4 answers
Madi
Student
Bellingham, Washington
1
Question
Updated
936 views
What can I do/ say to stand out from other engineers when it comes to getting internships in college?
Hi, I'm going into mechanical engineering next fall at UW and want to try and get an internship. I know how competitive they can be and am just looking for some tips on how to better my chances of securing one.
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4 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Madi,
Best wishes for your new journey in college. Mechanical engineering is both exciting & rewarding.
Internships in mechanical engineering are available in a wide range of sectors: pharmaceutical, automotive, aeronautics, robotics, transport etc.
Early decision on your direction in your career is important as it supports your choice of internships.
Your initial step should be building up a list of your preferred industries & employers. You can then narrow your choices based on considerations such as which companies are hiring interns, which has the best programs & their locations. Some of the popular employers in the USA that offer mechanical engineering internships include: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Sony, Space X, Hyundai, Aurecon, US Department of the Air Force etc.
Application for internship needs to start early & awareness of time lines is important.
Also, early networking is crucial: professors, peers, advisors & mentors at your university.
To improve visibility, membership in National Societies such as Institution of Mechanical Engineers & American Society of Mechanical Engineers is necessary. They usually offer an affordable membership plan for their student applicants.
Being at one's best is always helpful for one to stand out.
The internship comes with an opportunity to get involved in activities where innovation is at the center of operations. Job scope includes: assisting in production planning; carrying tests on prototypes; preparing CAD & 3D drawings, reports, documents & findings for presentations as well as involvement in problem solving activities. This therefore is an opportunity to get a first-row and first-hand experience in improving & streamlining machinery & engineering processes.
Best wishes for your new journey in college. Mechanical engineering is both exciting & rewarding.
Internships in mechanical engineering are available in a wide range of sectors: pharmaceutical, automotive, aeronautics, robotics, transport etc.
Early decision on your direction in your career is important as it supports your choice of internships.
Your initial step should be building up a list of your preferred industries & employers. You can then narrow your choices based on considerations such as which companies are hiring interns, which has the best programs & their locations. Some of the popular employers in the USA that offer mechanical engineering internships include: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Sony, Space X, Hyundai, Aurecon, US Department of the Air Force etc.
Application for internship needs to start early & awareness of time lines is important.
Also, early networking is crucial: professors, peers, advisors & mentors at your university.
To improve visibility, membership in National Societies such as Institution of Mechanical Engineers & American Society of Mechanical Engineers is necessary. They usually offer an affordable membership plan for their student applicants.
Being at one's best is always helpful for one to stand out.
The internship comes with an opportunity to get involved in activities where innovation is at the center of operations. Job scope includes: assisting in production planning; carrying tests on prototypes; preparing CAD & 3D drawings, reports, documents & findings for presentations as well as involvement in problem solving activities. This therefore is an opportunity to get a first-row and first-hand experience in improving & streamlining machinery & engineering processes.
Ashley Dunn
Project Engineering Manager
16
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Madi,
While it is possible to get internships after your Freshman year, most companies start interns after their Sophomore and Junior year so don't get discouraged. Look for opportunities to expand on what you want to do outside of your program, you can do this by joining a club or finding more resources (such as your professors) to learn more. Also join professional organizations, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) really helped me expand my leadership skills and also put me on a grant program that was invaluable experience to get internships.
Promote your leadership and self-directing skills. Show your passion for learning anything and ask questions about anything you can during the interview and on the job.
Good luck, you will not fit for every position or group but keep at it and it will happen.
While it is possible to get internships after your Freshman year, most companies start interns after their Sophomore and Junior year so don't get discouraged. Look for opportunities to expand on what you want to do outside of your program, you can do this by joining a club or finding more resources (such as your professors) to learn more. Also join professional organizations, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) really helped me expand my leadership skills and also put me on a grant program that was invaluable experience to get internships.
Promote your leadership and self-directing skills. Show your passion for learning anything and ask questions about anything you can during the interview and on the job.
Good luck, you will not fit for every position or group but keep at it and it will happen.
STEPHAN P MOORE
OUTSIDE PLANT ENGINEER
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
STEPHAN P’s Answer
Madi,
A good start is to diversify your interests. Clubs/groups at school, intramurals, and if feasible, a variety of classes to broaden your horizon. Engineering firms will take an interest in how well-rounded a potential intern is developing themselves. A student with straight A's and maybe no other hobbies is an ideal candidate because the grades convey they know how to absorb and convey information when it's test time, but a student that may/may not have straight A's and has extracurricular activities shows that they are learning how to balance their time. This is crucial in real world just as much as your time in school. Experiencing what it's like to have a variety of responsibilities on your plate shows that you may know what it's like to fail at balancing your time. This may sound a little oxymoronic, but, knowing what it's like to fail and how to bounce back from that experience is a trait that can not be taken from you once you develop this. Not just engineering firms, but any potential employer will have gratitude for this in a potential candidate for an intern which may transition into full-time/long time employment. Your autonomy when given tasks to complete not only depends on getting them done, but how to creatively deal with adversity when workflows or projects do not go as planned. I wish you the best on your journey of (academic) discovery!
A good start is to diversify your interests. Clubs/groups at school, intramurals, and if feasible, a variety of classes to broaden your horizon. Engineering firms will take an interest in how well-rounded a potential intern is developing themselves. A student with straight A's and maybe no other hobbies is an ideal candidate because the grades convey they know how to absorb and convey information when it's test time, but a student that may/may not have straight A's and has extracurricular activities shows that they are learning how to balance their time. This is crucial in real world just as much as your time in school. Experiencing what it's like to have a variety of responsibilities on your plate shows that you may know what it's like to fail at balancing your time. This may sound a little oxymoronic, but, knowing what it's like to fail and how to bounce back from that experience is a trait that can not be taken from you once you develop this. Not just engineering firms, but any potential employer will have gratitude for this in a potential candidate for an intern which may transition into full-time/long time employment. Your autonomy when given tasks to complete not only depends on getting them done, but how to creatively deal with adversity when workflows or projects do not go as planned. I wish you the best on your journey of (academic) discovery!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello, student,
If you're aiming for a mechanical engineering internship, the first step is creating a strong resume. Highlight relevant coursework like thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and any projects where you applied engineering principles. Personal projects, such as CAD designs or prototypes, are also excellent to showcase as they demonstrate your hands-on skills. Don’t forget to include technical expertise in software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB, along with any certifications and soft skills like teamwork and leadership, especially if you’ve taken on leadership roles in group projects.
Experience is crucial, so get involved in organizations like ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). ASME provides access to technical resources, networking events, and career support, while SAE focuses on automotive and aerospace industries, offering hands-on opportunities through competitions like building race cars or off-road vehicles.
If an internship is out of reach initially, focus on personal projects or internships in related fields like product development or robotics. Virtual internships are also a great option, allowing you to gain experience remotely in areas like product design, software simulation, or research.
Networking is vital—build relationships with professors and explore research opportunities. Alumni can provide valuable insights and connections, so don’t hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and professional. A portfolio website showcasing your work can also set you apart. Stay current with online courses and certifications in key software and emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics.
Apply early, and don’t limit yourself to large companies—smaller firms or research institutions can provide excellent hands-on experience. Tailor each application to show why you’re a great fit and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s work. When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach with examples from your coursework or projects. Mock interviews can help you refine your answers. After interviews, always send a thank-you note to express gratitude and reinforce your interest. Follow up on applications—it shows enthusiasm and commitment. If you don’t land the internship, don’t get discouraged. Ask for feedback to improve for next time. By staying proactive—whether through gaining experience, networking, tailoring your resume, or preparing for interviews—you’ll significantly improve your chances of landing a rewarding internship that will set you up for success in mechanical engineering.
Good luck!
If you're aiming for a mechanical engineering internship, the first step is creating a strong resume. Highlight relevant coursework like thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and any projects where you applied engineering principles. Personal projects, such as CAD designs or prototypes, are also excellent to showcase as they demonstrate your hands-on skills. Don’t forget to include technical expertise in software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB, along with any certifications and soft skills like teamwork and leadership, especially if you’ve taken on leadership roles in group projects.
Experience is crucial, so get involved in organizations like ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). ASME provides access to technical resources, networking events, and career support, while SAE focuses on automotive and aerospace industries, offering hands-on opportunities through competitions like building race cars or off-road vehicles.
If an internship is out of reach initially, focus on personal projects or internships in related fields like product development or robotics. Virtual internships are also a great option, allowing you to gain experience remotely in areas like product design, software simulation, or research.
Networking is vital—build relationships with professors and explore research opportunities. Alumni can provide valuable insights and connections, so don’t hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and professional. A portfolio website showcasing your work can also set you apart. Stay current with online courses and certifications in key software and emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics.
Apply early, and don’t limit yourself to large companies—smaller firms or research institutions can provide excellent hands-on experience. Tailor each application to show why you’re a great fit and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s work. When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach with examples from your coursework or projects. Mock interviews can help you refine your answers. After interviews, always send a thank-you note to express gratitude and reinforce your interest. Follow up on applications—it shows enthusiasm and commitment. If you don’t land the internship, don’t get discouraged. Ask for feedback to improve for next time. By staying proactive—whether through gaining experience, networking, tailoring your resume, or preparing for interviews—you’ll significantly improve your chances of landing a rewarding internship that will set you up for success in mechanical engineering.
Good luck!