Engineering Resume Questions
Engineering Resume Questions
(OP)
Hello everyone, I have a couple quick questions regarding engineering resumes. First of all I am a non-traditional student, 27 years old, pursuing a graduate degree in mechanical engineering and am curious if I should be structuring my resume differently from individuals younger than me. I’ll give you all a little information about my past. I grew up on a cattle ranch and the vast majority of my work experience up until I was 19 was agricultural based. After high school I obtained an associate’s degree and began working as a sound technician. I then worked in the sound industry full time for a couple years until I began engineering school. The first couple years of engineering school I worked part time, mainly in the summers and on weekends, both in the agricultural and sound industries until I got a job working for an engineering research arm of the university that I attend. I then interned at this research center up until I graduated with a BSME last August and transitioned to working as a graduate student at the same place. I will be graduating in December with a MSME so I am in the process of updating my resume to begin the search for full time engineering employment.
I suppose my biggest question is if engineering hiring managers are even interested in my previous work experience and degree? I know during interviews this work experience is very pertinent and functions as the basis for conversations about my work ethic and abilities, but I’m curious if hiring managers are going to see the extra degree and time spent outside of engineering on a resume as a negative? Some of my friends, who are younger and have not had the work experience I have, are putting certain classes they have taken on their resumes but if I attempt to do that while leaving my previous degree and non-engineering work my resume extends over 1 page. Should I be cutting my non-engineering work experience and education section short to add specific information with regards to classes? Additionally, most of my agricultural work was completed on my parents cattle ranch. Even though I personally know that this was a huge part of my professional and social development are hiring managers going to look down on having worked for family?
I’m brand new to engineering tips so I apologize in advance if this same type of question has been asked previously, but I would really appreciate any information that is out there, thanks!
I suppose my biggest question is if engineering hiring managers are even interested in my previous work experience and degree? I know during interviews this work experience is very pertinent and functions as the basis for conversations about my work ethic and abilities, but I’m curious if hiring managers are going to see the extra degree and time spent outside of engineering on a resume as a negative? Some of my friends, who are younger and have not had the work experience I have, are putting certain classes they have taken on their resumes but if I attempt to do that while leaving my previous degree and non-engineering work my resume extends over 1 page. Should I be cutting my non-engineering work experience and education section short to add specific information with regards to classes? Additionally, most of my agricultural work was completed on my parents cattle ranch. Even though I personally know that this was a huge part of my professional and social development are hiring managers going to look down on having worked for family?
I’m brand new to engineering tips so I apologize in advance if this same type of question has been asked previously, but I would really appreciate any information that is out there, thanks!





RE: Engineering Resume Questions
It is nice to see a resume reflect the whole person's background and it also sometimes allows a better conversation during the interview process if there are a variety of topics/experiences to show.
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RE: Engineering Resume Questions
RE: Engineering Resume Questions
TTFN (ta ta for now)
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RE: Engineering Resume Questions
Employers and candidates come in all forms. All you can do is look for the right gig and let the wrong ones sail by. No need to apologize or ask permission to go for what you want.
I had one employer that absolutely LOVED Farm kids. They work hard and don’t waste time solving problems. I’ve never forgotten that.
As far as your resume going forward, don’t waste too much space on the past. Make it apparent where you came from and leave it open for them to inquire.
If your resume doesn’t have something of interest above the first fold then it doesn’t matter much what’s below. Start with a section outlining the key skills you have to offer. Don’t make them sift for it.
Two pages is OK if your resume tells a compelling story. Leave out anything that does not.
RE: Engineering Resume Questions
As to the rest, I like to see all experience. As JAE pointed out, point it out but keep it minimized to the proper level of relevancy. Working the cow yards is a single bullet point in and of itself, but repairing the milking machine while in use to reduce downtime and increase production should be highlighted. Point out in your overview section that you worked full-time while going to school part-time... that shows drive and responsibility. If you were able to use your engineering studies to improve your work in the sound field, say so. And so on...
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Engineering Resume Questions
That is the angle to play.
RE: Engineering Resume Questions
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Engineering Resume Questions
A three month internship in a related industry will have more weight than five years of any of the stuff you mentioned. My perspective comes from someone who also did not start college till his middle 20's and is also a hiring manager.
RE: Engineering Resume Questions