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As an engineer, what do you typically look for in a position or a company when job searching??

I am a 2/4 mechanical engineering major at Stevens Institute of Technology, and now im looking for internships or jobs to gain more experience.

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Craig’s Answer

see if they have engineers in upper management. find out the reporting structure, make sure it makes sense. engineering reporting to development or quality makes sense, i would avoid companies where they report into sales & marketing if your focus is engineering. you want to be somewhere with other technical people with a clear path for advancement--you do not want to be under a department where engineers are seen as a necessary evil, but the cost should be minimized--as when they have a bad quarter with slowing sales, you want to be in a place where they recognize what engineering brings to the party... where they value innovation--not somewhere where engineers are just seen as an expense to be minimized. look-up your interviewers backgrounds on LinkedIn--look for people who advanced thru the ranks within the department-- promoted from within the group or from related groups (like Quality, product development, manufacturing). not sure if that is the kind of answer you were looking for, or a pep talk on what to show them to get the job--just remember you are interviewing them as much as they are you--get a feel for the place, the people, and the opportunity--beyond just getting the job, get a feel for what a typical work day looks like for them--as about their experience, and how much they promote from within--if they are great, the interviewer will be happy to share it and probably get a bit excited--if they look down and change the subject--then you have to weigh in how badly you need the job. just working anywhere, even at a horrible company--is will have lessons. just don't stay anywhere when it is clear that it is toxic.
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Annette’s Answer

If you're thinking about applying for an internship, focus on showing who you are, not just what you know. I appreciate candidates who can think clearly and solve problems by spotting trends and patterns. A positive attitude is key.

Here are some important traits I look for:

1. Be a self-starter. Take initiative, find ways to help, and show you can contribute.
2. Stay curious and be a good listener. Ask questions like "why" and "how" without fear. Questions help you learn and show your interest.
3. Embrace feedback. It's a great way to grow and improve.
4. Pay attention to detail. Double-check your work because small mistakes can become big ones. This also shows you care.

While knowledge matters, soft skills like honesty, punctuality, and responsibility truly make a difference.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

When looking at job opportunities, engineers often think about technical growth, work environment, and future prospects. As a second-year mechanical engineering student at Stevens, aim for internships where you can learn by doing real projects. Seek roles that let you use tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, and MATLAB, and help you gain experience in design, prototyping, or manufacturing. These roles will also help you develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Take on personal projects to show your initiative and practical skills, and make a portfolio with pictures, diagrams, and explanations of what you did and learned. Keep a professional online presence with LinkedIn, GitHub, or a personal website to display your work and achievements.

When applying for positions, customize each application, emphasize your eagerness to learn, and be ready to talk about your projects and challenges in interviews. Consider remote internships, volunteer roles, startups, or online programs for early responsibility and unique experiences. Many platforms offer virtual internships for mechanical engineering students, like Virtual Internships, The Intern Group, ThinkNEXT Technologies, Intern Abroad HQ, Internship on Demand, and Earth5R. These programs let you gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and grow your skills from anywhere, opening up more opportunities beyond local companies.
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William’s Answer

Hi Roman,
It's good to know that you are already pursuing a qualification in mechanical engineering.
Choices are influenced by many things. Something that you are exceptional at and deeply interested in is worth pursuing. It's important to love what you do.
Organizations that provide good opportunities for career growth for young professionals tend to attract top talent.
The work environment needs to be conducive: safe and risk free, good ergonomics etc. Positive pressure and conflict tend to bring the best out of employees. Enriched jobs with considerable level of autonomy tend to be motivating and is often a major consideration in choosing an employer and/or position. Organizations that provide attractive remuneration are generally considered as first employer of choice.
Occasionally, some professionals do take up less paying jobs because the employer provides a more conducive work environment, employee value proposition (total cost of employment) is better - medical care, fully paid leave, gratuity, share options & other fringe benefits.
Within the same organization, benefits tend to vary based on one's grade and job content even within the same grade.
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