How to get Engineering Internships (From No Experience to $63/hour)

Summary

The video script outlines a step-by-step guide for engineering students to secure internships despite having no experience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding job requirements through research, building relevant skills, crafting a strong resume and portfolio, networking on LinkedIn, and acing interviews through preparation and mock interviews. The speaker shares personal insights and strategies, encouraging persistence in the face of rejection.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Start by identifying the type of engineering job you want and the skills it requires.
• 🔍 Research job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn to understand the key skills employers are looking for.
• 🛠️ Learn and develop the necessary skills through online tutorials and resources.
• 🏢 Participate in engineering clubs or student design teams to gain practical experience.
• 📄 Create a resume focusing on skills, experience, and education, tailored to the job you're applying for.
• 📑 Build a portfolio showcasing your work, especially for roles requiring a practical demonstration of skills.
• 🔎 Use LinkedIn to find and apply for jobs, and to connect with alumni from your university working at potential employers.
• 💬 Network by reaching out to professionals working in your desired field for advice and potential referrals.
• 📞 Conduct informational interviews to learn more about the job and company.
• 💡 Prepare for technical questions in interviews by reviewing your academic knowledge and conducting mock interviews.
• 🚫 Embrace rejection as part of the job search process, and stay focused on securing one job offer.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by engineering graduates with student debt?

The main challenge faced by engineering graduates with student debt is finding a job, especially when they lack practical experience and internships, which are crucial for landing high-paying jobs in the field.

Why are internships important for engineering students?

Internships are important for engineering students because they provide practical experience, help build relevant skills, and increase the chances of securing a job after graduation.

How can a student with no experience start building their resume?

A student with no experience can start building their resume by identifying the skills required for their desired job through job listings, learning those skills independently using online resources, and participating in engineering clubs or student design teams to gain hands-on experience.

What are the key components of an effective resume for engineering students?

An effective resume for engineering students should include a skills section highlighting relevant abilities, an experience section detailing personal projects and team contributions, and an education section with the university and program details.

How can a portfolio help an engineering student in job applications?

A portfolio helps an engineering student by showcasing their practical work, designs, and projects, providing tangible evidence of their skills and experience, which can increase their chances of landing job interviews.

What is the recommended approach to networking on LinkedIn for engineering students?

The recommended approach to networking on LinkedIn for engineering students is to search for job titles and companies of interest, connect with alumni from their university, engage in informational interviews to learn about the company and role, and potentially receive referrals or invitations to networking events.

What should an engineering student do to prepare for technical questions in a job interview?

An engineering student should review their resume bullet points, understand the technical aspects of their projects and experiences, and practice mock interviews to be prepared for technical questions in a job interview.

How can an engineering student handle the rejections during the job application process?

An engineering student should view rejections as a normal part of the job application process, focus on improving their resume and interview skills, and remember that only one job offer is needed to achieve their goal.

What is the significance of personal projects for an engineering student's professional development?

Personal projects are significant for an engineering student's professional development as they provide an opportunity to apply newly learned skills, create tangible work that can be included in a resume and portfolio, and demonstrate the student's initiative and passion for the field.

Why is it beneficial for engineering students to join clubs and teams at their school?

Joining clubs and teams at school is beneficial for engineering students because it allows them to work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, learn from experienced members, and gain valuable experience that can be highlighted on their resume.

What is the role of an engineering student's university and program in their job application strategy?

The university and program play a role in an engineering student's job application strategy by providing a network of alumni and professionals, opportunities for networking and mentorship, and a foundation of knowledge and skills that are relevant to the industry.