Careers in mechanical engineering

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When I was a year out of university, I put a work wanted add in the local paper detailing my quals.

Biggest number of respondents was from real estate agents.
 
Yes I remember now it was the Keirsey tests I did 10 years ago.

can't remember what i was then; in any case i know myself better now :)

Your Type is
INTP
Introverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving
Strength of the preferences %
56 25 25 11

# moderately expressed introvert
# moderately expressed intuitive personality
# moderately expressed thinking personality
# slightly expressed perceiving personality


The most reserved of the Rationals is the Architect (INTP). They store huge amounts of information in their heads and can analyze problems with great insight. They are often drawn to professions where they can be their own bosses, such as optometrist, plastic surgeon, neurologist, or scientist. They may become lawyers, architects, or financial analysts. Many are found in the higher levels of academia in such fields as archeology, chemistry, philosophy, or mathematics. They may show a strong creative bent as a musician, inventor, or photographer. Some restore antiques or old cars. Says Don, "I like having my own business as an optometrist. I am constantly reading about new advances in the field. My work must be of the highest quality. My reputation has caused many patients to come to me because they have problems that were not solved by other treatment professionals."
 
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So, crinkles- I'm trying to glean a little insight from you. What is it about engineering that you find difficult, unsatisfying, or not suited to your particular personality?
 
Here's a general question addressed to anybody with experience in the matter:

This question may sound a bit trite, but bear with me. Keep in mind that I've never had what would be considered a professional job- and even basic etiquette can be pretty alien to me:

How does one go about finding jobs and/or internships in engineering? Obviously I can keep an eye out for ads in the local paper, assorted websites, and trade magazines- but engineering jobs advertised in these media are usually pretty few, the requirements are pretty specific, and experience is almost always required. Career services at my university could be of some help, but I've been less than impressed in general with career services at ANY school. Can anybody suggest an approach for finding and narrowing down entry level engineering jobs? Should I just start sending resumes out randomly to the HR departments of any company that I'm interested in?

For a little context, I'll briefly describe my job-searching skillz that I've relied on for the past 15-ish years: I've been semi-nomadic for all of my adult life; I move every few years for one reason or another. When I arrive in a new town (of shortly before I arrive if I'm lucky and have planned ahead), I go around to different shops in town, talk to management, pick up an application, make some follow-up calls... and they hire me. For all that I could rant about the diesel repair industry, there's always been a halfway decent job available wherever I go. I'm guessing, though, that this approach won't work quite as well for my new line of work.

Thanks for any advice. And please feel free to state the obvious- I'm truly clueless when it comes to professional/office/corporate jobs.
 
Originally Posted By: onion
How does one go about finding jobs and/or internships in engineering? Obviously I can keep an eye out for ads in the local paper, assorted websites, and trade magazines- but engineering jobs advertised in these media are usually pretty few, the requirements are pretty specific, and experience is almost always required. Career services at my university could be of some help, but I've been less than impressed in general with career services at ANY school. Can anybody suggest an approach for finding and narrowing down entry level engineering jobs? Should I just start sending resumes out randomly to the HR departments of any company that I'm interested in?


Yes, you usually send resume to HR department of companies you are interested in. Phone before to get a name to send the resume to, send a motivation letter with it, and with the name, it is easier to phone after to make a follow-up and know where your resume is.

I don't know how it is here, but your school should have a register of previous years students with where they ended up working. If you can get a copy, it is a plus to call the ones who are already in the companies you are looking for, to get some insights on the company financial situation (are they hiring? etc...), and with some luck, some help from these guys to get at least an interview and meet the right people. Usually, if companies are happy with some individuals, they will try to get some more with the same profile.
So yes, I strongly suggest you check in your school for this type of information/help. If they are smart, they should have someone taking care of this.

Other than that, you could check for open factory days, get there and start trying to talk to engineers or HR people who take care of this type of event.

Hey, don't forget that if you end up working for Bombardier, you may get the "chance" to come to Montreal ;-p
 
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Can anybody suggest an approach for finding and narrowing down entry level engineering jobs? Should I just start sending resumes out randomly to the HR departments of any company that I'm interested in?


I posted this before in the past about entry level internships with GE. I am a former GE employee and before graduation they will do recruiting for various businesses. I am told that approx 70% that are offered an internship..... eventually are offered a permanent full time position.

http://www.gecareers.com/GECAREERS/jsp/ul/campusInterview/campusinterview_index.jsp

My nephew applied online and with the help of an employee referral landed a job in Dallas TX a few months ago.

Good Luck.
 
Originally Posted By: onion
So, crinkles- I'm trying to glean a little insight from you. What is it about engineering that you find difficult, unsatisfying, or not suited to your particular personality?


well engineer is not mentioned in those professionals according to that test. i take any test with a spoonful of salt.

It is more a personality issue than aptitude problem for me.

I internalise things too much; make everything my own personal deep seated problem, take my work home to me in my head, to bed, and automatically assume the worst case and actually develop that thought process in my mind.

So, i would go out to a job to look at a slope. going home i'd feel like i did something wrong, like i am going to cause the slope to fail, kill someone driving along, and i will end up in jail. and cost my company millions of dollars in professional indemnity insurance, etc etc.

It drives me nuts!

Also, as an engineer you will be the meat in the sandwich between your client and contractor (or manufacturer for mech eng i guess). rightly or wrongly, we get the blame for everything, even things out of our control. in my industry and rural area where i live and work the quality of work and industry is certainly on a race to the bottom.

any old joe can compete with us, do a shoddy job, and win work because of their cut throat rates; there are no legal consequences for them, and due to lack of knowledge with the county/shire/city, the people commissioning work doesn't know better. we do the job right, but it costs, so we don't win work.

I digress. I'm just a little bit crazy. Do as you please.
 
Power and energy (an ME with electrical systems capability is a wonderful thing), water and controls are some good areas where I'd look to hire.
 
I looked under ENERGY and this is what I found:

Job Title
Business Unit
Action

GE Energy Summer Intern Engineer (EID)
GE Energy

GE Energy Fall Co-op Engineer (EID)
GE Energy

GE Energy Spring Co-op Engineer (EID)
GE Energy

GE Energy - Co-op Engineer - T&D Power Delivery
GE Energy

GE Energy- Steam Turbines Intern
GE Energy

GE Energy- Transformers Intern
GE Energy

Don't forget to look for a position with: Aviation, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, etc.... etc.
 
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Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette

GE Energy- Steam Turbines Intern
GE Energy


That one's likely to ruin the incumbent from any "normal" engineering jobs permanently.
 
At the end of the one year paid internship, you must either leave GE or accept a full time position.

At this time he could apply for any Mechanical Engineering job within GE. At this point of the game he just needs to get his foot in the door.
 
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