Engineering Summer Job – 4 Ways to Finding the Perfect Job is a guest post by Jake Lester
Deciding to get a job during the summer break is a significant step towards establishing your future as an engineer. There are a number of things to consider such as location and the pay that you wish to receive for the services rendered. Of course, since this is an engineering summer job, also known as internship, and you are still a student, you should not expect your pay to rival those that are already on the employee roster. Before embarking on a job search, you need to analyze yourself and the qualities that you’ll offer your potential employer. You will need to prepare a resume, regardless of whether you’re still in school or not. In doing so, you should consider any achievements you might have that may be attractive for an employer, and include them on your resume. Volunteer work or personal projects that you have embarked upon should be feature here. However these are just a few of the basics items to consider.
Besides the basics, here are 4 actions students can take to secure an engineering summer job:
1. Research
You need to go online and check media outlets to find out which companies are offering summer engineering job opportunities. Not all companies allow employees to work on a part time basis. This will require you to up your research skills and techniques in order to find those that do. You can also go to engineering websites and magazines to find out which companies are on the rise and need support from all experience levels.
Also, depending on which sector you’re interested in, research will enable you to decipher which companies best suit your skills and offer you a better opportunity for growth. It will additionally help you to learn the background of these companies and tailor your resume and cover letters to sync with them. Demonstrating to a company that you are aware of what they do and are interested in being part of their team boosts your chances of landing an engineering summer job. Remember, actions speak louder than words in your presentation.
Knowing which projects they are currently working on and offering suggestions and enthusiasm for them is also helpful. If possible, avoid using common jargon and clichés; you need to stand out with your application letter and resume if you wish to beat out your fellow job seekers.
2. Widen Horizons
If getting a job in your locale seems to be a futile venture, look for companies outside of it. Your area may be experiencing a slump but other areas might be surging. Accommodation and distance may seem like a factor now, but once you get the job, you can adjust for it. Some companies are even willing to chip in for employees who are not from around there. Many companies are global nowadays, and you will be limiting yourself by only looking in your school or home area. Traveling abroad for an engineering summer job not only gives you the much-needed experience but opens up your eyes to the operations of other engineers from different parts of the globe. You may end up learning new or upcoming techniques that are not in your country yet.
Also, working with different nationalities and embracing different cultures gets your resume noticed as it is a boost that makes it stand out from others. Most foreign companies welcome students from abroad to work for them during the holidays. Visit their websites and check for vacancies. Organizations such as the Royal Academy for Engineering and FISITA offer students bursaries to cover their costs abroad. There are also student exchange programs that provide job placement for students abroad. All it depends on is your skills, interests, and desire to be successful.
3. Friends and Family
In your life, you most likely have friends and relatives who have vast experience in different sectors and may offer valuable advice or know a company that you can go and work for during the holidays. You may find out that some of them were in a similar predicament back when they were in school. Brainstorming with them may lead to a discovery that you could not see by yourself.
Family and friends may also have business contacts who they can recommend you to. Do not be afraid to seek their insight when stuck. Former employers are also a great place to check, especially if they performed duties diligently and exceptionally when they were there. If they do not have a place for you at the moment, request them to check with their business associates to see if there is a slot that you can fill during your summer break. A friend may also know of an opening at their place of work, ask them to keep an eye out for any engineering job opportunities that may come up.
These steps increase your chances of getting a job rather than only looking through one channel. You can also ask your friends who are in the same sector as you to introduce you to their friends at work in order for you to network with them.
4. Start Early
Planning your summer schedule in advance increases your chances of getting a slot in a company. 
Knowing that you want to work during the summer gives you ample time to scroll through online job sites and look for companies that best suit your skills. Sending an application to a company during the spring gives the impression that you are a serious individual who knows what they want in life. So, ‘should I write my essay now?’ you might ask yourself. Yes, this will give you ample time to go through it before you send it. It sets you apart from those that start looking during the summer. Starting early sets you apart from the rest as there are not many students applying for summer job placements during this time.
Also, starting to look for a job early gives you a chance to research on companies that best suit you. You learn everything you need to know, and by the time you are sending your application letter, you have an overview of what the company wants.
If you are accepted, you will also have enough time to set your affairs in order, and by the time summer kicks in, you will be all set to start your new job. You’ll be able to prepare for the interview and practice in advance to help you feel at ease when you are in the interview room. You also will have time to check out the company and even ask the employer about what to expect during your stint with them. If you get rejected, you will still have enough time to look for job opportunities elsewhere if you get rejected.
Conclusion
An engineering summer job or internship sets you apart from your colleagues. It gives you an insight into the practical world, and gives you an idea of what to expect once you are done with your education. If you also impress employers during this time, they may offer you a permanent position once you’re done with school. Do not set your sights only on jobs that are within your area, but be open to working outside the country as well. 98% of students who have been abroad say that it assists them to understand their culture and biases better.
About Jake Lester:
Jake Lester is essay writer that is fond of writing about various spheres of life. The most recurring themes he covers are education, writing and marketing. Jake has his own writing style which is why he is appreciated by readers. You may look through Facebook, Twitter & Google+.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions on getting an engineering summer job or internship.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
