Engineers: How long after graduation to find a job?

If interested in the oil fields etc you can try searching the local Bakersfield paper jobs section on line. http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/ Lots of local companies involved. Also there are a number of water agencies in the valley due to the ag business, I not sure what kind of staffing they have, a Google search would find them.

 

If you can find any job fairs, start going to those. While the market still isn't the greatest, it is getting better! Also, if you can't find a job in your field try looking into county jobs with the Agricultural Commissioners office. They tend to favor those who have a background in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Physical Science.

 

^^ x 1000. I graduated as a Structural Engineer and had my job lined up before I graduated. Turned out a classmate's company was hiring and I was literally the only one interviewed for the job, based on his recommendation. Even at my current job, my boss occasionally asks if I know of anyone that may be seeking a job. Connections are insanely valuable, so ask your friends/classmates for any leads.

Also, I feel that locating a few companies you are interested in and speaking to them directly is important. Or even mailing a paper resume (directly to someone of status there - no office Manager) sets you apart. Cold emailing companies is tough because they get so many. I graduated with 3.5 gpa and a masters, 2.5 years of actual work experience, and heard back from emailed resumes about 10% of the time. None of which led to an interview or anything.

Job search sites are good for locating openings, but do your best to apply in person and not to the inbox that receives 1000 electronic resumes. You really have to be a go-getter about it.

Good luck!

 

I would echo other networking comments. Did you post a profile on linkedin? Did you post a resume/profile on indeed.com? Networking is vital to career health, similar to cardio exercise.

 

Echo PSU Taco85. I started looking near the beginning of my 4th year of mechanical engineering. Had three offers lined up before graduation. Of course, that was years before the economy tanked.

GPA doesn't matter much unless you apply at a consulting firm. Past work experience and research projects matter much more. I even brought a portfolio of past design work and an exotic machined part to the interviews.

 

I had a job lined up when I graduated with a grad degree in ME. I had a couple of internships and decent GPA. My $0.02 would include:

• Applying to as many jobs as possible, even if, on the surface, it doesn't look like exactly what you want to do.
• Don't be too narrow with your job expectations. BE FLEXIBLE!
• Be willing to relocate.
• Have a professional review your resume and cover letter. My career center had someone to do this and it made the difference.

Good luck out there! Just keep at it!

 

I graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering and had a job lined up before graduation. I work in the oil industry specifically in subsea production system.. I can tell you, business is booming.. Engineering = job security IMO, we will always be in demand

 

This is what makes me the happiest about being an engineer. Granted, other professions start at a high pay-scale, but the job security is what sets that off for me. I work in residential/commercial building design and last year was our best year ever, this year shaping up the same. I feel good about the direction we are going. People are at least spending money again

 

Create a good resume and start putting it out there. I had a job lined up as soon as I graduated, I starting applying before my last semester started. I am an ME. There are plenty of engineering jobs out there, set yourself a goal of applying to at least three companies per week until you land a job. Be willing to relocate and/or work outside the ChemE field. Take a look at Textron, General Dynamics, Boeing, Sikorsky, or other aviation industries. I work with plenty of engineers who work outside their discipline. Good luck.