Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
(OP)
Hi folks. First time posting here, though I've learned a lot from the archives. Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm currently out of work after 5 years as a mechanical engineer in the the Aerospace/Defense industry. I'm considering jobs in other industries, and consumer products seems appealing as I enjoy design and creative work.
I sent my resume and a nice cover letter to a consumer products company, and the HR person requested a portfolio. A portfolio? I've been on several interviews for defense and medical positions, and I've never needed a portfolio.
I feel I have an impressive array of work from my previous job, but all of it is highly proprietary and most is protected by ITAR. I believe I did the ethical and lawful thing by not sneaking personal copies of my work, but it's very unfortunate that I now have nothing to actually show for the past 5 years.
Has anyone encountered a similar situation, or have any suggestions? I have a few projects from grad school, but they're quite basic compared to my actual job tasks. My best solution is to respond to the HR rep and explain that the sensitive nature of my past work precludes me from sharing it publicly. Instead, I can off up several professional references who can speak to my abilities.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
I'm currently out of work after 5 years as a mechanical engineer in the the Aerospace/Defense industry. I'm considering jobs in other industries, and consumer products seems appealing as I enjoy design and creative work.
I sent my resume and a nice cover letter to a consumer products company, and the HR person requested a portfolio. A portfolio? I've been on several interviews for defense and medical positions, and I've never needed a portfolio.
I feel I have an impressive array of work from my previous job, but all of it is highly proprietary and most is protected by ITAR. I believe I did the ethical and lawful thing by not sneaking personal copies of my work, but it's very unfortunate that I now have nothing to actually show for the past 5 years.
Has anyone encountered a similar situation, or have any suggestions? I have a few projects from grad school, but they're quite basic compared to my actual job tasks. My best solution is to respond to the HR rep and explain that the sensitive nature of my past work precludes me from sharing it publicly. Instead, I can off up several professional references who can speak to my abilities.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!





RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
You'll obviously have to say that your previous work was largely classified, however, when I made the transition I would get stuff from the public domain and say 'I worked on the XYZ aspect of this product' or similar.
You might also ask for clarification on what they want in the portfolio, just a list of products you worked on with some pretty pictures and description, or actual sample drawings...
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
TTFN
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RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
For those of you who have worked in consumer products, did you find it to be technically challenging as an engineer?
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
And the job can also be quite mundane... just depends upon your field of expertise and what the company needs.
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Portfolio? Industry Change from Defense to Consumer Products
thread731-301737: Building a CAD Portfolio
http://www
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?