6 answers
5
Questions
Asked
6105 views
How hard it is to find an entry level job as a fresh engineering graduate?
I'm just wondering about my career path after college and I got a bit worried about this question. #job #engineering
Login to comment
6 answers
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
124
Answers
Updated
Dan’s Answer
You will be able to get an entry-level engineering job.
Ok, that wasn't a direct answer to your question... How hard will it be? That depends.
The more of these that are true for you, the easier it will be:
1) You earned good grades in college (the higher your GPA, the better).
2) You liked your engineering classes so you paid attention and actually learned the material (rather than managing to pass yet not really understanding).
3) You have good social / people skills and can interview well. This usually means you practiced interviewing, are enthusiastic, and can efficiently explain why you are a great match for the specific job description.
4) You have a well written resume and someone else has reviewed your resume. This includes good formatting, spelling, grammar, and action verbage.
5) You are willing to relocate to a different town, city, or state.
6) You are flexible as to the exact job that you are willing to accept. There are many engineering jobs for any one degree so a little flexibility will help.
7) You have completed a work-study or co-op while in college.
8) You work on engineering projects on your own, outside of your college classes (because you like to do this).
9) You have one or more good technical references. Or one of your engineering professors.
I am pretty sure that you will get a job!
Ok, that wasn't a direct answer to your question... How hard will it be? That depends.
The more of these that are true for you, the easier it will be:
1) You earned good grades in college (the higher your GPA, the better).
2) You liked your engineering classes so you paid attention and actually learned the material (rather than managing to pass yet not really understanding).
3) You have good social / people skills and can interview well. This usually means you practiced interviewing, are enthusiastic, and can efficiently explain why you are a great match for the specific job description.
4) You have a well written resume and someone else has reviewed your resume. This includes good formatting, spelling, grammar, and action verbage.
5) You are willing to relocate to a different town, city, or state.
6) You are flexible as to the exact job that you are willing to accept. There are many engineering jobs for any one degree so a little flexibility will help.
7) You have completed a work-study or co-op while in college.
8) You work on engineering projects on your own, outside of your college classes (because you like to do this).
9) You have one or more good technical references. Or one of your engineering professors.
I am pretty sure that you will get a job!
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hi there! I know a few people that graduated with mechanical engineering degrees 2 years ago and they were really worried once Covid hit. But perseverance and dedication will always pay off. Although, they interviewed, they were turned down. But their dedication paid off eventually and they found jobs at different software companies and are thriving. Relax, breathe and do your best and have a great attitude! You will do great!
Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Consultant, Owner at Power Generation Consulting Services
130
Answers
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hi Eden,
Getting a job as a brand new engineer should not be a major issue. Engineering is one of the top 4 degrees for return on the cost of a college education (computer science, economics, nursing being the other 3). Getting good grades in college and getting some type of technical job during the summers while you are in collage are probably 2 of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of getting a job upon graduation.
As you probably know there a many different types of engineers doing all types of things - what type do you want to be? the internet is a great help in this area. Another consideration is where do you want to work - do you have a preference ? Do you have a preference as to the company or industry you want to work in? The bottom line is that the more flexible you are w/r to type of company, and location the easier it will be to get a job upon graduation.
Lastly, have a plan for your job search. By the end of your Junior year you should have the above questions pretty well answered and be ready to start your job search. The job search (sending out resumes) should begin in the middle of your senior year or earlier. Do not wait until the end of your senior year. But, rather than sending our tons of resumes, research the company(s) you are interested in and do a targeted, focused search of several companies. Companies are much more likely to hire people who have done a bit of research on them, understand what they do and really want to work for them. Get some help with resume writing and interviewing (your school's placement office would be a good resource) and you should do fine getting a job upon graduation.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck.
Doug
Getting a job as a brand new engineer should not be a major issue. Engineering is one of the top 4 degrees for return on the cost of a college education (computer science, economics, nursing being the other 3). Getting good grades in college and getting some type of technical job during the summers while you are in collage are probably 2 of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of getting a job upon graduation.
As you probably know there a many different types of engineers doing all types of things - what type do you want to be? the internet is a great help in this area. Another consideration is where do you want to work - do you have a preference ? Do you have a preference as to the company or industry you want to work in? The bottom line is that the more flexible you are w/r to type of company, and location the easier it will be to get a job upon graduation.
Lastly, have a plan for your job search. By the end of your Junior year you should have the above questions pretty well answered and be ready to start your job search. The job search (sending out resumes) should begin in the middle of your senior year or earlier. Do not wait until the end of your senior year. But, rather than sending our tons of resumes, research the company(s) you are interested in and do a targeted, focused search of several companies. Companies are much more likely to hire people who have done a bit of research on them, understand what they do and really want to work for them. Get some help with resume writing and interviewing (your school's placement office would be a good resource) and you should do fine getting a job upon graduation.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck.
Doug
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
At the moment, there a lots of jobs in many engineering fields in many locations. This could change though, I graduated in 08 and had friends graduated in 09 that had a bit of trouble and some that wer laid off (it happens, but we all get another job relatively soon). They all eventually got hired even if it wasn't their dream job or location, but your first job will not be your only and most likely you will change companies of not industries. There will always be a need for all types of engineers. Get yourself ready for filull time by getting interships or professional societies that help build those professional skills. Make contacts with companies. Many really work to transition their interns to full time.
Engineering is a growing field with many many getting ready to retire. This is something many companiesa are worried about. I really dont see it dropping but every 10 years or so one industry has layoffs like auto but another one is hiring like mad such as construction, so there are jobs.
Every career field has highs and lows.
Engineering is a growing field with many many getting ready to retire. This is something many companiesa are worried about. I really dont see it dropping but every 10 years or so one industry has layoffs like auto but another one is hiring like mad such as construction, so there are jobs.
Every career field has highs and lows.
Updated
David’s Answer
Finding an Entry Level Job in Engineering is difficult. You have to be persistent and expect to attend many interviews. Treat every interview as a valuable learning opportunity. A technical internship can help get your foot in the door and also looks good on your resume. Try to pick out a few different locations to work in so that more opportunities are available.
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
There are lots of engineering jobs out there. The challenge is to figure out how to make yourself stand out against the other candidates. To do this, during college you need to determine where you want to focus and then get internships and COOPs in that area, take elective classes in that area, and do extra-curricular activities in that area. For example, if you want to focus on electronic cooling, then be sure to take extra courses in thermals, try to get an internship with a technology infrastructure company and maybe even do some of your own research and build your own computer (focusing on the thermal solution). These are all things that will make you stand out and help you get your foot in the door for your first job out of college.