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How do you get a job as an engineer?
Where do you go or who do you talk to? #engineer
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Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Consultant, Owner at Power Generation Consulting Services
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Douglas’s Answer
Hi,
To get a job as an engineer begins with you getting a technical degree (4 years) in an engineering field that appeals to you - there are many branches of engineering (Google Engineer). Once you have your degree, the school you graduate from will have a placement office that will be very helpful to you in presenting yourself to engineering companies looking for new employees. In addition to the school's placement office there are a number of technical associations and engineering employment companies (head hunters) that post job openings for engineers in the various branches of engineering. Additionally, you can go to the web page of companies in the branch of engineering that interests you and apply for an interview on their web site (almost all - 99% , have a page on their web site related to new hires). The Internet is a huge help in finding companies that might want to hire you.
While in college it is very important that you get a summer/internship job that is somehow technically oriented and if at all possible in the field that you are interested in. If you can't find a job that is somehow related to technology, get a summer job doing something.
Lastly, the courses you take in college and the grades you obtain do make a difference to perspective employers. The issue will not be "finding someone to talk to" but what do you say to them. Because once you find the person to talk to at a company, he or she will want to talk about why they should hire you and they will be looking at your technical training, what you can do for their company and what kind of employee you might become.
Hope this helps. Good luck,
Doug
To get a job as an engineer begins with you getting a technical degree (4 years) in an engineering field that appeals to you - there are many branches of engineering (Google Engineer). Once you have your degree, the school you graduate from will have a placement office that will be very helpful to you in presenting yourself to engineering companies looking for new employees. In addition to the school's placement office there are a number of technical associations and engineering employment companies (head hunters) that post job openings for engineers in the various branches of engineering. Additionally, you can go to the web page of companies in the branch of engineering that interests you and apply for an interview on their web site (almost all - 99% , have a page on their web site related to new hires). The Internet is a huge help in finding companies that might want to hire you.
While in college it is very important that you get a summer/internship job that is somehow technically oriented and if at all possible in the field that you are interested in. If you can't find a job that is somehow related to technology, get a summer job doing something.
Lastly, the courses you take in college and the grades you obtain do make a difference to perspective employers. The issue will not be "finding someone to talk to" but what do you say to them. Because once you find the person to talk to at a company, he or she will want to talk about why they should hire you and they will be looking at your technical training, what you can do for their company and what kind of employee you might become.
Hope this helps. Good luck,
Doug
Updated
Mike’s Answer
As Drew mentioned, a college degree is important. However, it is not always necessary. More and more companies are looking at candidates that can prove their knowledge even without a formal degree. This certainly applies to some engineering more than others. I'd imagine it would be difficult to land a nuclear engineering position without a degree. But programing and software engineering are a great equalizer. If you have experience, companies will want you. The trick is to get that experience without a degree. To do that you need to find jobs in companies that have work with software but also do things you know how to do. And be good at making friends.
A college degree will be the easiest path. Even before you have your degree companies will look at you for coops or interns. That gives a lot of experience even before you have that degree.
A college degree will be the easiest path. Even before you have your degree companies will look at you for coops or interns. That gives a lot of experience even before you have that degree.
Drew Peake, MSME, M.Eng., MBA, PE, FNAFE, DEE, CIH, CSP
Forensic Engineer: Health, Safety, Environment
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Drew’s Answer
Getting a job as an engineer is pretty easy if an individual has an ABET Engineering degree and even easier with a Professional Engineer license. This is especially true with the need to rebuild the infrastructure. Absent an accredited engineering degree, competition will be against those who have been so educated. Manufacturers will often groom employees to be engineers based on in-hours experience. This path takes years and is not as easily transportable to other employers.
Review the Occupational Outlook Handbook for information
Attend a local National Society of Professional Engineers meeting. You can find local chapters at the NSPE web site
Drew recommends the following next steps: