How to Gain Engineering Work Experience: A Beginner’s Guide
Engineering work experience is invaluable for students and graduates looking to build their skills and gain industry insight. While it can be challenging to secure placements in this competitive field, there are several avenues to consider. Here’s a guide on where to look, what to expect, and how to make the most of engineering work experience opportunities.
1. Identify Suitable Work Experience Opportunities
There are various ways to gain relevant experience, even if you’re new to the field:
- Formal Placements and Internships: Many engineering firms offer structured internship programs, especially during the summer. These placements usually last between 8-12 weeks and give you hands-on experience under professional supervision.
- Insight Days: Companies sometimes run shorter programs or “insight days,” which provide an overview of their work environment and an introduction to different engineering roles.
- Shadowing Opportunities: Shadowing an engineer for a few days or a week allows you to observe their day-to-day activities and gain a basic understanding of the profession.
- School or College Work Placements: Some educational institutions help students find placements with local engineering firms, which can be a great starting point for high school or first-year students.
2. Tap into University Resources
Universities are an excellent starting point for work experience leads:
- Careers Services: Many universities have dedicated career services that can help you connect with engineering companies offering placements. They often host career fairs where you can meet potential employers.
- Engineering Societies and Clubs: Student-run societies often have industry connections and can offer valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and even exclusive internship offers.
- Alumni Networks: Many institutions maintain alumni networks where graduates post job openings or mentoring opportunities for current students. Use these networks to reach out to professionals in your field of interest.
3. Reach Out Directly to Employers
Don’t hesitate to be proactive and contact companies directly. Many engineering firms, particularly smaller ones, may not have formal work experience programs but could offer opportunities on a case-by-case basis.
- Emailing Companies: Research local engineering firms and send polite, well-crafted emails expressing your interest in shadowing an engineer or participating in a short placement.
- LinkedIn Networking: LinkedIn is a valuable platform for connecting with engineers and recruiters. A brief, professional message explaining your interest can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities.
4. Apply to Programs for Aspiring Engineers
Various organizations run programs designed to introduce young people to engineering:
- Engineering Education Schemes: Programs like the Engineering Education Scheme in the UK offer students the chance to work on real engineering challenges in partnership with companies.
- STEM Ambassador Programs: These programs connect students with STEM professionals who can provide mentorship, hands-on projects, or industry insights.
- Virtual Engineering Internships: Some organizations, particularly in response to COVID-19, now offer virtual work experiences. Although remote, these programs allow you to gain valuable experience while developing digital and communication skills.
5. Volunteer and Engage in Extracurricular Projects
If formal work experience is hard to secure, consider alternative ways to gain relevant skills:
- Volunteering for Non-Profits: Many non-profits or community projects have engineering components, such as construction or environmental projects, where you can apply practical skills.
- University Projects: Participate in engineering-related extracurriculars like Formula Student, a competition where students design, build, and race a single-seater car. These projects give you hands-on experience and demonstrate initiative to potential employers.
6. Build Your Portfolio
Showcasing a portfolio of work, no matter how small, can give you an advantage in interviews and applications:
- Document Your Projects: Whether it’s a personal project or a school assignment, take photos and keep notes of the process. This can be valuable for portfolios or during interviews to demonstrate your practical skills.
- Learn and Use Engineering Software: Familiarise yourself with industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB. Free online tutorials can help you get started, and proficiency in these tools can make you more attractive to employers.
Making the Most of Your Engineering Work Experience
Once you secure an opportunity, approach it with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Here are some tips to help you make a strong impression:
- Ask Questions: Employers appreciate curiosity and a desire to understand. Don’t hesitate to ask about specific projects, engineering challenges, or career advice.
- Network and Build Connections: Work experience placements are also an opportunity to meet professionals in the field. Stay in touch with mentors and colleagues you meet—these connections could prove helpful in your job search later on.
- Reflect on What You Learned: After each experience, take time to assess what you’ve learned and how it fits into your career goals. Reflecting can help you identify areas for improvement and solidify your career interests.
In summary, gaining engineering work experience requires proactive effort, but multiple pathways exist for beginners. By exploring formal placements, university resources, direct outreach, and extracurricular projects, you’ll be well-positioned to build skills and make valuable industry connections.