Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional

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Engineering Internships: Gaining Experience and Launching Your Career

Engineering is not just about theoretical knowledge but also about practical application. That’s where internships come in. Engineering internships offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, apply their classroom learning, and explore different specialties within the field. But beyond that, internships are also a crucial stepping stone towards launching a successful career in engineering. 

The Importance of Engineering Internships:

  1. Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice:

    • Classroom learning provides a solid foundation, but it’s through internships that students truly understand how concepts are applied in real-world scenarios.

    • Internships expose students to practical challenges, problem-solving techniques, and industry-standard tools and practices.

  2. Exploring Specializations:

    • Engineering is a diverse field with numerous specializations like mechanical, electrical, civil, and software engineering, among others.

    • Internships allow students to explore different specializations, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths.

  3. Building Professional Networks:

    • Internships provide opportunities to network with professionals in the industry.

    • Building relationships during internships can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable connections for future career growth.

  4. Enhancing Soft Skills:

    • Engineering internships aren’t just about technical skills; they also develop crucial soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

    • These skills are highly sought after by employers and are essential for career advancement in engineering.

Securing an Engineering Internship:

  1. Start Early:

    • Many companies start recruiting interns months in advance, so it’s crucial to begin your search early.

    • Check career fairs, company websites, online job portals, and university career services for internship opportunities.

  2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:

    • Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship application, highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

    • Emphasize your passion for engineering and your eagerness to learn and contribute to the company.

  3. Prepare for Interviews:

    • Practice common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences.

    • Research the company and familiarize yourself with its projects, products, and values.

  4. Leverage Your Network:

    • Reach out to professors, alumni, family friends, and professionals in your desired field for internship opportunities and referrals.

    • Attend networking events and join engineering-related clubs and organizations to expand your network.

Making the Most Out of Your Engineering Internship:

  1. Set Clear Goals:

    • Before starting your internship, set specific goals for what you want to achieve during your time with the company.

    • Whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a project, or networking with professionals, having clear goals will keep you focused and motivated.

  2. Be Proactive:

    • Take initiative and seek out opportunities to learn and contribute.

    • Volunteer for challenging projects, ask questions, and actively participate in team meetings and discussions.

  3. Seek Feedback:

    • Actively seek feedback from your supervisor and colleagues.

    • Use feedback as a tool for growth and improvement, and be open to constructive criticism.

  4. Network and Build Relationships:

    • Take advantage of networking opportunities within the company.

    • Connect with professionals from different departments, ask for informational interviews, and seek mentorship from experienced engineers.

  5. Document Your Accomplishments:

    • Keep a record of your achievements, projects, and skills acquired during your internship.

    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile with relevant experiences and accomplishments.

Leveraging Your Engineering Internship for Career Success:

  1. Reflect on Your Experience:

    • Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished during your internship.

    • Identify your strengths, areas for improvement, and the type of work environment that best suits you.

  2. Update Your Resume and Portfolio:

    • Incorporate your internship experience into your resume and portfolio.

    • Highlight specific projects, skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate your value to potential employers.

  3. Stay Connected:

    • Keep in touch with colleagues and supervisors from your internship.

    • Maintain professional relationships through LinkedIn, email, and occasional meetups or coffee chats.

  4. Apply for Full-Time Positions:

    • Many companies offer full-time employment opportunities to their interns upon graduation.

    • Apply for positions within the company or use your internship experience to stand out in job applications elsewhere.

  5. Continue Learning and Growing:

    • Engineering is a rapidly evolving field, so it’s essential to stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

    • Pursue further education, certifications, or specialized training to enhance your skills and marketability.

Engineering internships are more than just resume boosters; they are invaluable learning experiences that can shape your career trajectory. By securing internships, making the most out of them, and leveraging them effectively, you can gain the experience and skills needed to launch a successful career in engineering. So, start early, be proactive, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Your engineering journey starts with an internship—make it count!

Webuild Staffing Agency is a leading executive search and staffing agency dedicated to the construction, engineering and environmental industries. To learn more please visit: www.webuildstaffing.com

Tips for Hiring New Graduates who will Succeed in Your Organization

Tips to Hiring New Graduates that will succeed in your organization

Tips for Hiring New Graduates who will Succeed in Your Organization

Date : May 1, 2023 | By : michael_desafey

The construction, engineering, and environmental industry is a great place for new graduates to start their careers. It’s a challenging and rewarding field that offers growth opportunities. However, it can also be challenging for new graduates to break into this industry. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you find and hire the best new graduates for your organization.

1) Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media is a great way to connect with potential graduate candidates. Use it to post job openings and reach out to new graduates who might be interested in working for your organization.

LinkedIn is a great platform to use when hiring college graduates. Many construction, engineering and environmental professionals are active on LinkedIn, so it’s a great way to connect with potential candidates.

When creating your job posting, include information about your company culture and what makes your organization a great place to work. This will help attract top talent to your company. Include a link to your company website in your job postings so that candidates can learn more about your organization.

Ensure that you’re clear about the qualifications and skills you are looking for in a candidate. This will help you weed out candidates who are not a good fit for your organization.

Be prepared to answer any questions candidates may have about the job or your company. Candidates will want to know what they can expect if hired, so be sure to have this information ready.

Be flexible with your start dates. Many new graduates will already have other commitments to juggle, such as school or other jobs. If you can be flexible with their start date, candidates will find it easier to accept your offer of employment.

2) Network with New Graduates

Attend job fairs and career fairs at local colleges and universities. This is a great way to meet potential candidates and learn about their skills and qualifications. Make sure you have business cards available, or some other way for candidates to contact you after the event.

Follow up with any promising candidates that you meet at these events—send them an email or give them a call to gauge their level of interest in working for your organization. If you know any new graduates looking for a job, reach out to them and see if they might be interested in working for your company.

3) Give Candidates a Chance to Shine

When interviewing college candidates, allow them to show off their skills and qualifications. Ask them questions about their experience and education. If you have any projects that new employees could work on, consider assigning them to these projects during the interview process. This will allow candidates to show you what they’re capable of and how they could be an asset to your organization.

After the interview, follow up with candidates to let them know you appreciate their time and their interest in working for your company.

4) Be Clear About Your Expectations

When hiring new graduates, set realistic expectations for their first few months on the job. Let them know what you expect from them regarding work hours and workload. Make sure they understand your company’s policies and procedures. Give them a chance to ask questions about their job, and answer any questions they might have about your expectations regarding their performance.

5) Offer a Competitive Salary and Benefits Package

When offering a job to a new graduate, be sure to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Many new college graduates are looking for jobs that offer good pay and benefits. A competitive salary and benefits package will help you attract the best candidates to your company.

Be prepared to negotiate on salary and benefits if necessary. Many new graduates are willing to negotiate on these items to get the job they want.

6) Be Patient

Many new graduates need some time to adjust to the workforce. They may make mistakes at first, or have difficulty with some of their job responsibilities. Be patient with new employees—give them a chance to learn, grow into their positions and to improve their skills / knowledge over time.

Hiring new graduates can be a great way to bring fresh talent into your business. By following these tips, you’ll give your new hires the best chance to succeed in their new roles. If you offer them a bit of time and support, they’ll soon reward you with significant contributions to your company.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing: www.webuildstaffing.com. To learn more about Michael, or to follow his blog, please visit www.michaeldesafey.com.

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Category: Construction, Employer Tips, Engineering, Environmental, Jobs, Recruiting

New Graduate? Tips For Interviewing For Your First Engineering Job

New Graduate? Tips For Interviewing For Your First Engineering Job

Date : March 24, 2015 | By : michael_desafey

New Graduate? Tips For Interviewing For Your First Engineering Job..

If you are interviewing for a position in the engineering field, it is vital that you stand out from other candidates in order to obtain a position. While your degree and experiences may be sufficient to secure meeting with an HR representative at the company in question, you are likely to have plenty of competition.

When you have obtained a call back or possibly even before, learn more about the company. Go to their website and discover the principles on which it was founded, by whom, and when. See if you are able to find a few interesting facts that will show why you are interested in the company. For example, perhaps the business was involved in a project for which you have a great deal of professional respect.

Make certain that your attire is appropriate for the interview. Because it is a professional position, going in dressed for “casual Friday” is inappropriate. Have your clothing ready beforehand and take an honest assessment in the mirror of your appearance. Hair, including facial, nails and the rest of you should be well groomed. Polish your shoes. The few extra minutes that this requires may provide you an edge in making a good first impression.

Additionally, be prepared for the types of questions that are likely to be presented to you during the interview. One example is they may inquire about what types of special skills or knowledge you may have obtained from internships or part-time employment from previous employment. As you are recently graduated from school, with little work experience in the field, offer an example related to your scholastic experience and how you were able to assist a classmate.

Alternatively, they may ask about what you have learned from a previous mistake. Attempting to gloss over information or pretend as though you have never made an error will make you appear disingenuous, which could cost you the second interview, or the position altogether. However, if you can briefly summarize what you did wrong while expressing what you learned, you will show honesty and the ability to learn two skills that your interviewer will be searching for.

Proper preparation is essential to having a successful interview. If you know about the company and present yourself professionally, you are off to an excellent start. Be prepared to field a variety of questions regarding your experience and educational history. Contemplate the work you have completed in the past prior to the interview. This will help you in delivering honest answers that exhibit your skills in the engineering field.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com