3 answers
Quinn
Student
Bismarck, North Dakota
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I obtain work experience that is relevant and useful for a mechanical engineering job?
I'm planning to get a degree in mechanical engineering but don't know how to get experience so I can find jobs after college
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3 answers
Lorenzo Gholston
Healthcare Payer
21
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Hi Quinn,
As you begin your college journey, your school should offer resources to help you find internships both on campus and off. You can also attend career fairs or engineering job fairs organized by different groups. Many companies look for summer interns at these events. This is a great way to interview and explore different companies and jobs you might like. Some companies have big internship programs, while others may have just one or two interns each year. If you get the chance, try to apply or interview with both types of companies.
As you begin your college journey, your school should offer resources to help you find internships both on campus and off. You can also attend career fairs or engineering job fairs organized by different groups. Many companies look for summer interns at these events. This is a great way to interview and explore different companies and jobs you might like. Some companies have big internship programs, while others may have just one or two interns each year. If you get the chance, try to apply or interview with both types of companies.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Quinn
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To obtain work experience that is relevant and useful for a mechanical engineering job, start by building a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and learning key tools like CAD software, SolidWorks, and MATLAB. Gain hands-on experience through class projects, research, engineering clubs, robotics competitions, or hackathons, which demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and teamwork. Volunteering, shadowing professionals, or using virtual platforms like GrabCAD, Tinkercad, and Fusion 360 can also provide practical experience, while online communities such as GitHub, LinkedIn, and Stack Exchange help you collaborate, showcase work, and expand your network. Vocational training, workshops, and certifications can further strengthen your technical skills.
Develop soft skills like communication, adaptability, time management, and teamwork, which employers highly value. Apply early and broadly to internships or co-op programs, balancing your studies, projects, and applications. Seek guidance from professors or advisors for referrals, prepare a tailored resume, practice interviews, and shadow professionals to understand real-world engineering expectations. Networking with alumni, professors, and professional societies like ASME, attending career fairs, company sessions, and industry events, and following up politely after meetings will increase your chances of landing relevant and meaningful work experience that sets you up for a successful mechanical engineering career.
Develop soft skills like communication, adaptability, time management, and teamwork, which employers highly value. Apply early and broadly to internships or co-op programs, balancing your studies, projects, and applications. Seek guidance from professors or advisors for referrals, prepare a tailored resume, practice interviews, and shadow professionals to understand real-world engineering expectations. Networking with alumni, professors, and professional societies like ASME, attending career fairs, company sessions, and industry events, and following up politely after meetings will increase your chances of landing relevant and meaningful work experience that sets you up for a successful mechanical engineering career.
Your advice was so helpful!
Quinn
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Quinn,
Success at the workplace depends on what you bring into the role you occupy. What you bring into the job depends on your level of competence. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence - pursuing the course of your choice with distinction is therefore important. To turn knowledge and other resources at your disposal into performance, you need skills - both physical and cognitive dexterity: ability to use tools, methodologies, plan, organize, lead, analyze, solve problems etc.
Your personal qualities (personality traits) help you to produce performance using both the knowledge and skills you possess. Such personal qualities include, amongst others, love for what you do, diligence, passion, commitment, perseverance, positive attitude, attention to detail, ability to work with others, ability to work under pressure etc.
Opportunities for practical work during your course is essential as it provides you an opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice. You also get a chance to pickup the critical soft skills highlighted above that will greatly contribute to your success at the workplace - internships and mentorships therefore remain important avenues for your success. Besides, the work environment introduces you to professional standards, best practices and the latest developments in the field you are interest in.
Success at the workplace depends on what you bring into the role you occupy. What you bring into the job depends on your level of competence. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence - pursuing the course of your choice with distinction is therefore important. To turn knowledge and other resources at your disposal into performance, you need skills - both physical and cognitive dexterity: ability to use tools, methodologies, plan, organize, lead, analyze, solve problems etc.
Your personal qualities (personality traits) help you to produce performance using both the knowledge and skills you possess. Such personal qualities include, amongst others, love for what you do, diligence, passion, commitment, perseverance, positive attitude, attention to detail, ability to work with others, ability to work under pressure etc.
Opportunities for practical work during your course is essential as it provides you an opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into practice. You also get a chance to pickup the critical soft skills highlighted above that will greatly contribute to your success at the workplace - internships and mentorships therefore remain important avenues for your success. Besides, the work environment introduces you to professional standards, best practices and the latest developments in the field you are interest in.