2 answers
s
Student
Germantown, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
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What kind of experience is the best to seek out in college?
Many colleges brag about their co-op, research, and internship opportunities for students. Are any of these better than the others? I am interested in chemical engineering, and would like to know what I should seek out during my time in college.
#chemical-engineering #engineering #internships #research
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2 answers
Peter Sturtevant
Retired Civil Engineer
252
Answers
Kent, Washington
Updated
Peter’s Answer
A research internship with a professor at your college would be a great college experience that would also look good on your resume when you graduate. Another very practical approach is to work for an engineering firm during the summer. You earn some money to help with college expenses and also gain valuable experience for your resume.
Good Luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
483
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi s W. Thanks so much for your question. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.
I agree that research internships and/or a job at an engineering firm who be very smart steps towards building a strong resume when you are ready to start your career. In terms of the kinds of experiences to seek out in college, my suggestion to you is to keep an open mind. If there is a particular field of study, a specific class, or a specific professor or teacher's assistant that you get a good feeling about, you may consider seeking a work opportunity in those spaces. It may be in the form of a job (getting knowledge and getting paid) or volunteer (getting knowledge with pay to come later :)). In either case, experience (different types and types that build on one another) will be very important during your college journey.
Another thing that I hope you find helpful...engineers have a reputation for being all computation and no personal skills. That is an over exaggeration of sorts...but...I do recommend that you expose yourself to experiences where you build and strengthen your communication skills, specifically how you verbally interact with others. Strong communication skills and experiences that help you build them will also be an effective asset in your career building journey.
Best of luck to you!
I agree that research internships and/or a job at an engineering firm who be very smart steps towards building a strong resume when you are ready to start your career. In terms of the kinds of experiences to seek out in college, my suggestion to you is to keep an open mind. If there is a particular field of study, a specific class, or a specific professor or teacher's assistant that you get a good feeling about, you may consider seeking a work opportunity in those spaces. It may be in the form of a job (getting knowledge and getting paid) or volunteer (getting knowledge with pay to come later :)). In either case, experience (different types and types that build on one another) will be very important during your college journey.
Another thing that I hope you find helpful...engineers have a reputation for being all computation and no personal skills. That is an over exaggeration of sorts...but...I do recommend that you expose yourself to experiences where you build and strengthen your communication skills, specifically how you verbally interact with others. Strong communication skills and experiences that help you build them will also be an effective asset in your career building journey.
Best of luck to you!