Looking for some advice
Looking for some advice
(OP)
Hi, I graduated a little over two years ago with a degree in M.E., and have been searching for a entry level position for for some time. Unfortunately, my currant employment has not allowed me to gain any real engineering experience. My interests are in the automotive and aero fields.
Having read some of the comments/replies of other engineers who are searching for work, I'm reluctant to ask a simple question. How does someone gain the necessary experience required for these entry level positions. What's the chance of finding a beginners level position these days and where should I search.
Some other ideas I have thought given the scarcity of work would be to pursue a Master's or look into purchasing a cnc machine shop.
Any suggestion or comments will be much appreciated. Thanks.
Having read some of the comments/replies of other engineers who are searching for work, I'm reluctant to ask a simple question. How does someone gain the necessary experience required for these entry level positions. What's the chance of finding a beginners level position these days and where should I search.
Some other ideas I have thought given the scarcity of work would be to pursue a Master's or look into purchasing a cnc machine shop.
Any suggestion or comments will be much appreciated. Thanks.





RE: Looking for some advice
Have you tried researching alternative energy companies in the auto industry? There are a lot of new upstart kinds of cars on the market now that I have seen advertised.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Looking for some advice
Persistence is also key, try finding some association or club or something to get to know people in the trade.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Looking for some advice
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Looking for some advice
I gained more real engineering experience in my first three years working in the ag industry than I ever would have in auto or aero.
RE: Looking for some advice
Entry level positions these days require some experience, usually through internships/co-ops.
RE: Looking for some advice
I now work at a smaller food equipment manufacturer and I have much more room to breathe and learn. Sure I still have to do my own designs and details, but I get to also do all of the engineering, and actually get a say in how things actually look, and are made.
James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP
RE: Looking for some advice
RE: Looking for some advice
I worked as an Engineer for 3 years then was laid off right before I got my degree (back in 2003). Took me a year to find something that was basically a CAD jockey. Worked there for 1.5yrs and asked for a promotion since they were using me as a Design Engineer and paying me peanuts. From there it went further up with each job. My advice, don't expect a $100k/yr job right out of the university, especially with no experience.
RE: Looking for some advice
Job 1:
P.E. or working toward P.E.
Job 2:
0-3 years of Mechanical design experience are required.
BSME degree required, Masters preferred.
E.I.T is required, P.E. preferred.
How are entry level jobs relevant to having a PE license? By default, a PE does have work experience. I know what an employer is looking for and what they actually get in job applications are different. Those job listing are either unrealistic and the employer is willing to settle for a more reasonable applicant, or it is really a buyer's market out there.
I don't mean to discourage anyone. It's really a bizarre world these days. You have job postings where recent college grads are competing with PEs for a job that has the salary range of $40k-$80k.
RE: Looking for some advice
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Looking for some advice
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Looking for some advice
Thanks,
Scott
RE: Looking for some advice
I understand that having an internship/co-op is helpful. However, that's one option I did not have the luxury of while in school.
thanks again,