what should an engineering student do to "stand out" from the rest? What PT-jobs?

[norgos]

Aside from high marks, what should an engineering student do to 'stand out' from the rest of their peers? I have an extensive background in sales and customer services, working in retail and also quality control in a survey center. I have accumulated this experience over from my years in CEGEP and high school and just for the heck of it, I'm considering working a few months in the food industry to have a better understanding of it, but I'm still looking for other options.

Now that I'm going into university, what other kinds of part time jobs should I go for to build onto my resume? What kinds of part time jobs can I find these days that would give me a better understanding of the engineering industry, from both a technical and administrative point? I've been trying to apply for positions in engineering/tech related companies for part time work, but it seems they're only looking for people who have completed school or already with experience in the field, to work full time.

Given the current economy, it's quite hard to find a job as an inexperienced technician when they would rather be hiring someone with experience for almost the same wages.

To be honest, I have yet to actually step into the industry and I don't feel confident enough having only my education in a classroom. It's stressful, depressing and has me considering switching careers, but I'm not giving up. It really does baffle me when I hear about graduates today who score jobs giving $50k+ with no prior experience. Like, what the frak? I don't understand how companies would hire fresh meat with a fat paycheck when they have absolutely no hands on experience in the industry.

[Churo1]

Good luck buddy! I'm cheerin' for ya.

[Sylvestre]

That's where internships, co-ops & summer jobs become invaluable. You'll find that a number of companies do hire engineering students, it just takes a lot of work to find all your options.

As for what employers look for? Experience is definitely the #1 thing. Try to find something where you actually do real engineering. Too many jobs out there are glorified technicians or worst yet, just paper pushers. A lot of students I see have jobs but they don't actually apply even the most basic engineering principles.

Another valuable opportunity is school engineering clubs (solar car etc.) A lot of people join these clubs only to put it on the resume but don't get involved. Join these teams and become involved over the yrs and take on tough challenges and leadership roles. You'll gain serious experience and insight with these roles (even more so that a job can give you sometimes).

Finally, be well rounded. In any interview, have something to discuss other than your schooling and work. Hopefully you have a passion and your passion and the job align.

[pitz]

Not a lot of time for an engineering student to take on a part time job, but lots of professors often have little projects that students can do, often for pay, that are associated with their research. And not just in engineering either.

For instance, I did projects for a hydrology/climatology researcher relating to software. I know guys who have built 'stuff' for psychology professors. Etc. As long as its for 'on-campus' clients, usually there are no issues whatsoever in using the College's facilities/software/hardware/machine shops to facilitate development, and you don't have to cut the College in on the profits usually if its just a small one-off project.

Also, most engineering colleges have 'design games', and/or 'science fairs'. Get involved with a team, develop something, or just make something on your own. Two guys I know got jobs at Apple (the computer company in Cupertino) simply because they published a few applets that became popular, as well as a few very basic hardware hacks/mods to their iBooks.

It really does baffle me when I hear about graduates today who score jobs giving $50k+ with no prior experience. Like, what the frak? I don't understand how companies would hire fresh meat with a fat paycheck when they have absolutely no hands on experience in the industry.


$50k really doesn't work out to a rate above minimum wage once you add in opportunity and direct costs of an engineering education. Engineering is serious business, not fast food where the people need a minimum in training.

[fencejack]

As a recent engineering graduate I'd say work experience is a large contributor. Next in line (or even at par) is 'fit'.

Employers don't pay new grads a certain amount because of what they know now but for their potential. Because in absolute terms... we really know nothing.