3 answers
Quinn
Student
Bismarck, North Dakota
2
Questions
Updated
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What are some of the best ways to get a mechanical engineering internship or co-op? #Fall25
Many people that I have talked to have stated that internships and co-ops have helped them to get work experience and get the positions they are in now, how do you go about getting those?
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3 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Getting a mechanical engineering internship or co-op can be a rewarding journey. Start by building a strong foundation in engineering basics and learning tools like CAD software, SolidWorks, and MATLAB. Gain hands-on experience through projects, research, or by joining student groups. Volunteering, shadowing professionals, or using free virtual platforms like GrabCAD, Tinkercad, and Fusion 360 can also provide practical experience.
Participating in engineering clubs, robotics projects, and hackathons not only boosts your skills but also shows employers your initiative and teamwork spirit. Engaging with online communities such as GitHub, LinkedIn, and Stack Exchange helps you collaborate, showcase your work, and solve real-world problems, expanding your professional network.
Consider vocational training or workshops and earning relevant certifications to enhance your technical knowledge. Employers also value soft skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management, so focus on developing these as well.
To boost your chances, apply early and broadly to internships. Balance your time effectively between studies, projects, and applications. Seek advice from professors or advisors, as they can offer guidance and referrals. Shadowing professionals gives you a glimpse into real-world engineering and workplace expectations.
Prepare a tailored resume and practice interviews to present your skills confidently. Networking with alumni, professors, and professional societies like ASME can open doors to opportunities. Attend career fairs, company sessions, and industry events to make personal connections and learn about company cultures. Following up politely after meetings keeps you on the radar of potential employers, improving your chances of landing an internship or co-op.
Participating in engineering clubs, robotics projects, and hackathons not only boosts your skills but also shows employers your initiative and teamwork spirit. Engaging with online communities such as GitHub, LinkedIn, and Stack Exchange helps you collaborate, showcase your work, and solve real-world problems, expanding your professional network.
Consider vocational training or workshops and earning relevant certifications to enhance your technical knowledge. Employers also value soft skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management, so focus on developing these as well.
To boost your chances, apply early and broadly to internships. Balance your time effectively between studies, projects, and applications. Seek advice from professors or advisors, as they can offer guidance and referrals. Shadowing professionals gives you a glimpse into real-world engineering and workplace expectations.
Prepare a tailored resume and practice interviews to present your skills confidently. Networking with alumni, professors, and professional societies like ASME can open doors to opportunities. Attend career fairs, company sessions, and industry events to make personal connections and learn about company cultures. Following up politely after meetings keeps you on the radar of potential employers, improving your chances of landing an internship or co-op.
Thank you, Teklemuz Ayenew for the advice.
Quinn
You're welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Ellen Davalos
Recruiter
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Teklemuz gave some great advice! Also, remember to keep detailed records of your projects for your portfolio. Take photos, save your designs, and have them ready for interviews. Hiring managers will want to know about the problems you faced, your role in the project, the outcomes, what went wrong, and what went well.
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
17
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Quinn.
Your college should have a business office with internship opportunities for all the engineering disciplines. In my alma mater, there was a bulletin board with color coded index cards. I'm sure nowadays there's a website for internships for you to search.
Be aware that not all internships pay you and if they do, the $$$ might not make you happy (or rich). Keep in mind you are looking for experience that will make you attractive when you look for a future full-time position as a mechanical engineer. Also, the mechanical engineering world is a tight community; everybody knows somebody. Keep your reputation immaculate. Dress appropriately and clean cut, use clean language (swearing is a sign of immaturity), be respectful of your co-workers, be on-time to work, and learn as much as you can. Some internships can lead to permanent employment after you graduate. Remember to have any internship employer write you a Letter of Recommendation when your internship ends. Those recommendations go a long way to landing your next job.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
All the best,
Larry A.
Your college should have a business office with internship opportunities for all the engineering disciplines. In my alma mater, there was a bulletin board with color coded index cards. I'm sure nowadays there's a website for internships for you to search.
Be aware that not all internships pay you and if they do, the $$$ might not make you happy (or rich). Keep in mind you are looking for experience that will make you attractive when you look for a future full-time position as a mechanical engineer. Also, the mechanical engineering world is a tight community; everybody knows somebody. Keep your reputation immaculate. Dress appropriately and clean cut, use clean language (swearing is a sign of immaturity), be respectful of your co-workers, be on-time to work, and learn as much as you can. Some internships can lead to permanent employment after you graduate. Remember to have any internship employer write you a Letter of Recommendation when your internship ends. Those recommendations go a long way to landing your next job.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
All the best,
Larry A.