3 answers
Liam
Student
Waxhaw, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What sort of extracurriculars should I participate in as an Electrical Engineering major that will really help me in the long run?
I understand as far as internships are concerned, I mean more something involved with the university I attend itself. Thanks.
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3 answers
ogundiji samson
Engineer
6
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
ogundiji’s Answer
For Electrical Engineering majors, supplementing rigorous coursework with strategic extracurricular involvement at the university level can significantly enhance long-term career prospects. While internships provide invaluable real-world experience, on-campus activities offer unique opportunities to develop crucial skills, build a professional network, and explore specialized interests within the field.
One of the most impactful avenues is participation in engineering clubs and design teams. Joining societies like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or engaging in student-led project teams focused on areas such as robotics, sustainable energy, or automotive technology provides hands-on experience applying theoretical knowledge. These teams often tackle complex problems, fostering problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and project management skills – all highly valued by employers. The practical challenges encountered in designing, building, and testing prototypes offer learning experiences that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.
Undergraduate research opportunities with university faculty offer another significant advantage. Engaging in research allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of electrical engineering, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and gain exposure to cutting-edge advancements. This experience is particularly beneficial for those considering graduate school or careers in research and development. Working closely with professors also provides mentorship opportunities and can lead to co-authored publications or presentations, further bolstering a student's resume.
Furthermore, taking on leadership roles within any university organization, whether it's an engineering club, a professional fraternity, or a student government body, cultivates essential soft skills. These include communication, leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in any engineering role that involves collaboration and project leadership. Managing budgets, organizing events, and leading teams within a university setting provides a safe environment to develop these competencies.
Finally, participating in academic or technical competitions related to electrical engineering can provide valuable exposure and testing grounds for learned skills. Hackathons, circuit design challenges, or programming contests encourage innovation, quick thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure. Success in such competitions not only adds prestige to a resume but also demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a passion for the field.
In conclusion, while a strong academic record is fundamental, engaging in university-based extracurriculars such as design teams, research, leadership roles, and technical competitions provides Electrical Engineering majors with practical experience, essential soft skills, and valuable connections that can significantly contribute to their long-term success in the dynamic field of electrical engineering. These activities demonstrate initiative, a commitment to applying knowledge, and a well-rounded profile that stands out to potential employers and graduate programs.
One of the most impactful avenues is participation in engineering clubs and design teams. Joining societies like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or engaging in student-led project teams focused on areas such as robotics, sustainable energy, or automotive technology provides hands-on experience applying theoretical knowledge. These teams often tackle complex problems, fostering problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and project management skills – all highly valued by employers. The practical challenges encountered in designing, building, and testing prototypes offer learning experiences that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.
Undergraduate research opportunities with university faculty offer another significant advantage. Engaging in research allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of electrical engineering, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and gain exposure to cutting-edge advancements. This experience is particularly beneficial for those considering graduate school or careers in research and development. Working closely with professors also provides mentorship opportunities and can lead to co-authored publications or presentations, further bolstering a student's resume.
Furthermore, taking on leadership roles within any university organization, whether it's an engineering club, a professional fraternity, or a student government body, cultivates essential soft skills. These include communication, leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in any engineering role that involves collaboration and project leadership. Managing budgets, organizing events, and leading teams within a university setting provides a safe environment to develop these competencies.
Finally, participating in academic or technical competitions related to electrical engineering can provide valuable exposure and testing grounds for learned skills. Hackathons, circuit design challenges, or programming contests encourage innovation, quick thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure. Success in such competitions not only adds prestige to a resume but also demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and a passion for the field.
In conclusion, while a strong academic record is fundamental, engaging in university-based extracurriculars such as design teams, research, leadership roles, and technical competitions provides Electrical Engineering majors with practical experience, essential soft skills, and valuable connections that can significantly contribute to their long-term success in the dynamic field of electrical engineering. These activities demonstrate initiative, a commitment to applying knowledge, and a well-rounded profile that stands out to potential employers and graduate programs.
Thank you!
Liam
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
656
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Liam,
You can really do anything that interests you.
You could add a course or courses(s) that are not required for your degree, e.g. something that improves your writing, public speaking and presentation skills. Or some extra computer or data courses.
If you want to add professional experience, you can get involved in research or in competitions like the solar car challenge or hackathons.
If you want to demonstrate leadership and teamwork, you can join a sports team, an environmental group, be a student representative on campus or join any other group you are interested in.
You could ask if you can help with any outreach activities the university or your department might have: school visits, science fair mentoring, career fairs, open days etc.
You could join a professional society and the local student chapter in your field. If they have no student chapter in your university, you could start one. Be active, i.e. by helping younger students. Answer the call when they need volunteers.
You could participate in a mentoring or in an SI program if your university has them.
If you participate in undergraduate research and get the opportunity to present somewhere, do it. If you can get your name on a published paper, do it.
I hope this gives you some ideas! All the best for your studies!
KP
https://www.americansolarchallenge.org/
You can really do anything that interests you.
You could add a course or courses(s) that are not required for your degree, e.g. something that improves your writing, public speaking and presentation skills. Or some extra computer or data courses.
If you want to add professional experience, you can get involved in research or in competitions like the solar car challenge or hackathons.
If you want to demonstrate leadership and teamwork, you can join a sports team, an environmental group, be a student representative on campus or join any other group you are interested in.
You could ask if you can help with any outreach activities the university or your department might have: school visits, science fair mentoring, career fairs, open days etc.
You could join a professional society and the local student chapter in your field. If they have no student chapter in your university, you could start one. Be active, i.e. by helping younger students. Answer the call when they need volunteers.
You could participate in a mentoring or in an SI program if your university has them.
If you participate in undergraduate research and get the opportunity to present somewhere, do it. If you can get your name on a published paper, do it.
I hope this gives you some ideas! All the best for your studies!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Tyler Schultz
Design Engineer
8
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
There are multiple qualities each experience demonstrates to future employers. Internships show that you have industry experience and on-campus extracurriculars show collaboration with a team. I had many friends that only joined clubs to boost their resumes. I would caution against this. It is better to have fewer activities listed that you can talk extensively about in an interview than to have a bunch of clubs that you can't describe your experience because it was minimal and only to boost your resume.
I also know many people who list hobbies, such as if you're working on personal electrical projects at home. I work in an automotive company and hobby mechanics often give good interviews because their interest and hands-on experience working on stuff, while not sanctioned in a club or job, was valuable and demonstrated qualities for an employee.
Find clubs or activities you're passionate about and get heavily involved in those, and don't worry about how many you have at the end of the day!
I also know many people who list hobbies, such as if you're working on personal electrical projects at home. I work in an automotive company and hobby mechanics often give good interviews because their interest and hands-on experience working on stuff, while not sanctioned in a club or job, was valuable and demonstrated qualities for an employee.
Find clubs or activities you're passionate about and get heavily involved in those, and don't worry about how many you have at the end of the day!