Volunteer Jobs
Volunteer Jobs
(OP)
I am a civil engineer that graduated within the last year. As I'm sure everyone knows, the economy has not been favorable for getting jobs. Since graduating, I have worked in the field for a utility construction company. Unfortunately, work has crawled along for the last two months and my hours have dried up. I really need a new job, but that turns out to be a little more difficult than I imagined.
I don't want to get behind the eight ball by not getting the experience I need to become a good engineer. I am considering volunteering as an engineers to work in places like Haiti or other third world countries. I like the idea of being able to help people and get some valuable experience at the same time. First, I don't know where to look and find these positions. Second, I worry I wouldn't be that useful given my lack of experience.
If anyone has any insight on this, I would appreciate it. Or any other ideas how to get experience in a tough job market.
I don't want to get behind the eight ball by not getting the experience I need to become a good engineer. I am considering volunteering as an engineers to work in places like Haiti or other third world countries. I like the idea of being able to help people and get some valuable experience at the same time. First, I don't know where to look and find these positions. Second, I worry I wouldn't be that useful given my lack of experience.
If anyone has any insight on this, I would appreciate it. Or any other ideas how to get experience in a tough job market.





RE: Volunteer Jobs
http://www.ewb-usa.org/get_involved.php
http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn
RE: Volunteer Jobs
RE: Volunteer Jobs
Yeah, I have looked into joining the military. I was really looking at the Navy Civil Engineering Corps and the Air Force version of that. I still think that would be a good option for me. One of my several concerns is they don't actually do any design work from my understanding. It is mainly construction management and paper work.
RE: Volunteer Jobs
yes, government does no design . . . relys on non-governmental contractors for arch-mech-elec-civil design.
volunteer work is always good as it helps you develop inter-personnel skills under varying conditions that are surely needed. i can only recommend that you do what makes you happy and satisfied.
find a company that you want to work for and walk-in be prepared to talk (if in your local area) . . . you never know what will transpire . . . heck, the person you talk to just may be able to help you . . .
some years ago, while on vacation, i was driving along the highway and saw a plant i thought i would be interested in working at. i call them on the cell phone (while driving) and explained my situation and desire. turns out they has just filled a position and they wished my telephone call was a little sooner. such is life . . .
something to think about . . .
good luck!
-pmover
RE: Volunteer Jobs
Not that they'll use him in that capacity. I speak from experience!
Personally, through connections with the VA, I have volunteered some of my time for disabled veterans, designing the structural portion of their homes when needed.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Volunteer Jobs
Yes - I know of Army engineers that ended up as cooks and/or down in the trneches. Soe also went on to become pilots.. Oh well
Nice idea about the VA...I've done work (gratis) for churchs (any faith) and other volunteer groups...
RE: Volunteer Jobs
RE: Volunteer Jobs
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net