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.
4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
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’s Answer
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’s Answer
Dr’s Answer
So you want to grab the attention of companies and get that engineering internship even when your CV is currently filled with bartending and waiting tables? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s possible to stand out even without industry experience. Let’s break it down and add a sprinkle of humor and encouragement along the way:
1. Transform Your CV: Highlight Transferable Skills 📝
Your bartending and waiting skills might not scream "engineer," but they’re not completely useless! You’ve likely gained skills that engineers need, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving (who hasn’t had to calm down a demanding customer?). When you write your CV, make sure to showcase how these skills can apply to engineering. For example:
Teamwork: You work well with others in high-pressure situations—just like an engineer has to collaborate with others to tackle a project.
Problem-solving: You’ve probably solved tons of customer problems, which is key in engineering.
Attention to detail: That’s right! Your attention to drink orders translates to precision and careful thinking in your technical work.
So, let’s turn those “basic jobs” into skills goldmines. 🏅
2. Build a Portfolio 💻
Since you don’t have direct industry experience, a portfolio is your best friend! Create a simple one (using tools like GitHub or Behance, or just a PDF with links to your work) to showcase projects that demonstrate your engineering knowledge. Did you build something cool in college? Have you done any personal projects? Highlight those! It doesn’t have to be a massive project—it could be a design prototype, a coding assignment, or even a group project that you contributed to. Show companies that you’re hungry for experience and that you have something to offer. 💡
3. Network Like a Pro 🤝
Here’s a fun one: Imagine every person you meet is secretly a gatekeeper to your future career. Seriously, networking is where the magic happens. Attend career fairs, workshops, and engineering events (yes, engineers have social events too!). You can also try platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. Just don’t do the awkward “Hey, give me a job” message. Instead, engage with their work, ask insightful questions, and build a genuine connection. You’d be surprised how many opportunities come from a simple chat.
4. Be Bold—And Apply Anyway 🦸♂️
Okay, this one’s big: APPLY, APPLY, APPLY! Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. Companies are often looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn—they can teach you the technical stuff, but your attitude and drive are the things they can’t teach. If you see an internship that requires experience you don’t have, apply anyway. The worst they can say is “no”—and that just means it’s time to pivot and try again. 😎
5. Personal Projects Are Your Superpower 🚀
You don’t need to wait for someone to give you an internship to get started. Start building your engineering projects. Whether it’s a coding app, a robotics prototype, or a 3D design project, personal projects are golden! Not only do they show that you’re proactive, but they also help you learn and grow your skills without the pressure of a job. Plus, you can show them off when you apply to internships—your initiative will speak volumes.
6. Craft an Engaging Cover Letter ✨
Your cover letter is where you can shine and tell your story. It’s your opportunity to go beyond the bullet points of your CV and show why you’re passionate about engineering. Maybe it’s a project that sparked your interest or an event that motivated you to pursue this field. Let your personality come through, and don’t be afraid to inject some enthusiasm and humor (in moderation, of course!). Imagine you’re writing a letter to a future employer who’s about to become your new favorite person in the world. 😄
7. Volunteer or Take Part-Time Jobs Related to Engineering 🛠
If you’re feeling like you want to get more hands-on experience, look for volunteer opportunities or part-time jobs that are related to engineering, even if they’re not exactly what you want to do long term. Sometimes it’s about getting your foot in the door! For example, working as a lab assistant, doing research, or helping out in a tech startup can give you relevant practical experience and help build your network.
Final Advice: Don’t let that “bartending CV” hold you back! Instead, own it and reframe it as the foundation of an awesome engineering journey. By taking these steps, you’ll show companies that you’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking for growth and the chance to make an impact. 💥
Good luck, Chetsada! You’ve got this! Go ahead and knock those internships out of the park! 💪