4 answers
Courtney
Student
Camden, Arkansas
2
Questions
Updated
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What is the best way in finding internships as a college freshman#Fall25?
I am a female engineering student in the state of Arkansas who is open to learning more about different engineering jobs. The degree I am pursuing is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
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4 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by exploring your college’s labs or workshops, as well as local companies like Lockheed Martin, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Walmart. Look into programs such as NASA OSTEM, DoD apprenticeships, NSF REUs, and big tech companies including Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel, NVIDIA, Salesforce, IBM, Microsoft, and Meta.
Build a portfolio with projects using tools like MATLAB, Python, CAD, SolidWorks, or Arduino, and develop proficiency in at least one technical tool. Connect with professionals and recruiters, and join organizations like SWE, NSBE, SHPE, IEEE, or ASME to access mentorship and industry connections.
Gain hands-on experience through volunteering or virtual internships on platforms like Virtual Internships, Emertxe, and ThinkNEXT Technologies, while programs like Outreachy and the Virtual Student Federal Service provide remote learning opportunities. Finally, prepare a professional resume and practice mock interviews before applying. By applying early to internships, volunteer roles, and virtual opportunities, and networking actively, you can position yourself as a standout candidate.
Build a portfolio with projects using tools like MATLAB, Python, CAD, SolidWorks, or Arduino, and develop proficiency in at least one technical tool. Connect with professionals and recruiters, and join organizations like SWE, NSBE, SHPE, IEEE, or ASME to access mentorship and industry connections.
Gain hands-on experience through volunteering or virtual internships on platforms like Virtual Internships, Emertxe, and ThinkNEXT Technologies, while programs like Outreachy and the Virtual Student Federal Service provide remote learning opportunities. Finally, prepare a professional resume and practice mock interviews before applying. By applying early to internships, volunteer roles, and virtual opportunities, and networking actively, you can position yourself as a standout candidate.
Thank you so much!
Courtney
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Courtney. You can use the resources your school offers. Most universities have a career center that posts internships, hosts career fairs, and helps with resumes. You should attend these events and workshops even if you are a freshman. Meeting recruiters and talking to them can help you learn about opportunities that are not always advertised.
Professors can also be a big help. Your engineering professors may know about local companies or research projects that are looking for students. Don't be afraid to email them and show your interest. Even helping with small tasks in a lab or project can count as experience. These connections can also lead to future internships as you move through your degree.
Online platforms are another great way to find internships. For example, on LinkedIn, you can create a profile that shows your coursework, projects, and interest in learning. After that, follow engineering companies and interact with their posts to get noticed by recruiters.
Joining professional organizations can also help. They offer networking events, mentorship programs, and internships, and often have opportunities that are not available elsewhere.
When applying, you should focus on showing your willingness to learn. Freshman internships are not expected to have advanced skills. Employers want students who are curious, reliable, and ready to work hard. It is also good to explore different types of engineering jobs, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, to see what interests you most.
You can also gain experience through volunteering, campus projects, or competitions. These experiences show that you are motivated and willing to learn. They can make your application stronger, even if you do not have previous internships.
All the best to you!
Professors can also be a big help. Your engineering professors may know about local companies or research projects that are looking for students. Don't be afraid to email them and show your interest. Even helping with small tasks in a lab or project can count as experience. These connections can also lead to future internships as you move through your degree.
Online platforms are another great way to find internships. For example, on LinkedIn, you can create a profile that shows your coursework, projects, and interest in learning. After that, follow engineering companies and interact with their posts to get noticed by recruiters.
Joining professional organizations can also help. They offer networking events, mentorship programs, and internships, and often have opportunities that are not available elsewhere.
When applying, you should focus on showing your willingness to learn. Freshman internships are not expected to have advanced skills. Employers want students who are curious, reliable, and ready to work hard. It is also good to explore different types of engineering jobs, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, to see what interests you most.
You can also gain experience through volunteering, campus projects, or competitions. These experiences show that you are motivated and willing to learn. They can make your application stronger, even if you do not have previous internships.
All the best to you!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Courtney !
As a current Engineering student in your Freshman year of college you are asking about different Engineering jobs and asking if Internships will teach you that. No, that's not the way to go about it. An internship is for students that already have at least an intermediate level of engineering knowledge and can already work hands on with engineering work. As for internships, you will need an in-person, on site experience working with other engineers who can mentor you throughout the internship.
Your first step is to make strong relationships within your college's Engineering Department. Ask your professor if Engineering students are placed in Internships during their Junior and Senior year. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and The University of Arkansas College of Engineering both offer credit for internships, but you have to ask your professor what the process is and what would qualify you for an internship. You can also network for now for possible internships by joining The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Women in Engineering, and Eta Kappa Nu which will help you be aware of future internships for your Junior and Senior year or after you graduate. Remember that an internship is actual work, not lessons, but you will learn and progress by doing an internship.
To learn about the variety of Engineering realms you can look each one up online for a description. The various fields are: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Marine Engineering, Materials Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Audio Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Systems Engineering, Project Engineering, Quality Assurance Engineering, Sales Engineering and Service Engineering.
Now that you've learned of the different engineering "jobs"/careers, you can easily look each one up through an online search. In addition, you can search for videos on You Tube for each one that will explain what it is. It's not necessary to take an internship to do this. Also, ask professors in your department if they have books available that explain each career.
Pay close attention to the required Engineering Major courses for your Program. Each course is going to provide you with skills as you move along each semester. Try to take things step by step and learn a little more before looking around for specific niches in engineering. Your course work and practicums and projects will inspire you, so give it time and sometimes it's not a matter of shopping around, but learning and seeing where your skills can be best used.
I hope this helps with being more informed and I wish you all the best !
As a current Engineering student in your Freshman year of college you are asking about different Engineering jobs and asking if Internships will teach you that. No, that's not the way to go about it. An internship is for students that already have at least an intermediate level of engineering knowledge and can already work hands on with engineering work. As for internships, you will need an in-person, on site experience working with other engineers who can mentor you throughout the internship.
Your first step is to make strong relationships within your college's Engineering Department. Ask your professor if Engineering students are placed in Internships during their Junior and Senior year. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and The University of Arkansas College of Engineering both offer credit for internships, but you have to ask your professor what the process is and what would qualify you for an internship. You can also network for now for possible internships by joining The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Women in Engineering, and Eta Kappa Nu which will help you be aware of future internships for your Junior and Senior year or after you graduate. Remember that an internship is actual work, not lessons, but you will learn and progress by doing an internship.
To learn about the variety of Engineering realms you can look each one up online for a description. The various fields are: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Marine Engineering, Materials Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Audio Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Systems Engineering, Project Engineering, Quality Assurance Engineering, Sales Engineering and Service Engineering.
Now that you've learned of the different engineering "jobs"/careers, you can easily look each one up through an online search. In addition, you can search for videos on You Tube for each one that will explain what it is. It's not necessary to take an internship to do this. Also, ask professors in your department if they have books available that explain each career.
Pay close attention to the required Engineering Major courses for your Program. Each course is going to provide you with skills as you move along each semester. Try to take things step by step and learn a little more before looking around for specific niches in engineering. Your course work and practicums and projects will inspire you, so give it time and sometimes it's not a matter of shopping around, but learning and seeing where your skills can be best used.
I hope this helps with being more informed and I wish you all the best !
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Courtney
You are very welcome, Courtney !
Michelle M.
Lauryn Weisberg
Sales Development Representative
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Lauryn’s Answer
Hi there! I completely agree with the previous suggestions and want to add my own thoughts.
Try attending career fairs at your school and talk to your professors for advice and referrals. Also, use LinkedIn to connect with professors, mentors, and peers who can help you find internships or jobs. Mutual connections can be a great way to get noticed by companies looking for interns or employees.
As a general tip, keep a record of your professors' contact information, like their full names, emails, phone numbers, and LinkedIn profiles. I regret not doing this myself, as it's very useful to have professors who know your work to support you in getting internships or jobs later on.
Good luck with your search!
Try attending career fairs at your school and talk to your professors for advice and referrals. Also, use LinkedIn to connect with professors, mentors, and peers who can help you find internships or jobs. Mutual connections can be a great way to get noticed by companies looking for interns or employees.
As a general tip, keep a record of your professors' contact information, like their full names, emails, phone numbers, and LinkedIn profiles. I regret not doing this myself, as it's very useful to have professors who know your work to support you in getting internships or jobs later on.
Good luck with your search!