Engineering is an exciting field full of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Whether you want to become a civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineer, you'll work on projects that benefit society.
Many people find that engineering is a rewarding and satisfying profession, but it can be daunting when you first start. The engineering job market is competitive, especially when you have limited experience. But with hard work and the right strategy, you can increase your chances of success and work toward landing your dream job.
This guide provides engineering career advice to help you break into the field. From crafting a strong resume to preparing for your first interview, you'll learn everything you need to know. With this knowledge, you can confidently start your engineering job search.
1. Understand the engineering job landscape
Before job searching, it helps to understand the types of engineering fields and positions available. Starting your search with a clear field or position in mind can help you focus on getting a job within your desired area. You should also keep on top of each field's projected job outlook to understand current and future demand. Jobs with a good outlook often have more open positions and will continue to grow in the coming years.
Here are the main engineering fields, along with their associated positions and projected outlook:
- Mechanical: The mechanical engineering field currently has the best job outlook. By 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment rate will grow by 10%. As a mechanical engineer, you can specialize in aerospace, marine, automotive, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and robotics.
- Chemical: Chemical engineering is a popular field with a positive job outlook. This field has an 8% predicted change in employment between 2022 and 2032. While there are many branches of chemical engineering, a few common ones are biochemical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, and chemical reaction engineering.
- Electrical: The estimated growth for electrical engineering jobs is 5% between 2022 and 2023. Some branches of electrical engineering include control, power, computer, microelectronics, and telecommunications.
- Civil: Civil engineers can specialize in structural, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, and infrastructure engineering. This field's outlook is the same as electrical, with a 5% estimated growth rate.
2. Boost your credentials
You can gain experience and extra knowledge in various ways before applying for jobs. This can make your resume look more impressive and help you stand out from other applicants. Most engineering positions require a degree, but you can also get additional certifications and licenses.
Look into your specific field and see what requirements there are. Completing an internship or apprenticeship before applying for a job is also beneficial. Even attending some extra online courses, seminars, or conferences can help.
3. Craft an effective resume
Your resume is often the first impression potential employers have of you. If you don't have any relevant engineering experience yet, you'll need to use your resume to showcase your knowledge and skills. Start by writing a cover letter explaining why you think you're a good fit for the specific job you're applying for. You can highlight projects you've worked on that match the skills listed in the job description to back your claims.
For your resume, focus on listing your personal information, education, experience, relevant skills, and references. You can also include your personal interests and hobbies, as well as any recent awards or achievements you've received. Another engineering resume tip is highlighting soft skills the employer may be looking for, such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork.
4. Diversify your job search
The most effective way to find any job is to cast a wide net. Look in as many locations as you can to get a good pool of open positions to apply to. While it's great to focus on your dream field or branch, you should also consider applying for other jobs with a similar skill set requirement. Applying to more jobs can increase your chances of landing one quickly.
The best places to start your engineering job search are:
- University resources: If you studied engineering at a university, check if they have any job placement services or resources.
- Job websites: Look at job websites for graduate engineering jobs. Some employers may also list entry-level engineering positions as “junior” roles.
- Networking: Network as much as you can. Attend conferences and career fairs and join professional networks like the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- Company websites: If you know exactly which company you want to work for, look for a careers page on their website. You can also apply there directly.
5. Prepare for the interview
Once you've received your first interview invitation, it's time to prepare for success with interview preparation. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the job description and requirements. You can also look into the company online to understand them better. Most interviewers ask similar questions initially, so you can plan some answers in advance. For example, they may ask why you want to work at the company, what your greatest strengths are, and how you overcame a recent challenge.
Rehearse your responses in the mirror and with friends or family. Practice can reduce nerves on the day. Remember to ask the interviewer questions, too. You can ask about their experience at the company and what a typical day looks like for them. Focus on being yourself and highlighting your skills and accomplishments to sell yourself to the interviewer.
If the company chooses someone else for the position, the best thing you can do is keep going. Another opportunity is bound to come your way.
Tips for your first day
If you've scored your first job, congratulations! Your first few weeks will be full of learning opportunities, growth, and new experiences. Use the following tips to get the most out of this time and make a great impression:
- Get plenty of sleep for your first day so you can be alert and focused.
- Show up with a positive attitude.
- Take detailed notes as you learn new things every day.
- Write down team member names and memorize them as soon as possible.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're stuck.
- Tuck your phone away to give colleagues and work your full attention.
Apply for an engineering job at Intuitive
If you're passionate about making a difference, consider applying at Intuitive. Our engineers help us prove what's possible in minimally invasive care. As part of our team, you'll help build complex robotic technology or help shape the innovative software solutions behind them. Your work will directly impact the care doctors can provide to patients worldwide.
We have open roles across various engineering fields and positions, including electrical, software, quality assurance, vision imaging, project management, and mechanical design. If you aren't ready to apply yet, join our Talent Community. We'll keep you updated on new job openings and company news so you can learn more about what we do.
