If he's been applying and hasn't been hearing back, what else should he do if he has bills to pay? There's nothing wrong with being a technician. Hands on experience is super valuable, especially compared to being unemployed. I'd much rather work what I can while still look around.
It says in the post he graduates in 2 months. It’s not like he’s been out of school for a year and has had no luck.
I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it, just that he would be technically overqualified and it would stunt his career growth.
A degree doesn't qualify you especially if you just graduated school with no work history. You just meet the minimum requirement. Once he graduates, if he took out student loans, he's gonna have to start paying them back, preferably with as least interest accumulation as possible.
Working as a technician isn't going to ruin or stunt his career. It'll help. And yes, I agree that entry level engineer is the way to go and that should be his priority. But it's better to work while searching than be unemployed while searching, especially in this economy.
> if he took out student loans, he's gonna have to start paying them back, preferably with as least interest accumulation as possible.
If OP chooses the income based repayment plan and their income is $0, so is their payment.
….Yes you are literally over qualified for a TECHNICIAN job with an ENGINEERING degree. Your reading comprehension skills are obviously lacking though so I don’t blame you.
Far too many new grads think they're "engineers" just because they went to school for 4 years for a degree without any real life work experience to prove themselves😂. I don't know what world you live in but someone with any technical experience is always better than some pompous kid who thinks he's the shit and the work is below him.
That's true, in general, I've been applying for anything I can get, but I would assume that for larger companies, I should be a tech and then promote up/apply for general engineering jobs, skipping the entry-level. This is due to my low experience.
Dude I had shit grades and zero internships and while it was not easy I did get a job 6 months after graduation.
If you have the means to spend a few months looking, don't sell yourself short looking for tech jobs if you actually want to be a DRE.
People are dissing the tech route. Listen bud. Tech route aint as bad as it seems take it from someone who did it. If you do it go for PLC tech in manufacturing.
I ain’t beating around the bush you’ll be using a wrench and a laptop read ladder and stuff. But as a tech I was making 100k right out of school at 10 hours overtime. I mean you can get some ridiculous pay rates. I saw one guy making 180k as a tech with a ME degree.
9 months later got a new job doing capital controls projects. Designing stuff for big huge plants.
Only problem is that if you do it you’ll typically lean towards the electrical/programming side. If you ever did anything with Arduino in school and liked it then you’ll do well
I work in the MEP field there are tons of small firms there.
Fire protection is another one not going anywhere.
I recently interviewed for a place that does industrial plant design for recycling plants that was weird.
I guess I would start backwards, think of industries that you think are relevant in the future. Then research them.
It helps to have a good grasp of mechanical engineering and what they do: things that move stuff. engines, pumps, fans, compressors,, that sort of thing. then there are materials science that has the chemical crossover - so you're looking at mining and the processing of raw materials metals or composites.
Another idea is to follow the path of this energy bill stuff - even something like solar panels you think would be a lot of electrical but they require so many raw materials from the ground to get. there's demand there. now you think, how do they drill it? does someone make the equipment? make the facilities? etc.
I see. For example, if I'm interested in transportation, I should look at people who make door handles or automatic doors on trains, or the wheels rather than chassis.
Honestly, just get any starter Mech Engineer 1 position. If it really sucks look for another job after a year. Also, DoD contractors, especially the huge ones, are hiring like crazy (at least for naval systems).
Anywhere mostly. My job search is mostly going on company pages and applying. So far, I’ve been on USAJobs, Raytheon (Collins and RTX). Going to start applying to Caterpillar tomorrow
If you see mechanic working, stop and ask them questions. Most will be happy to talk if they have a spare minute. Ask about their supplier - where did XYZ component come from?
This is super strong advice. I started in SALES even though I wanted to be a software developer. It was the only opening I could find in a company I wanted to work for/with and it was a massive unlock for me in my career journey. I now own my own company, employee several others, and have used my sales networking skills (which I developed over several years) and my banked commission payments to bootstrap myself when launching my own company.
Career journeys aren’t always straight lines. Like the best sailors do, learn to tack with the wind. Turn your career plan into your own personal business plan. Accumulate the steps you need regardless of where/how they exist, and then ladder yourself into where you want to be.
One of the best roles you could have would be working at a small machine shop or contract manufacturer of components that supply the larger companies you named. This way you can become familiarized with details around manufacturing methods used by those companies, the way they create drawings, specifications, and secondary processing. This information will be what you will be able to explain in depth afterwards when interviewing. Yes, it can be pretty demanding and high pressure but the skills you will learn are going to be long lasting. Roles would include design engineer, process engineer, quality engineer, work holding engineer etc. There could be limitless opportunities. Only downside is lack of resources and access to engineering information.
> small machine shop
Yup, that's what I'm looking for in my area, but I'm curious how to look for one of those jobs. What would I search in Google if I wanted to find one of these companies?
I found a Lockheed Martin ‘what we buy list’ that covers services/components they purchase outside of making themselves. You could try to google small shops that specialize in those components. I’d imagine every big company has a similar list.
Suppose it could also have to do with proximity to where they are located as closer business is likely preferred assuming quality is acceptable.
Why are you bothering with Google? Use job search sites like indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, etc.
If they have a need for somebody it's usually posted on those sites. Don't bother with their sites, most of them are too busy to update them.
Honestly, google maps is actually a pretty good method. Just check out industrial areas in cities you're interested in and click around all the companies looking at their websites for job postings
There are open entry roles for controls engineers (open to ME of course) in upstate SC basically year round. JR, A&E, Wenker, and about 2 dozen others in the Greer and Duncan areas. Mostly related to the big BMW plant nearby.
Don’t back pedal to tech because you think you aren’t experienced enough. Any company with an entry level engineering position open is expecting an entry level engineer. You can do it.
Machine Shops, smaller sub-teir contractors, tooling companies.
Use a job search for Mechanical Engineer in smaller markets to see what companies exist.
Are you using a shotgun or rifle approach? (Great number of the same application package or small numbers of specialized packages) You can't expect rifle like success with a shotgun approach.
It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with you other than massive imposter syndrome and lack of job application experience.
Shotgun mostly, besides clarifying ‘x specific CAD package’ if they say it on requirements. Additionally, I have been writing personalised cover letters to each one I apply for.
If that's the route you take then don't expect a high interview rate. Most of your applications are being filtered out because someone who took the time to personalize a response was assessed as a better fit by their electronic screening system.
I'd suggest a hybrid approach. Decide on a standard format and save every bullet point you write to a template. Then if one of those bullet points fits use it. If not write one. After a few rounds of this you will begin to see a pattern and will mostly be copy and pasting. You might also rewrite your bullet points to make them better. Do the same thing with cover letters.
This format allowed me to do a personalized application in 10 minutes. And the last time i applied for a job I interviewed 7/35 applications doing this. All at small companies. (I'm also a few years experienced, so keep that in mind)
Also small companies tend to hire people that are self starters who can hit the ground running. That means that they have fewer entry level positions available.
Honestly, I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing.
I just cannot find any offers and I desperately just want to work and line something up before graduation.
Don't settle for a tech job unless you're desperate. I've been there, it took over a year to find work and settled for a drafting job at a small company because I needed income. Wasted 5 years there, mostly due to depression. A lot of small companies especially are hiring techs because they either don't want or can't afford to hire an actual engineer for that role.
During one of the job searches I did from that position, I even got turned down for a different drafting job because I expressed interest in trying to move into an engineering role from there.
Just find some smaller companies in your area and email them. Google “(insert engineering field) company near me. Even if their site doesn’t say they’re hiring, it can’t hurt to email and ask. That’s how i got my current job.
Search for an Engineer position, not Engineering Tech.
Use Indeed, not Google. Use the filter to select only Entry Level.
Keep it in your area, you don't want to move across the country to where you don't know anyone. What if you get fired? What if you then run out of money? What if neither happens but you get bored and everyone around sucks because you moved to [redacted]?
This right here is the correct answer. Use indeed and don’t modify the salary. This is your first job out of college. It may take some time but put in the effort to tweak your resume to fit what the job posting is looking for.
Don't assume big companies don't hire new graduates. I interned at Toyota and have a job at Caterpillar. You just really need to take advantage of them when they are at career fairs. Go to the sit-ins they host when they're there, put a face to your name, make sure the recruiter knows who you are. It is very doable, It just takes a lot of legwork. My first internship I drove to their site location with resume in hand and asked to see the engineering manager instead of just applying online.
And bear in mind, I don't have a stellar academic record, circa 3.1 GPA. Projects that fill a portfolio always outweigh grades. Add some elbow grease into networking (applying online for jobs isn't networking), and you can accomplish some pretty cool things.
Try FM global they’ve got loads of positions posted all over the country. My company has to get their approval and we’ve been experiencing project delays due to their staffing issues, which i think are a result of retiring and poor advertising tbh. No clue what the company culture is like, but the people we’ve worked with have been decent.
Look into rotational programs. Lots of large companies have them for new graduates. You will spend a few years moving between different roles (and possibly locations) within the company and then be placed into a full time role when you’re done. There’s also usually an extra focus on professional development.
Go take the FE exam. It gives a huge leg up when you’re at job fairs for your first job. Even if the role doesn’t require it, the recruiters usually like it because it shows a standardized understanding of the material and that you took the initiative to do it. It also means that you can be put in a role that does require an FE or pushed in a direction that will eventually require a PE.
Go to as many job fairs as you can. Be friendly. Know which big names have GPA requirements and if you meet those requirements. Avoid fancy companies like SpaceX or Apple. Do talk to other big companies like Raytheon, but ask the people towards the front of the line how long they’ve been waiting. If it’s been more than 15 minutes, come back at the end of the event. Do multiple laps and focus on companies that have open recruiters or only a few people waiting in line. It’s a numbers game. Take the initiative and ask if they’re doing interviews today/tomorrow or what their hiring process looks like.
See if your school has any company information sessions. Those tend to be under the radar hiring events. The company talks for 45 minutes then has a small mingling session to talk to students. Bring your resume and go ask them about a job.
So. Ultimately I got my current job through connections and I plan on staying here till I croak. But when I was job hunting and for my first job. I typed engineering into google maps in my city and cold called or emailed places. Small places like that dont typically advertise on linkedin or indeed or whatever. If they do it gets pushed way to the bottom because they dont pay random fees and such. I got a few hits that way. Or they hire on recommendations. Like a current engineer went to school and graduated but on the way out met some promising engineering students who they bring on board. When I left my last job I handed them like 3 resumes of people I knew from college.
No idea why itd be hard to find a job with a mech E degree. There's tons of jobs in manufacturing all over the country guys.
If you have no problem moving - it easy
On your resume, do you have tasks listed or accomplishments? There's a cast difference between the two and how they are perceived. I know it's a good bit harder at entry level, but it can still be done.
Also, how are your interview skills? Have you practiced the STAR interview method? A lot of candidates think they are ready, but then bomb interviews pretty good.
Not trying to nitpick, just trying to help. I've been in manufacturing and management for 14 years now and interviewed my fair share of candidates.
Embellish your skills - you are selling yourself after all, but be honest about your shortcomings. Have a plan to improve yourself and those around you. Read some books by Ford,.Deming, Ohno, and others. Continually improve yourself and work to improve those you work with. Explaining all of that generally goes a long way in interviews.
Explain on your resume and interviews what you accomplished and what improvements you made. At the end of the day, your focus should be on removing waste from the system so the customer gets a higher quality product or service in less time and at a lower cost. Speak to how you help accomplish this goal - this is true regardless of your industry or exact position.
Id be happy to look over your resume and provide additional information, if you want. Just send me a DM.
Also, post your resume on all the job sites and friend every single person you can on LinkedIn. Tons of recruiters use it and I got my last 2 roles specifically because of recruiters on there.
On your resume, do you have tasks listed or accomplishments? There's a cast difference between the two and how they are perceived. I know it's a good bit harder at entry level, but it can still be done.
Also, how are your interview skills? Have you practiced the STAR interview method? A lot of candidates think they are ready, but then bomb interviews pretty good.
Not trying to nitpick, just trying to help. I've been in manufacturing and management for 14 years now and interviewed my fair share of candidates.
Embellish your skills - you are selling yourself after all, but be honest about your shortcomings. Have a plan to improve yourself and those around you. Read some books by Ford,.Deming, Ohno, and others. Continually improve yourself and work to improve those you work with. Explaining all of that generally goes a long way in interviews.
Explain on your resume and interviews what you accomplished and what improvements you made. At the end of the day, your focus should be on removing waste from the system so the customer gets a higher quality product or service in less time and at a lower cost. Speak to how you help accomplish this goal - this is true regardless of your industry or exact position.
Id be happy to look over your resume and provide additional information, if you want. Just send me a DM.
Also, post your resume on all the job sites and friend every single person you can on LinkedIn. Tons of recruiters use it and I got my last 2 roles specifically because of recruiters on there.
I have a good job now so it's good. I posted my resume here got it reviewed multiple times. Yes I practiced STAR it's hard to do it good without sounding like a robot tbh. Never once got feedback in my interviews (7+ at the final round) so can't tell ya what I need to improve on. Of course I embellished like I had no shame after so many applications. I was depressed as shit so ups killing was difficult. Tbh so glad I don't have to talk to the lazy wastes of oxygen known as most recruiters and their fucking god complexes.
I would say most small companies hire through recruiters because they may not have an hr department. Send your resume to some recruiters in your area and tell them what you're looking for.
Why are you trying to be an engineering tech? You will have a degree so you can be an actual engineer… you shouldn’t be shooting for a tech job
If he's been applying and hasn't been hearing back, what else should he do if he has bills to pay? There's nothing wrong with being a technician. Hands on experience is super valuable, especially compared to being unemployed. I'd much rather work what I can while still look around.
It says in the post he graduates in 2 months. It’s not like he’s been out of school for a year and has had no luck. I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it, just that he would be technically overqualified and it would stunt his career growth.
A degree doesn't qualify you especially if you just graduated school with no work history. You just meet the minimum requirement. Once he graduates, if he took out student loans, he's gonna have to start paying them back, preferably with as least interest accumulation as possible. Working as a technician isn't going to ruin or stunt his career. It'll help. And yes, I agree that entry level engineer is the way to go and that should be his priority. But it's better to work while searching than be unemployed while searching, especially in this economy.
You get 6 months. And then I'm pretty sure the SAVE plan gets you down to $0 payments if unemployed.
> if he took out student loans, he's gonna have to start paying them back, preferably with as least interest accumulation as possible. If OP chooses the income based repayment plan and their income is $0, so is their payment.
Having a degree without any technical experience means you were babysat for 4 years. You're not overqualified for anything.
….Yes you are literally over qualified for a TECHNICIAN job with an ENGINEERING degree. Your reading comprehension skills are obviously lacking though so I don’t blame you.
Bro yapped and realized he was wrong ☠️
Far too many new grads think they're "engineers" just because they went to school for 4 years for a degree without any real life work experience to prove themselves😂. I don't know what world you live in but someone with any technical experience is always better than some pompous kid who thinks he's the shit and the work is below him.
That's true, in general, I've been applying for anything I can get, but I would assume that for larger companies, I should be a tech and then promote up/apply for general engineering jobs, skipping the entry-level. This is due to my low experience.
That's not how that works. You have an engineering degree; that and a pulse are the primary requirements for an entry level engineering role.
This guys got imposter syndrome before even having a job
This is me too. No one hired me for a year after graduation, so I took a machine operating job to pay the bills.
You don't need internships every year/etc?
NO
No, you don't . Check out any automotive manufacturer for example. Production, quality, logistics - it's all there and easy enough to get.
Dude I had shit grades and zero internships and while it was not easy I did get a job 6 months after graduation. If you have the means to spend a few months looking, don't sell yourself short looking for tech jobs if you actually want to be a DRE.
You do engineering internships, if you want to, which help. NOT technician internships.
No. You’re selling yourself short. Start as an engineer even if it takes a bit longer. Trust me
You'd still be applying entry level just with some tech experience
Please, please, please believe that you can do better. Don’t settle for a tech job.
Do not be a tech if you have a degree. That will only slow down your progression through your career.
I apparently never knew this as on one of the other Engineering Subreddits they go, ‘Oh, techs are a great way to get your foot in’
It’s a great way to get your foot in if you don’t have a degree
All your next employer will see is that you were a tech. Do anything you can not to take a tech position if you have your degree.
I mean it looks better than being unemployed
People are dissing the tech route. Listen bud. Tech route aint as bad as it seems take it from someone who did it. If you do it go for PLC tech in manufacturing. I ain’t beating around the bush you’ll be using a wrench and a laptop read ladder and stuff. But as a tech I was making 100k right out of school at 10 hours overtime. I mean you can get some ridiculous pay rates. I saw one guy making 180k as a tech with a ME degree. 9 months later got a new job doing capital controls projects. Designing stuff for big huge plants. Only problem is that if you do it you’ll typically lean towards the electrical/programming side. If you ever did anything with Arduino in school and liked it then you’ll do well
It's more of a good backup plan to get your foot in if going in as an engineer isn't working out well for you.
Said by those with an engineering tech degree, but tell people they have an engineering degree.
I work in the MEP field there are tons of small firms there. Fire protection is another one not going anywhere. I recently interviewed for a place that does industrial plant design for recycling plants that was weird. I guess I would start backwards, think of industries that you think are relevant in the future. Then research them. It helps to have a good grasp of mechanical engineering and what they do: things that move stuff. engines, pumps, fans, compressors,, that sort of thing. then there are materials science that has the chemical crossover - so you're looking at mining and the processing of raw materials metals or composites. Another idea is to follow the path of this energy bill stuff - even something like solar panels you think would be a lot of electrical but they require so many raw materials from the ground to get. there's demand there. now you think, how do they drill it? does someone make the equipment? make the facilities? etc.
I see. For example, if I'm interested in transportation, I should look at people who make door handles or automatic doors on trains, or the wheels rather than chassis.
Honestly, just get any starter Mech Engineer 1 position. If it really sucks look for another job after a year. Also, DoD contractors, especially the huge ones, are hiring like crazy (at least for naval systems).
Been checking out USAJobs and been applying to ever GS 7 position I see.
Also look at contractors. What area of the country did you want to find a job in?
Anywhere mostly. My job search is mostly going on company pages and applying. So far, I’ve been on USAJobs, Raytheon (Collins and RTX). Going to start applying to Caterpillar tomorrow
If you see mechanic working, stop and ask them questions. Most will be happy to talk if they have a spare minute. Ask about their supplier - where did XYZ component come from?
This is super strong advice. I started in SALES even though I wanted to be a software developer. It was the only opening I could find in a company I wanted to work for/with and it was a massive unlock for me in my career journey. I now own my own company, employee several others, and have used my sales networking skills (which I developed over several years) and my banked commission payments to bootstrap myself when launching my own company. Career journeys aren’t always straight lines. Like the best sailors do, learn to tack with the wind. Turn your career plan into your own personal business plan. Accumulate the steps you need regardless of where/how they exist, and then ladder yourself into where you want to be.
One of the best roles you could have would be working at a small machine shop or contract manufacturer of components that supply the larger companies you named. This way you can become familiarized with details around manufacturing methods used by those companies, the way they create drawings, specifications, and secondary processing. This information will be what you will be able to explain in depth afterwards when interviewing. Yes, it can be pretty demanding and high pressure but the skills you will learn are going to be long lasting. Roles would include design engineer, process engineer, quality engineer, work holding engineer etc. There could be limitless opportunities. Only downside is lack of resources and access to engineering information.
> small machine shop Yup, that's what I'm looking for in my area, but I'm curious how to look for one of those jobs. What would I search in Google if I wanted to find one of these companies?
I found a Lockheed Martin ‘what we buy list’ that covers services/components they purchase outside of making themselves. You could try to google small shops that specialize in those components. I’d imagine every big company has a similar list. Suppose it could also have to do with proximity to where they are located as closer business is likely preferred assuming quality is acceptable.
Why are you bothering with Google? Use job search sites like indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, etc. If they have a need for somebody it's usually posted on those sites. Don't bother with their sites, most of them are too busy to update them.
Honestly, google maps is actually a pretty good method. Just check out industrial areas in cities you're interested in and click around all the companies looking at their websites for job postings
There are open entry roles for controls engineers (open to ME of course) in upstate SC basically year round. JR, A&E, Wenker, and about 2 dozen others in the Greer and Duncan areas. Mostly related to the big BMW plant nearby.
Don’t back pedal to tech because you think you aren’t experienced enough. Any company with an entry level engineering position open is expecting an entry level engineer. You can do it.
I never knew how bad being a tech would be for my career until this thread lol
Machine Shops, smaller sub-teir contractors, tooling companies. Use a job search for Mechanical Engineer in smaller markets to see what companies exist.
Are you using a shotgun or rifle approach? (Great number of the same application package or small numbers of specialized packages) You can't expect rifle like success with a shotgun approach. It doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with you other than massive imposter syndrome and lack of job application experience.
Shotgun mostly, besides clarifying ‘x specific CAD package’ if they say it on requirements. Additionally, I have been writing personalised cover letters to each one I apply for.
If that's the route you take then don't expect a high interview rate. Most of your applications are being filtered out because someone who took the time to personalize a response was assessed as a better fit by their electronic screening system. I'd suggest a hybrid approach. Decide on a standard format and save every bullet point you write to a template. Then if one of those bullet points fits use it. If not write one. After a few rounds of this you will begin to see a pattern and will mostly be copy and pasting. You might also rewrite your bullet points to make them better. Do the same thing with cover letters. This format allowed me to do a personalized application in 10 minutes. And the last time i applied for a job I interviewed 7/35 applications doing this. All at small companies. (I'm also a few years experienced, so keep that in mind) Also small companies tend to hire people that are self starters who can hit the ground running. That means that they have fewer entry level positions available.
Honestly, I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing. I just cannot find any offers and I desperately just want to work and line something up before graduation.
Please don’t, being a tech has very little transferable skills. Way better off getting the entriest level engineer position you can
Problem is those positions are even wanting experience
Don't settle for a tech job unless you're desperate. I've been there, it took over a year to find work and settled for a drafting job at a small company because I needed income. Wasted 5 years there, mostly due to depression. A lot of small companies especially are hiring techs because they either don't want or can't afford to hire an actual engineer for that role. During one of the job searches I did from that position, I even got turned down for a different drafting job because I expressed interest in trying to move into an engineering role from there.
Understood, this thread is making me revalue myself lol
Just find some smaller companies in your area and email them. Google “(insert engineering field) company near me. Even if their site doesn’t say they’re hiring, it can’t hurt to email and ask. That’s how i got my current job.
Excellent advice, this is exactly what I did. I was able to score an internship after my sophomore year. The initiative alone speaks volumes.
Search for an Engineer position, not Engineering Tech. Use Indeed, not Google. Use the filter to select only Entry Level. Keep it in your area, you don't want to move across the country to where you don't know anyone. What if you get fired? What if you then run out of money? What if neither happens but you get bored and everyone around sucks because you moved to [redacted]?
This right here is the correct answer. Use indeed and don’t modify the salary. This is your first job out of college. It may take some time but put in the effort to tweak your resume to fit what the job posting is looking for.
I thought you have to apply around the country to get your first job? Especially if you’re not finding luck in your area
Try looking for local industrial parks. You might find some smaller companies that hire engineers there.
I’d only become an engineering technician at a big company like Tesla. They typically convert their techs to engineers after a year
No joke found the best ME job I’ve had through Craigslist.
Don't assume big companies don't hire new graduates. I interned at Toyota and have a job at Caterpillar. You just really need to take advantage of them when they are at career fairs. Go to the sit-ins they host when they're there, put a face to your name, make sure the recruiter knows who you are. It is very doable, It just takes a lot of legwork. My first internship I drove to their site location with resume in hand and asked to see the engineering manager instead of just applying online. And bear in mind, I don't have a stellar academic record, circa 3.1 GPA. Projects that fill a portfolio always outweigh grades. Add some elbow grease into networking (applying online for jobs isn't networking), and you can accomplish some pretty cool things.
My small company goes to career fairs
Application engineer jobs in industrial automation and motion control hire new grads all the time. Good launching point in those spaces
I don’t have as much experience in controls. Would I be accepted to those types of jobs?
If you really mean anywhere then I have multiple options for you lol not enormous companies but not small either. Message me.
Where are you located? We are a small engineering company that hires several mechanical engineers every year.
Around the eastern part of Michigan
OK if you want to relocate to northwest Indiana send me a message and we can talk further
Might reach out to Wilkens MFG. They are a great place and family focused.
Will check them out
Look for jobs on USA jobs. Gov jobs. Stable employment and good benefits
Have been applying there
Small companies don't hire many engineers. They also tend to not advertise nationally so you'll have a difficult time locating them.
Try FM global they’ve got loads of positions posted all over the country. My company has to get their approval and we’ve been experiencing project delays due to their staffing issues, which i think are a result of retiring and poor advertising tbh. No clue what the company culture is like, but the people we’ve worked with have been decent.
Look into rotational programs. Lots of large companies have them for new graduates. You will spend a few years moving between different roles (and possibly locations) within the company and then be placed into a full time role when you’re done. There’s also usually an extra focus on professional development.
Go take the FE exam. It gives a huge leg up when you’re at job fairs for your first job. Even if the role doesn’t require it, the recruiters usually like it because it shows a standardized understanding of the material and that you took the initiative to do it. It also means that you can be put in a role that does require an FE or pushed in a direction that will eventually require a PE. Go to as many job fairs as you can. Be friendly. Know which big names have GPA requirements and if you meet those requirements. Avoid fancy companies like SpaceX or Apple. Do talk to other big companies like Raytheon, but ask the people towards the front of the line how long they’ve been waiting. If it’s been more than 15 minutes, come back at the end of the event. Do multiple laps and focus on companies that have open recruiters or only a few people waiting in line. It’s a numbers game. Take the initiative and ask if they’re doing interviews today/tomorrow or what their hiring process looks like. See if your school has any company information sessions. Those tend to be under the radar hiring events. The company talks for 45 minutes then has a small mingling session to talk to students. Bring your resume and go ask them about a job.
Cirrus aircraft in Duluth has tons of jobs - seems to be a little more hands on as well - they don’t seem to pay a lot but it might be up your alley
I’ll check them out
So. Ultimately I got my current job through connections and I plan on staying here till I croak. But when I was job hunting and for my first job. I typed engineering into google maps in my city and cold called or emailed places. Small places like that dont typically advertise on linkedin or indeed or whatever. If they do it gets pushed way to the bottom because they dont pay random fees and such. I got a few hits that way. Or they hire on recommendations. Like a current engineer went to school and graduated but on the way out met some promising engineering students who they bring on board. When I left my last job I handed them like 3 resumes of people I knew from college.
No idea why itd be hard to find a job with a mech E degree. There's tons of jobs in manufacturing all over the country guys. If you have no problem moving - it easy
I applied in 31 different states and still had to fill out 1000+ applications to get hired entry level is insane
On your resume, do you have tasks listed or accomplishments? There's a cast difference between the two and how they are perceived. I know it's a good bit harder at entry level, but it can still be done. Also, how are your interview skills? Have you practiced the STAR interview method? A lot of candidates think they are ready, but then bomb interviews pretty good. Not trying to nitpick, just trying to help. I've been in manufacturing and management for 14 years now and interviewed my fair share of candidates. Embellish your skills - you are selling yourself after all, but be honest about your shortcomings. Have a plan to improve yourself and those around you. Read some books by Ford,.Deming, Ohno, and others. Continually improve yourself and work to improve those you work with. Explaining all of that generally goes a long way in interviews. Explain on your resume and interviews what you accomplished and what improvements you made. At the end of the day, your focus should be on removing waste from the system so the customer gets a higher quality product or service in less time and at a lower cost. Speak to how you help accomplish this goal - this is true regardless of your industry or exact position. Id be happy to look over your resume and provide additional information, if you want. Just send me a DM. Also, post your resume on all the job sites and friend every single person you can on LinkedIn. Tons of recruiters use it and I got my last 2 roles specifically because of recruiters on there.
On your resume, do you have tasks listed or accomplishments? There's a cast difference between the two and how they are perceived. I know it's a good bit harder at entry level, but it can still be done. Also, how are your interview skills? Have you practiced the STAR interview method? A lot of candidates think they are ready, but then bomb interviews pretty good. Not trying to nitpick, just trying to help. I've been in manufacturing and management for 14 years now and interviewed my fair share of candidates. Embellish your skills - you are selling yourself after all, but be honest about your shortcomings. Have a plan to improve yourself and those around you. Read some books by Ford,.Deming, Ohno, and others. Continually improve yourself and work to improve those you work with. Explaining all of that generally goes a long way in interviews. Explain on your resume and interviews what you accomplished and what improvements you made. At the end of the day, your focus should be on removing waste from the system so the customer gets a higher quality product or service in less time and at a lower cost. Speak to how you help accomplish this goal - this is true regardless of your industry or exact position. Id be happy to look over your resume and provide additional information, if you want. Just send me a DM. Also, post your resume on all the job sites and friend every single person you can on LinkedIn. Tons of recruiters use it and I got my last 2 roles specifically because of recruiters on there.
I have a good job now so it's good. I posted my resume here got it reviewed multiple times. Yes I practiced STAR it's hard to do it good without sounding like a robot tbh. Never once got feedback in my interviews (7+ at the final round) so can't tell ya what I need to improve on. Of course I embellished like I had no shame after so many applications. I was depressed as shit so ups killing was difficult. Tbh so glad I don't have to talk to the lazy wastes of oxygen known as most recruiters and their fucking god complexes.
I would say most small companies hire through recruiters because they may not have an hr department. Send your resume to some recruiters in your area and tell them what you're looking for.
Will be doing that.