6 Things engineering students should know about summer internships

There are so many resources filled with career information. One site from the United Kingdom, TARGETjobs, brings together career advice and tools related to a particular job sector. Here’s what the editors have to say about engineering internships. 

According to TARGETjobs Engineering Student Survey, finding an internship was a major concern for undergraduate engineers. Even if your degree doesn’t incorporate and internship into the program, arrange some hands-on experience in the field to help you build skills, contacts and get a real feel for the industry you’ll be working in.

1. Plenty of (reputable) employers offer summer internships. TARGETjobs composed a basic list of some of the companies to consider including BAE Systems, ExxonMobil, National Grid and Siemens.

What if you can’t get a summer internship but really want some experience? In a survey conducted among engineers just starting out in their careers, the following tips were given.

2. Apply to some local engineering companies for a week or two of unpaid work experience. (Possibly stop in with a resume in person).

3. Gain some additional skills that will be valuable to your career: learn how to program or do some volunteer work to build up your resume for your next attempt.

4. Apply before the deadline

According to TARGETjobs, few employers actually wait until the closing date on an internship opportunity to begin recruiting. Instead, most assess applicants as resumes are submitted.

5. Get your resume together

Include a CV with a brief personal statement that will summarize your abilities and goals. Include your education history, engineering work experience and even non-engineering experience that highlights your life experiences and skills acquired. Finally, make sure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate. You can find plenty of tips regarding resume building on the Internet, but for TARGETjob’s engineering recruiter’s tips visit here. 

6. Prepare for the interview

There are a variety of interviewing styles these days, but when it comes to the good old face-to-face interview, make sure you focus on your body language, attire, and always greet with a handshake coupled with eye contact. Even if you’re not feeling very confident on interview day, make sure you fake it.  

Good luck in your future endeavors!