4 answers
Javid
Student
Ridgewood, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How do I find the right internship during my college years ?
I will be attending Purdue University for mechanical engineering starting autumn 2025. I wish to find an internship that will teach me and advance my career whilst also allowing me to prioritize my university classes.
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4 answers
ANA Watt
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
ANA’s Answer
As a fellow Mechanical Engineering graduate, I strongly recommend pursuing internships in your field. They provide hands-on experience and give you an advantage when applying for full-time jobs. Here are some actionable steps to find internship opportunities:
1. **Join Professional Organizations**: Get involved with groups at your school like NSBE or SHPE. They host annual conferences with job fairs and mock interviews.
2. **Utilize School Resources**: Talk to your dean, counselor, or professors about internship opportunities. Visit your school's career office for connections and guidance.
3. **Search Online**: Look for engineering internships on company websites. Many companies, like Verizon, offer these opportunities.
Since paid internships are competitive, use resources like mock interviews and resume critiques offered by your career office to prepare. Good luck with your degree and internship search!
1. **Join Professional Organizations**: Get involved with groups at your school like NSBE or SHPE. They host annual conferences with job fairs and mock interviews.
2. **Utilize School Resources**: Talk to your dean, counselor, or professors about internship opportunities. Visit your school's career office for connections and guidance.
3. **Search Online**: Look for engineering internships on company websites. Many companies, like Verizon, offer these opportunities.
Since paid internships are competitive, use resources like mock interviews and resume critiques offered by your career office to prepare. Good luck with your degree and internship search!
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
17
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Javid,
Your school will have resources for you to find internships in your field of study in their business office. I would imagine Perdue has a large office There will be opportunities for different schedules like part-time after school, or in the summer. Most internships pay but some do not (so don't be surprised by this).
When I did my internships many years ago I took off a semester and worked full time during the school year. I did this twice with the same company. They offered me a full-time permanent mechanical engineering job right after I graduated.
Internships are a great way to explore the field you've chosen and get some experience, make some money, check out possible employers, and meet some people who can give you the inside track. On the flip side, prospective employers get to know you as well. It would look very good on your application (working experience and a recommendation from an employee at the company). Definitely a win-win.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
Your school will have resources for you to find internships in your field of study in their business office. I would imagine Perdue has a large office There will be opportunities for different schedules like part-time after school, or in the summer. Most internships pay but some do not (so don't be surprised by this).
When I did my internships many years ago I took off a semester and worked full time during the school year. I did this twice with the same company. They offered me a full-time permanent mechanical engineering job right after I graduated.
Internships are a great way to explore the field you've chosen and get some experience, make some money, check out possible employers, and meet some people who can give you the inside track. On the flip side, prospective employers get to know you as well. It would look very good on your application (working experience and a recommendation from an employee at the company). Definitely a win-win.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
Marco de Carvalho
Professor
8
Answers
Curitiba
Updated
Marco’s Answer
Hello, Javid!
Congratulations on joining Purdue University for mechanical engineering starting in autumn 2025 – it’s an incredible milestone and a step toward a promising future! Finding the right internship during your college years is a crucial step to advance your career. Here are some inspiring and practical tips:
First, tap into your university’s resources, such as the career center and engineering department. They can provide job fairs, lists of partner companies, and tailored guidance. Join engineering clubs or student groups, like those from ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), or even SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), for networking and opportunities. These societies offer events, hands-on projects, and connections with industry professionals. Look for companies that value both learning and flexibility, such as those in HVAC, manufacturing, or automotive sectors, which often seek mechanical engineering students.
Prioritize internships that fit around your class schedule, perhaps opting for part-time or remote positions during the semester. Talk to your professors and mentors at Purdue – they might recommend companies or projects that align with your interests and academic commitments. Finally, be proactive: submit resumes, attend interviews, and show your passion for learning. The right internship isn’t just about work; it’s about inspiration – choose one that motivates you to see the vast horizon of mechanical engineering and prepares you for the future.
Good luck, and trust in your potential!
Congratulations on joining Purdue University for mechanical engineering starting in autumn 2025 – it’s an incredible milestone and a step toward a promising future! Finding the right internship during your college years is a crucial step to advance your career. Here are some inspiring and practical tips:
First, tap into your university’s resources, such as the career center and engineering department. They can provide job fairs, lists of partner companies, and tailored guidance. Join engineering clubs or student groups, like those from ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), or even SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), for networking and opportunities. These societies offer events, hands-on projects, and connections with industry professionals. Look for companies that value both learning and flexibility, such as those in HVAC, manufacturing, or automotive sectors, which often seek mechanical engineering students.
Prioritize internships that fit around your class schedule, perhaps opting for part-time or remote positions during the semester. Talk to your professors and mentors at Purdue – they might recommend companies or projects that align with your interests and academic commitments. Finally, be proactive: submit resumes, attend interviews, and show your passion for learning. The right internship isn’t just about work; it’s about inspiration – choose one that motivates you to see the vast horizon of mechanical engineering and prepares you for the future.
Good luck, and trust in your potential!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi David,
Congratulations upon your successful completion of high school & the opportunity to enroll into College.
Internships during your college years are a great opportunity for you to get a first-row and first-hand experience in the field of mechanical engineering. It's an exciting experience that gives you a chance to get involved in activities where innovation is at the center of operations. It enables you gain exposure to industry best practices, safety regulations, streamlining of machinery & engineering processes etc. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experts, get involved in initiatives that refine your technical skills as a result of top-notch mentorship all of which will elevate your career.
The scope of your work will include, amongst others:
a) Assisting in production planning & execution
b) Preparing CAD & 3D drawings
c) Performance of routine tests on prototypes
d) Preparing reports, documents, findings for presentations
e) Involvement in problem solving activities
Mechanical engineering internships are available in a wide range of sectors: pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, robotics, automotive, transport etc.
It's important to figure out your direction early on in your career.
Start by building up a list of your preferred industries & employers.
You can then narrow your choices by establishing which companies are hiring, which have the best programs & their locations.
Some of the popular employers in USA that offer mechanical engineering internships are:
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Sony, Space X, Hyundai, Aurecon, US Department of the Air Force etc. These are just a few examples as the list is not exhaustive
Congratulations upon your successful completion of high school & the opportunity to enroll into College.
Internships during your college years are a great opportunity for you to get a first-row and first-hand experience in the field of mechanical engineering. It's an exciting experience that gives you a chance to get involved in activities where innovation is at the center of operations. It enables you gain exposure to industry best practices, safety regulations, streamlining of machinery & engineering processes etc. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experts, get involved in initiatives that refine your technical skills as a result of top-notch mentorship all of which will elevate your career.
The scope of your work will include, amongst others:
a) Assisting in production planning & execution
b) Preparing CAD & 3D drawings
c) Performance of routine tests on prototypes
d) Preparing reports, documents, findings for presentations
e) Involvement in problem solving activities
Mechanical engineering internships are available in a wide range of sectors: pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, robotics, automotive, transport etc.
It's important to figure out your direction early on in your career.
Start by building up a list of your preferred industries & employers.
You can then narrow your choices by establishing which companies are hiring, which have the best programs & their locations.
Some of the popular employers in USA that offer mechanical engineering internships are:
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Sony, Space X, Hyundai, Aurecon, US Department of the Air Force etc. These are just a few examples as the list is not exhaustive