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How can I find a starter engineering job??
How can I find a starter engineering job? I would like to pursue a career in engineering, however as a 16 year old I’m not sure where to start.
6 answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi. To find a starter engineering job as a 16-year-old aspiring engineer, focus on building a strong educational foundation by excelling in math and science courses. Join STEM clubs and participate in competitions or projects that develop practical skills. Seek out internships or co-op programs designed for high school students to gain hands-on experience in engineering-related fields. Additionally, take advantage of online courses and tutorials to enhance your knowledge. Volunteering, networking, and creating a portfolio of your projects can further boost your credentials. Prepare for college by researching engineering programs and maintaining a solid academic record. With dedication and persistence, you can begin your journey toward a career in engineering. Good luck!
Creating a portfolio is a great way to showcase your talent. Consider posting to github.com to expand and grow what you've built. Network, and find others in your chosen field to understand what is required for those starter/entry jobs.
Adeel Khurshid
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's great that you're interested in pursuing a career in engineering at such a young age. Here are some steps to help you find a starter engineering job or gain relevant experience:
1. **Educational Foundation**:
- Continue your education in STEM subjects during high school. Strong math and science skills are essential for engineering.
2. **Explore Engineering Fields**:
- Research the different branches of engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil) to find out which one aligns best with your interests. Understanding your preferred field will guide your job search.
3. **High School Programs**:
- Look for STEM-related programs, clubs, or competitions at your high school. Participation in robotics clubs, science fairs, or math competitions can be valuable.
4. **Internships and Co-op Programs**:
- Many engineering firms and companies offer internships or co-op programs for high school students. Check with local companies or engineering organizations to find opportunities.
5. **Online Courses and Resources**:
- Take advantage of online courses and resources to gain technical knowledge and skills. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free and paid courses in various engineering topics.
6. **Networking**:
- Attend STEM-related events, workshops, and seminars in your area. Networking with professionals and other students can lead to job opportunities or mentorship.
7. **Resume Building**:
- Create a strong resume that highlights your relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience. Even school projects or personal engineering projects can be impressive.
8. **Apply for Entry-Level Positions**:
- Look for entry-level positions or internships that may be suitable for high school students. These roles might include engineering assistant, lab technician, or CAD drafter.
9. **Leverage Online Job Platforms**:
- Use online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to search for entry-level engineering positions. Filter your search to include internships or part-time opportunities.
10. **Prepare for Interviews**:
- Practice your interview skills and be ready to discuss your interest in engineering and your willingness to learn and contribute.
11. **Seek Guidance from Teachers and Mentors**:
- Talk to your science or math teachers, as well as any mentors or professionals you know, for advice on finding entry-level engineering opportunities.
12. **Stay Informed**:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in engineering by reading industry news and publications.
Remember that landing your first engineering job may take time and persistence. Be proactive, showcase your passion for engineering, and don't be discouraged by initial rejections. Building a solid educational foundation, gaining hands-on experience, and networking with professionals in the field will all contribute to your success in finding that starter engineering job.
1. **Educational Foundation**:
- Continue your education in STEM subjects during high school. Strong math and science skills are essential for engineering.
2. **Explore Engineering Fields**:
- Research the different branches of engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil) to find out which one aligns best with your interests. Understanding your preferred field will guide your job search.
3. **High School Programs**:
- Look for STEM-related programs, clubs, or competitions at your high school. Participation in robotics clubs, science fairs, or math competitions can be valuable.
4. **Internships and Co-op Programs**:
- Many engineering firms and companies offer internships or co-op programs for high school students. Check with local companies or engineering organizations to find opportunities.
5. **Online Courses and Resources**:
- Take advantage of online courses and resources to gain technical knowledge and skills. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free and paid courses in various engineering topics.
6. **Networking**:
- Attend STEM-related events, workshops, and seminars in your area. Networking with professionals and other students can lead to job opportunities or mentorship.
7. **Resume Building**:
- Create a strong resume that highlights your relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience. Even school projects or personal engineering projects can be impressive.
8. **Apply for Entry-Level Positions**:
- Look for entry-level positions or internships that may be suitable for high school students. These roles might include engineering assistant, lab technician, or CAD drafter.
9. **Leverage Online Job Platforms**:
- Use online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to search for entry-level engineering positions. Filter your search to include internships or part-time opportunities.
10. **Prepare for Interviews**:
- Practice your interview skills and be ready to discuss your interest in engineering and your willingness to learn and contribute.
11. **Seek Guidance from Teachers and Mentors**:
- Talk to your science or math teachers, as well as any mentors or professionals you know, for advice on finding entry-level engineering opportunities.
12. **Stay Informed**:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in engineering by reading industry news and publications.
Remember that landing your first engineering job may take time and persistence. Be proactive, showcase your passion for engineering, and don't be discouraged by initial rejections. Building a solid educational foundation, gaining hands-on experience, and networking with professionals in the field will all contribute to your success in finding that starter engineering job.
Michael Leibrandt, CCNA, CNS-D, VSE, CDCA
IT Project Manager, Supervisor of Audio/Visual Services, Information Technology Engineer II
13
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Tyler,
That's awesome. Just the fact that you are thinking ahead and trying to develop a game plan means that you have a bright future ahead. We need to first establish what type of engineering that you are interested in? Mechanical, biomedical, network, electric? After you decide on a direction, my advice is to find someone who is currently doing that job and ask them what is actually needed. You'll probably get a pretty good list of what isn't needed as well. Good luck in engineering!
That's awesome. Just the fact that you are thinking ahead and trying to develop a game plan means that you have a bright future ahead. We need to first establish what type of engineering that you are interested in? Mechanical, biomedical, network, electric? After you decide on a direction, my advice is to find someone who is currently doing that job and ask them what is actually needed. You'll probably get a pretty good list of what isn't needed as well. Good luck in engineering!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello Tyler! I suggest you kick off your journey by shadowing a professional engineer in your area of interest. Trust me, most people would be thrilled to share their knowledge and experiences with you. This is an excellent strategy to navigate the vast world of engineering. Plus, job shadowing can help you establish valuable connections in the industry, which could open doors to internships and potential job opportunities. Wishing you all the best on this exciting adventure!
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Internships and apprenticeships are good options to consider. Many tech companies offer summer duration internships in a variety of engineering related fields like software engineering, computer engineering, etc. Once you narrow down a type of engineering you might be more interested in, then search for companies who work in that field and check out their careers page on their web sites. Most will have an internship program detailed there, or at least a "Contact Us" which can get you in touch with someone who can help with information. The best part is that most good internships are paid, so you get experience and a starter job at the same time.
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Assuming you already have your degree, I would recommend liaising with your university career center to see if you can take advantage of any direct connections there. The macro economy is challenging right now so finding the right role may be a numbers game. Identify the industries that appeals to you and select companies that align to that and offer a work environment and mission that feels good to you. And then apply in volume---at least 100 a week. You can always opt out of interviewing if you get contacted about a role that does not appeal to you but you might miss an opportunity if you don't cast a wide net. While engineers are always in high demand, applying to roles soon after they are posted gives you a leg up because sometimes recruiters remove job postings when they have a high volume of applicants.
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