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Does anyone know anyone that would let me shadow a mechanical engineer?

I am a sophomore at ODU majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I have experience in sales, customer service, as well as food service. I am currently taking coding classes on the side to add to my resume. Please let me know if there is anyone in the Hampton Roads area or Washington DC area that is a mechanical engineer that would let me shadow them for a day or two.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Sambhav,

One resource is to check with the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department on campus at ODU. The professors can provide you with professional contacts and information on companies in the Hampton Roads area or in DC. They can also provide a list of ODU alumni who are professional MEs that you can reach out to for mentorship and shadowing opportunities. Is there a student organization for ME students on campus? If so, the ME student organization will have resourceful information for additional assistance.

ODU has the Career Development Services Center. The staff can assist on ME company profiles and professional points of contact as well. In addition, there will be listings for internships. Internships are a great way to learn hands-on about the field of ME that you will be getting into after graduation.

LinkedIn is a website of professionals. One can search and view profiles of professionals from all industries. An introductory message can be sent to a professional on LinkedIn. You can inquire with the professional about your interests in the field of ME and what you are looking for in regards to mentoring and shadowing opportunities. Also, you can build your initial profile with information such as your educational pathway, concentration courses, certifications, campus activities and organizations, etc. , so that professionals can view your background history as well.

LinkedIn is also a job portal. Meaning, one can apply for posted positions and opportunities that companies are currently hiring for. The company will have its profile listed, so that one can view what the company does, contact information, website links, etc.

Here is the website for LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

Best wishes in your future endeavors and career path in Mechanical Engineering!

Michael recommends the following next steps:

Reach out to ME Professors at ODU
Check out ODU's Career Development Services Center
Get involved with the ME student organization at ODU
Establish a LinkedIn Profile
Utilize LinkedIn to reach out to ME professionals and view company profiles and job opportunities
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Crystal’s Answer

Although I don't know anyone in the DC area that is a mechanical engineer personally, I would suggest going on LinkedIn and look up mechanical engineers that are alumni at ODU. Message them and ask if they would be willing to have a quick call with you. Once you manage to schedule a call, get to know them and what they do on the job. If they seem friendly and helpful, ask them if they would be willing to let you go and shadow them briefly during their job. If they can't personally do that, whether or not they know anyone who would be willing. At the very least, you would be able to get some connections into the professional community of interest.
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Baylee’s Answer

I don't have any specific recommendations; however, as a Career Services Professional at a college, I truly suggest reaching out to your Career Services Office. They typically have connections to alumni who are willing to allow students to shadow them. Additionally, they may have contacts with companies in that area.

Best of luck!
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John’s Answer

You can also find the local Chamber of Commerce and/or Economic development groups. They have a large network of companies and I'm sure they can connect you to companies that would be willing to let you job shadow. You can also see if there are any internship programs around. They have connections as well.
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