5 answers
Tyler
Student
Noblesville, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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What can I do in college to help get a career quickly after graduation?
I’m hoping to go to Purdue for mechanical engineering. Are there specific internships or other activities that will help me get into the field soon after graduation?
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5 answers
dharm Patel
Design engineer
3
Answers
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Updated
dharm’s Answer
If you are into design engineering like solidworks or autocad, make a portfolio. From my experience i will strongly suggest to make connections, visit networking event.. but not just like hi my name's XYZ dp your company has any jobs ? Practice your script make it personal and professional and keep contact. Because your connections will take you far long than your skills .
Talk about your achievements, projects even if they are small . Make those projects exist you can make it better later. I know it sounds like motivational speech but do not ever back down from an opportunity.. There is a saying that. Whenever you doubt yourself for any opportunity,less skilled person will take it... Best of luck
Talk about your achievements, projects even if they are small . Make those projects exist you can make it better later. I know it sounds like motivational speech but do not ever back down from an opportunity.. There is a saying that. Whenever you doubt yourself for any opportunity,less skilled person will take it... Best of luck
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Tyler,
There are many factors that influence success. Intentions (aspirations, dreams) are a basic requirement for success. You already have this. Completing your university studies with distinction provides a solid foundation for success in the field of practice. Competence helps you to succeed. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. Skills help you to use knowledge and other resources at your disposal both effectively and efficiently. To be fully competent, you need social and soft skills: analytical skills, problem solving skills, ability to work in teams, leadership & managerial skills, communication skills etc.
Internships and mentorships are critical in exposing students to the practical work environment. You get opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired, pick up practical skills in planning, scheduling & execution of work, design, construction, maintenance etc.
Once you're in the field, two factors largely determine the pace of your success: potential and performance. A high potential and high performing individual is automatically considered a high flyer, for instance. This, in addition to your aspirations, determines your career path. Being your very best self becomes extremely important for your career growth.
Effort, creativity and flexibility are paramount.
There are many factors that influence success. Intentions (aspirations, dreams) are a basic requirement for success. You already have this. Completing your university studies with distinction provides a solid foundation for success in the field of practice. Competence helps you to succeed. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. Skills help you to use knowledge and other resources at your disposal both effectively and efficiently. To be fully competent, you need social and soft skills: analytical skills, problem solving skills, ability to work in teams, leadership & managerial skills, communication skills etc.
Internships and mentorships are critical in exposing students to the practical work environment. You get opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired, pick up practical skills in planning, scheduling & execution of work, design, construction, maintenance etc.
Once you're in the field, two factors largely determine the pace of your success: potential and performance. A high potential and high performing individual is automatically considered a high flyer, for instance. This, in addition to your aspirations, determines your career path. Being your very best self becomes extremely important for your career growth.
Effort, creativity and flexibility are paramount.
Zanea Clarett
HR Manager
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Zanea’s Answer
Hi Tyler,
Great choice with Purdue, have a few Boilermakers in my family! My best advice is to capitalize on the strong network you'll have access to both with faculty and alumni. As a prior college recruiter, I connected with many students that waited to start exploring internships and talking to professionals in their desired field to understand a true day in the life, it's best to start exploring early. Attend campus career fairs and get involved with student engineering clubs through orgs like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Purdue has great relationships with a wide variety of employers, so as you attend career fairs keep an open perspective and talk to as many companies as you can. You never know when a convo could spark a new option for you. ChatGPT and Copilot can come in handy with networking tips and ideas to generate questions to discuss. Good luck with everything!
Great choice with Purdue, have a few Boilermakers in my family! My best advice is to capitalize on the strong network you'll have access to both with faculty and alumni. As a prior college recruiter, I connected with many students that waited to start exploring internships and talking to professionals in their desired field to understand a true day in the life, it's best to start exploring early. Attend campus career fairs and get involved with student engineering clubs through orgs like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Purdue has great relationships with a wide variety of employers, so as you attend career fairs keep an open perspective and talk to as many companies as you can. You never know when a convo could spark a new option for you. ChatGPT and Copilot can come in handy with networking tips and ideas to generate questions to discuss. Good luck with everything!
Lorenzo Gholston
Healthcare Payer
21
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Tyler, you're doing great by applying to Purdue and aiming to study mechanical engineering. Your success is in your hands, and you have everything you need to achieve it. As you apply, start looking for clubs, organizations, and opportunities related to your field. Meeting people in your industry will give you valuable exposure. Networking will help you engage in activities that build your academic profile in mechanical engineering. This will lead to a strong resume, helping you secure internships. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience and explore your passions. By planning your academic path carefully, you'll be set for success after graduation. Enjoy the journey; you're on the right track!
Andrea Mazie
consulting
8
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Any kind of work experience tied to your field of interest is a great way to launch into your career. Internships, externship, apprenticeship, etc. are all ways to learn more about what a job/field will really be like, what skills and knowledge will be important. Having participated in those opportunities also demonstrates to potential employers that you are coming in with some experience - both in the field itself and also in what it means to work in professional environment.
My son had an internship this summer and one of his big reflections was that he learned simply what it's like to go into an office every day, build relationships with colleagues, ask for feedback, figure out the culture. Those can feel like simple things but without experience it's hard to get there!
My son had an internship this summer and one of his big reflections was that he learned simply what it's like to go into an office every day, build relationships with colleagues, ask for feedback, figure out the culture. Those can feel like simple things but without experience it's hard to get there!