How do I cross the barrier?
How do I cross the barrier?
(OP)
Hello All
This is my first day on eng-tips and I have a question; an interesting one.
I did chemical engineering in 1990 and worked as an engineer for three different companies. My experience can be broadly be categorized into commissioning, startup and production operations. After working for 7 years in chemical industry, I joined an electronic manufacturing company and worked for them for 5 years(not as a chemical engineer). Unfortunately, the company moved out to a low cost geography and here I am looking for a job once again.
After giving it a careful thought I have decided to look for a job in the field of chemical engineering, particularly process and design. Last year I completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering and went to various consulting companies and asked them for a position to start my career from a scratch. But, so far I have no luck. The reason given to me by most of the people I talked to is the gap in “professional experience”. For a starting level job do I really need to have “professional experience” or is it something else?
Can someone identify the other reasons and give me some good tips about how to cross this barrier?
Thank you
This is my first day on eng-tips and I have a question; an interesting one.
I did chemical engineering in 1990 and worked as an engineer for three different companies. My experience can be broadly be categorized into commissioning, startup and production operations. After working for 7 years in chemical industry, I joined an electronic manufacturing company and worked for them for 5 years(not as a chemical engineer). Unfortunately, the company moved out to a low cost geography and here I am looking for a job once again.
After giving it a careful thought I have decided to look for a job in the field of chemical engineering, particularly process and design. Last year I completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering and went to various consulting companies and asked them for a position to start my career from a scratch. But, so far I have no luck. The reason given to me by most of the people I talked to is the gap in “professional experience”. For a starting level job do I really need to have “professional experience” or is it something else?
Can someone identify the other reasons and give me some good tips about how to cross this barrier?
Thank you





RE: How do I cross the barrier?
I have worked in the oil industry, specialty chemical industry and the semiconductor industry. I proudly state all the industries I have been involved with. They are not gaps, I have learned a lot from working in different industries. You are pitching your experience wrong. Did you solve problems in the elecronics industry, did you do statistical studies, quality control, safety? What did you learn that could be applied to any industry? Time management, inventory management, efficiency studies. Every job, even digging ditches has something to teach you, if you are willing to learn. I worked as a construction laborer before I went to engineering school. I learned a ton of stuff that I still use today. Think about that and rewrite your resume to reflect what you now have to offer after being in the electronics industry.
Good Luck
StoneCold
RE: How do I cross the barrier?
John
RE: How do I cross the barrier?
The economy stinks right now. The industrial market is really depressed. Many jobs were exported and the competition for the remaining ones can be intense. If the locale that you are in is depressed, you may have to move.
Keep your spirits up and keep sending out the resumes.
RE: How do I cross the barrier?
In addition to his comments, you might like to improve your vocabulary, and use some of the "now" phrases which might grab potential employers' attention. As an example, think of your experience in terms of "transferable skills" and call it that.
RE: How do I cross the barrier?
It could be that the companies that you are approaching are not suited to process and design that you are looking for. Research the company you are applying to and tweak your cv to match. I do it the other way with my cv being just a taster of my skills and highlighting how these skills and experience are relevant to the position in a covering letter. Brevity is the key, in my opinion, just provide hints that you are suitable and let them do the logic jumps.
Get your story straight about why you made your decisions, what the options were to you at the time and where you are now. Then use this to your advantage.
I too have an unconvential cv, that to the "right" company (small consultants) is a god send and to others (big EPC) can be a problem. I enjoy being able to pick up any problem and work out a solution by using my experience and research. In the past year I have done a fuel storage and distribution system, a fire investigation, a gas pipeline and a water storage aquifer.
RE: How do I cross the barrier?
regards