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Does having more volunteer work on your resume look better than having regular job experience?

Im a chemical engineering student in my senior year and because my major makes it hard for me to have a job, i only have time to do volunteer work. i want to know if that can help me in being considered for a job. #college #engineering #engineer #interviews #volunteering #volunteer #hire

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Tolga’s Answer

I come from an electrical engineering undergraduate and I would say that it is important to have at least internship experience, especially in engineering. Typically these internships are over the summer so perhaps you were taking classes which may explain why you do not have internship experience. Volunteering is important as well, but unless directly tied to your major, it is more of an indicator of being well rounded and speaks to your character than your technical skills.


I don't think its too late for you to have a gainful internship. I took 5 years to graduate by taking a year off school under a program called "co-op" which means that you work full time for a company while gaining university credit. Look for these opportunities if your program offers it, it will help you tremendously to find a full time position.
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Patricia’s Answer

From talking with my niece who will be a senior in college this year, it seems to be important to have both. I would make sure though (if possible) my volunteer hours have something to do with the field you are interested in,
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Dominique’s Answer

It doesn't hurt to have volunteer experience but if possible both is better. It is hard with the pandemic right now and it is hard to judge how employers will be looking at graduated coming out of school in the next few years.

As an engineer myself, the more experience you can put on the resume the better. I did a co-op and a summer internship and graduated in 4.5 years. I also changed my engineering major half way through. I did volunteer work and also held leadership roles in some organization on campus.

Employers will be looking for leadership experience and also your personality that you will be a good fit in their company and your GPA coming out of school. Internship/co-op experience will help a lot but not sure after the pandemic with the lack of students being able to do internships will impact getting a job.
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