The Mechanical Engineering Job Search

Presentation by Itanza LawrenceCareer Placement Officer

Key Points

• Background• Companies• Industries• Resume• Cover Letters• Organization• Networking

BACKGROUNDWHY ARE YOU A VALUABLE ASSET TO THE ENGINEERING WORLD?

• Hard work• Determination• A great laugh• Ability to think outside of the box• Previous experience

Research, summer jobs, internships, student group leadership

• Writing Skills• Your culture

Several of these companies are viewed as the “Top Engineering Companies” to work for.

COMPANIES

INDUSTRIES• Aerospace• Automotive• Chemical• Construction• Defense• Electronics• Consumer Goods• Marine• Pharmaceuticals• Rail• Utilities

Choosing the Right Job

Considerations for your career plan may include:• Personal interests and values• Skills you have; skills you need• Personal goals for the next 5, 10, 25 years• Financial needs or goals• Preference for large or small company or work environment• Geographic preferences• Goals for growth (skills, experiences, finances, personal)

Online resources can help you explore various career plans.

THE RESUME

Must Have…

• Clearly defined margins• Contact information• GPA*• Clear Format

Must NOT Have…• Typos• Excessive formatting• “I”• More than 1 page

Name in LARGE font

Education at the topLocations and dates on the right hand side balance the resume

Clear Margin (no less than .65”)

Consistent Formatting - Location, font & size

Experience should be listed in reverse chronological order

Action words to begin bullet points

Include all relevant skills

Talk about the role your applying for

Tell them why you are excited

Tell them why your background adds to your value

Address additional skills

Close and reiterate interest

Organization/Preparation

• Create an excel sheet with relevant information– Organization name– Link– Interest level– Contact

• Keep it updated• Prepare before speaking with employers

NETWORKING

• LinkedIn– Mechanical Engineering Group

• Center for Career Education– Lionshare

• Conferences• Me! – MechE Office Hours are 1-3 PM on Tuesdays

Networking is a powerful tool responsible for the majority of career placement. This goes beyond personal, long-term relationships and can come from short term acquaintances developed through LinkedIn, Student Group Associations and introductions at career fairs.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• International Students and Scholars Office• Don’t be afraid to use resources from other

schools – See Rice’s Job Search Pamphlet• Start Early• Network with International Alumni

Questions?