aimed at students pursuing careers in civil engineering including networking events, career development tips, and information on internships available through their network.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides courses focused on job searching strategies including how to build an effective LinkedIn profile, networking techniques, resume writing tips tailored for entry-level positions across various industries including engineering.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Daniel Kroll
Mechanical Design Engineer
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Especially when you get started, you can't help that you have entry level experience. That's to be expected. Personally, I prefer people who have worked before over a student who has only ever been a student.
That being said, I'd make up a project you can list on your resume or use a capstone project. By "make up" I mean, create something at home. Follow a tutorial online using a free CAD software for something you care about, and render some models to make a mini portfolio. Create easy to follow/explain calculations to show why your design is robust (cost effective, manufacturable and meets the requirements of the end user).
It doesn't have to be novel. Simply going through the steps is good practice for any engineering practice. I don't know what your discipline is, but a single stage gear box, a home HVAC system, a water irrigation system, or a smart phone app.
Don't worry about it being "right". No engineer is perfect and a beginner's design isn't going to be without it's room for improvement. Focus on documenting you throught process and explaining your conclusions.
When you come to the end answer questions you boss will ask:
Will it break?
How much will it cost?
How heavy is it?
How much water can it pump? / What's the gear ratio and torque output?
Can the app do "X"?
If you want to be super fancy, you can pick something like the product of the companies you want to work for, but your passion for the idea will be more motivating for you and more inspiring when you present it during your interview.
Have an idea.
Plan it.
Sketch it. (Picture and hand calcs)
Model it. (CAD, spreadsheet)
Polish it. (Create presentation)
That being said, I'd make up a project you can list on your resume or use a capstone project. By "make up" I mean, create something at home. Follow a tutorial online using a free CAD software for something you care about, and render some models to make a mini portfolio. Create easy to follow/explain calculations to show why your design is robust (cost effective, manufacturable and meets the requirements of the end user).
It doesn't have to be novel. Simply going through the steps is good practice for any engineering practice. I don't know what your discipline is, but a single stage gear box, a home HVAC system, a water irrigation system, or a smart phone app.
Don't worry about it being "right". No engineer is perfect and a beginner's design isn't going to be without it's room for improvement. Focus on documenting you throught process and explaining your conclusions.
When you come to the end answer questions you boss will ask:
Will it break?
How much will it cost?
How heavy is it?
How much water can it pump? / What's the gear ratio and torque output?
Can the app do "X"?
If you want to be super fancy, you can pick something like the product of the companies you want to work for, but your passion for the idea will be more motivating for you and more inspiring when you present it during your interview.
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Jared Lankowski
finance
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jared’s Answer
Hi Chetsada! It’s great that you’re thinking about how to get noticed by companies and gain industry experience, especially in the engineering field. To stand out, start by proving your interest in engineering through personal projects, joining clubs, or participating in competitions. This shows your commitment and enthusiasm. Networking is also crucial; attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to build valuable relationships. When approaching companies for internships, research those that interest you and reach out directly with tailored resumes and cover letters that highlight your skills and enthusiasm. Even if your past jobs aren’t directly related, emphasize transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Additionally, starting your own project can showcase your skills and provide a portfolio to share with potential employers. Look for opportunities to gain relevant experience through volunteering, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects. Remember, your part-time jobs have given you valuable skills such as customer service, time management, and working under pressure. Highlight these in your applications and explain how they make you a well-rounded candidate. Good luck!