8 answers
Lethukuthula
Student
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
2
Questions
Asked
440 views
How to improve chances of getting a job after graduation?
I'm a final year student in Bsc Eng Mechanical engineering student at university of kwazulu natal.
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8 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lethukuthula,
I know the employmeny situation for young graduates in South Africa is pretty grim, even for engineering graduates. And you have probably just graduated.
The biggest problem is always that employers want to see "experience", and where do you get experience if nobody will hire you? So, anything from interships to capstone projects and demonstrator duties, use it. At this point you may have to accept a long-term internship or a graduate program which won't pay much but gets you the training on the job that you need and hopefully leads to a "proper" job.
If you can't get one of those take any job. Any job is better than no job (not just for financial reasons). It will give you some transferable skills like people skills, customer service skills, conflict resolution, leadership, ability to work with others, adaptability etc.
Mech Eng is a 4-year degree, correct? Not 3 years to BSc like in the sciences and then Honours (if you are so inclined and if you are accepted). Was an industry internship part of your training? That would be an important contact, and an important point on your resume that counts under experience. Milk it for all you can. Also, your capstone project is very important. Emphasise your practical experience from there.
Join LinkedIn, make an outstanding profile and connect to people. Post something, answer something, forward job offers for others. It makes a difference. You can also look up previous graduates and where they are now. Did they get any new qualifications? How did they get to where they are? Ask questions. Maybe have a coffee chat about their role and what it entails. Look at the companies: if they hired someone like yourself last year or in previous years, maybe they will hire again.
Then, look at yourself (or maybe do that first): what do you like? What are you good at. In an ideal world, where/what would be your job? Find people who work in those jobs and what their qualifications are. Did they do any extra courses (e.g
Health and Safety, Sigma6, programming languages, business courses etc)? ML and python is the hot thing right now and I barely see a job ad without it. So, maybe get at least the basics there if you don't have them. There are many options online and some are even free. Get some of those skills if they seem in demand in your special area. YouTube can be a good free source to learn, but a certificate would be better.
The point here is: fresh graduates all look the same from an employers standpoint. So, find something to stand out.
Outreach is also a good way to improve your resume. Contact your old teacher and volunteer to give a talk at your high-school about how to become an engineer. Maybe tutor some high-school kids. Help them with applications, bursaries, and enrollment. It's all very confusing when you are just in high-school and don't speak the language of the university. Volunteer as a project judge for ESKOM Science Fair. Mentor a kid in a Science Fair project.
Look at professional organisations and if they have anything to offer.
If you would consider a masters, look around what kind of project you might be interested in. Check out other universities and companies as well.
Good luck!
KP
I know the employmeny situation for young graduates in South Africa is pretty grim, even for engineering graduates. And you have probably just graduated.
The biggest problem is always that employers want to see "experience", and where do you get experience if nobody will hire you? So, anything from interships to capstone projects and demonstrator duties, use it. At this point you may have to accept a long-term internship or a graduate program which won't pay much but gets you the training on the job that you need and hopefully leads to a "proper" job.
If you can't get one of those take any job. Any job is better than no job (not just for financial reasons). It will give you some transferable skills like people skills, customer service skills, conflict resolution, leadership, ability to work with others, adaptability etc.
Mech Eng is a 4-year degree, correct? Not 3 years to BSc like in the sciences and then Honours (if you are so inclined and if you are accepted). Was an industry internship part of your training? That would be an important contact, and an important point on your resume that counts under experience. Milk it for all you can. Also, your capstone project is very important. Emphasise your practical experience from there.
Join LinkedIn, make an outstanding profile and connect to people. Post something, answer something, forward job offers for others. It makes a difference. You can also look up previous graduates and where they are now. Did they get any new qualifications? How did they get to where they are? Ask questions. Maybe have a coffee chat about their role and what it entails. Look at the companies: if they hired someone like yourself last year or in previous years, maybe they will hire again.
Then, look at yourself (or maybe do that first): what do you like? What are you good at. In an ideal world, where/what would be your job? Find people who work in those jobs and what their qualifications are. Did they do any extra courses (e.g
Health and Safety, Sigma6, programming languages, business courses etc)? ML and python is the hot thing right now and I barely see a job ad without it. So, maybe get at least the basics there if you don't have them. There are many options online and some are even free. Get some of those skills if they seem in demand in your special area. YouTube can be a good free source to learn, but a certificate would be better.
The point here is: fresh graduates all look the same from an employers standpoint. So, find something to stand out.
Outreach is also a good way to improve your resume. Contact your old teacher and volunteer to give a talk at your high-school about how to become an engineer. Maybe tutor some high-school kids. Help them with applications, bursaries, and enrollment. It's all very confusing when you are just in high-school and don't speak the language of the university. Volunteer as a project judge for ESKOM Science Fair. Mentor a kid in a Science Fair project.
Look at professional organisations and if they have anything to offer.
If you would consider a masters, look around what kind of project you might be interested in. Check out other universities and companies as well.
Good luck!
KP
Lilly Barrett
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Lilly’s Answer
Engaging in a long-term internship greatly enriched my resume, giving me a competitive edge when I started applying for jobs post-college. More importantly, it instilled in me a sense of confidence that proved invaluable during job interviews. If you're currently employed or interning while in college, seize this opportunity to inquire, learn, and actively participate in projects that align with your career aspirations. This hands-on experience is crucial in preparing you for the professional world. Internships also provide a conducive environment for learning from mistakes and receiving constructive feedback before you fully embark on your career journey. So, don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone!
Glenn A
Mechanical Engineering Manager @ Belkin
145
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
This is a great questions, best that you ask before you are on the job market. Take project that allows you to do creative thinking and be a lead on those projects, you can lead from within a team as well. Learn the fundamentals and be able to apply them to answer engineering questions. If you have the opportunity to intern or co-op, that is an advantage. The next part is critical, right a good resume. In the US, this means 1 page for someone with less than 5 years experience. List relevant information and do not embellish. If you worked in a non-engineering role, list it but don't go into a lot of detail. List some hobbies. Make it clear and concise (respect the time of the person reading it). Prepare for the interview, learn about the company, read the job description, and be specific on why it interests you. Apply to a lot of jobs, do not be picky. If you get several offers, great. If get one offer, good enough. Be ready to ask questions about the job and responsibilities.
Learn fundamentals and be able to demonstrate your understanding
Write a good one page resume that is not embellished
Prepare for the interview by researching the company, reading the job description, and having questions prepared.
Glenn recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Glenn. I will try my best on building my profile.
Leadership is of most importance, thanks again.
The recommended approach for interviews really helped, Thanks.
Lethukuthula
Jason Stone
Systems/Electrical Engineer
6
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I think companies interviewing want to know that you want to do what they are doing. And for you it may become important to be honest about that, although it is difficult to prioritize how you want to spend your hours against just wanting a professional income. But after you get some experience you may find other options that better fit your interests, and employers want to avoid that you leave after a short time.
So in interviews, resume and cover letter, try to show how your experience and demonstrated interests align with the company's goals.
So in interviews, resume and cover letter, try to show how your experience and demonstrated interests align with the company's goals.
Thank you so much, this helps a lot. I will try your recommended approach.
Lethukuthula
David C Byram
Mechanical Design Engineering / Educator
36
Answers
Palm Coast, Florida
Updated
David C’s Answer
Be willing to start out in entry level positions. Experience will be important at that point. Don't be rigid and insist on only wanting a position that exactly matches your career choice at the start. A wide range of exposure to other disciples will be a plus. For mechanical engineers, manufacturers want you to have been taught at least certain skill sets that are rarely taught in college.
If you would like to know what those skill sets are, go to my YouTube channel by typing "CAD4STEM Educational Platform" in the search engine. I am in the process of developing a several series of those skill sets. It is all Free! Start with the "Introduction" presentation first. As I am now retired, in the past I have had to teach these various skill sets to new hires out of college. It is a shame it is not a college requirement to know these skill sets, but I am willing to give back to others in this way to help. Someday perhaps, colleges will adopt such a program as it is what the manufacturing industries have been asking for.
Hope this advice helps.
Designer Dave
If you would like to know what those skill sets are, go to my YouTube channel by typing "CAD4STEM Educational Platform" in the search engine. I am in the process of developing a several series of those skill sets. It is all Free! Start with the "Introduction" presentation first. As I am now retired, in the past I have had to teach these various skill sets to new hires out of college. It is a shame it is not a college requirement to know these skill sets, but I am willing to give back to others in this way to help. Someday perhaps, colleges will adopt such a program as it is what the manufacturing industries have been asking for.
Hope this advice helps.
Designer Dave
Thank you, this really helps me a lot. I had some problems while I was doing my Vacation work as part of adapting to what to expect in industries. All I can say from there, I was just a useless student engineer in the workplace, who was getting paid for being useless.
I will try your courses on Youtube, Manufacturing Enhancement for Mechanical Engineering, I can now see the need for this type of course, as we're having problems when designing. I believe Manufacturing Design will help in compiling good technical drawing sketches, which can improve design efficiencies and minimize deficiencies as required by the engineering standards of the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
Lethukuthula
Tony Catuogno
Project Management
4
Answers
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Updated
Tony’s Answer
I would suggest the following:
Internship\Coop in that area
Be involved in clubs and societies at school - be an Officer and show leadership
Volunteer in your community
Internship\Coop in that area
Be involved in clubs and societies at school - be an Officer and show leadership
Volunteer in your community
Leadership style is of most importance, Thank you so much.
Does this have to do with bursting confidence in all aspects?
Lethukuthula
Vincent So
Consultant
10
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Vincent’s Answer
First thing is to understand the recruiting timelines for jobs that you want! I was not aware some jobs start their recruiting in the summer of my junior year or fall of my senior year. Knowing a timeline of application open/end dates is crucial to being organized because you will be sending a lot of job applications. Second is to network. It is so important to make yourself standout from the crowd. Network with someone at a company you want to work in. That will set you apart. If you develop a strong relationship with them, they can even give you a referral, increasing your chances of receiving an interview. Finally, I would practice interviewing live with someone. It feels unnatural to interview. Having lots of reps help you prepare for interviews.
Kim Bauerlein
Talent Acquisition - Candidate Sourcing/Identification
12
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Network, network, network! First, create a list of skills you'd like to learn and possibly turn into a career. It's okay if you don't have these skills yet – focus on what interests you. Next, use LinkedIn to join groups and follow employers related to your chosen skills. This expands your network in that area! Participate in group discussions and explore job postings to gather more information.
If you feel confident, send messages to experienced professionals in these groups to learn more about their companies and roles. Most people appreciate genuine curiosity and are happy to help. These conversations can open doors, and if someone can't assist you, they might refer you to someone who can. Remember, be yourself and enjoy the journey!
If you feel confident, send messages to experienced professionals in these groups to learn more about their companies and roles. Most people appreciate genuine curiosity and are happy to help. These conversations can open doors, and if someone can't assist you, they might refer you to someone who can. Remember, be yourself and enjoy the journey!
Networking is of most importance, thank you so much this helps.
This will have a great impact on interviews as well, as I will have a better understanding of the background of the company, receiving info about the company, from the intern.
Lethukuthula