unimpressive work experience?
unimpressive work experience?
(OP)
Hello Everyone,
I recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree and i am currently looking for a work. I feel that my previous work experiences are not impressive at all, and that they are dated. I've been looking for engineering work for about 6 months, with very few replies. I'm beginning to think this isn't normal, and my experience is to blame.
My question is:
How long after graduation did it take you to find a position that is fitting with your level of education? I mean an Engineering graduate working as an Engineer, not an Engineering Technician.
I recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree and i am currently looking for a work. I feel that my previous work experiences are not impressive at all, and that they are dated. I've been looking for engineering work for about 6 months, with very few replies. I'm beginning to think this isn't normal, and my experience is to blame.
My question is:
How long after graduation did it take you to find a position that is fitting with your level of education? I mean an Engineering graduate working as an Engineer, not an Engineering Technician.





RE: unimpressive work experience?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
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RE: unimpressive work experience?
It /all/ depends on location and skills.
FWIW I have had to move for every single engineering job I have ever taken.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: unimpressive work experience?
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RE: unimpressive work experience?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
As a result I am a big supporter of Co-Op/Part time engineering student programs. There are simply too many thing you WON'T learn in any college class and employers know this when hiring new engineers. The degree just shows you know the fundamentals but without any evidence of applied engineering there often isn't much to make one graduate stand out from the next.
Also, to echo what others have said, this job market is not pretty and while there are thousands of engineering jobs out there, new grads often are competing against engineers with 2-5 years experience and in most cases experience wins. The one thing new grads have as an advantage over other engineers is the ease with which they can relocate.
If I were a new graduate who had been looking for 6 months I would certainly entertain the idea of taking a contract/full-time CAD job just for the experience and networking. Thinking that such jobs are "beneath your level of education" is just a fast track to nowhere IMO.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtirevold
RE: unimpressive work experience?
I started looking for a job last year in November (graduated in may), and had 4 terms of CO-OP at a Refinery, I didn't even get an interview until September of this year. I did finally land a job, pay is below average, but there is a lot of room for growth and I am thrilled to be working where I do.
Just be persistent! Throw your resume on monster and all those related sites and hopefully recruiters can help you find a good job.
RE: unimpressive work experience?
As Greg (L) said, moving is par for the course.
- Steve
RE: unimpressive work experience?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
There have been a bunch of threads about finding work so I won't bother repeating stuff, but I will say you need to be a bit more proactive than just getting on Monster etc.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
My wife convinced me to apply for that job, even though I did not like the looks of it (technician type work with some added responsibilities).
As it turns out, I quickly moved up at that company, and worked there for 8 years before deciding to move on. The time actually doing field work was extremely valuable, and gives me a good understanding of what is happening on the projects I supervise. Additionally, our techs enjoy working for me more than others in our firm that had little to no experience doing what they do. Consequently, the techs do more for me (as I can do more for them) and my projects run smoother.
Do not discount a job as beneath you when you can be gaining experience in the field, and learning about the business. You will also be more exposed to more information about other firms you may wish to work at.
RE: unimpressive work experience?
When I was laid off in 2000 it took me 3 months to find my next position.
I lost my job last year and I have spent 13 months looking for another one. This economy has made companies more fickle when trying to expand their talent pool.
In this engineering job market I would probably be better off if I had about 10 years LESS experience. More positions seem to be for the 3-5 years of experience candidate.
As a new graduate you face the same challenges that experienced engineers do. We all need to differentiate ourselves from other job seekers. That can be difficult to do when you just got out of school. To potential employers you may look exactly the same as someone else who just graduated.
I'm not familiar with Civil Engineering but put yourself in the shoes of a company that may hire someone like you. What's in it for them? What kinds of skills are they looking for? What is the nature of the position that they want to fill? Are there any special skills that they want that most graduates do not have?
As mentioned before, maybe a CAD class would get your resume noticed more. Or maybe knowledge about a particular specialty.
RE: unimpressive work experience?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
RE: unimpressive work experience?
When I graduated, I had a job...actually started before I graduated...but that was 34 years ago. Due to the commoditization of engineering services and the economy, it's tough right now.
In my opinion, it is better to work in a sub-level job that to have no job at all....this can be explained. If you have no job, the interviewer immediately thinks "not diligent...doesn't want a job.
Good luck.
RE: unimpressive work experience?
The good news is that as a civil you can do a lot of different things. Don't think your first jobs is what you will be doing for the rest of your life. It won't, believe me. Don't be afraid to try something out that seems different from your vision. Getting in the field would be great. As a civil I would suggest things like:
-Working for a land surveying company if you can find it (great experience)
-Working for a geotechincal firm doing soil borings or inspections / material testing
- Look to at government positions, federal, state, and local cities
- doing internships may be a way to get your foot in the door at some consluting firms
My biggest piece of advice in this economy is NETWORK!!! Just sending out resumes on Monster is not going to get it done. Email / call old professors, friends, people you may know in the industry and tell them you are looking for work. Just having lunch with someone you know in the industry can open up doors. Maybe join a professional organization like ASCE or ACEC and network. When what you are doing isn't working, it's time to do something different.
RE: unimpressive work experience?