Discussion Thread

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Hey Andrew, 

Don't be discouraged!
It can be really tough especially with some jobs for fresh graduates requiring 5 years experience.

Firstly, reach out to your friends and family and let them know you're looking.
Next reach out to your former classmates, older graduates, and alumni. Let your former professors know you're looking as well. 

Keep networking! You can meet many recruiters or other engineers on LinkedIn who will be more than willing to help. Just ask if they have time for a quick phone call to find out more about their experience, their job, or their company. (Don't ask for a job directly.)

Try looking at company websites and look for people to contact who works at that company who you may know. Ask them for a referral. Referrals go a long way in many firms. 

You can also apply to the general company websites (you probably have already) but those are hit or miss. 

My main point is don't get discouraged and don't give up! You never know from who and where your next opportunity will come from. 

Try reading  "The Two-Hour Job Search" by Steve Dalton. He has some great pointers. 
I made a YouTube video a while ago explaining these steps: How to Get a Civil Engineering Job or Internship

The fact that you're posting here and putting yourself out there is already a great start! Keep it up!
I hope these tips help. Feel free to connect on LinkedIn to chat some more.

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Andrew, 

Having graduated right after the downturn in 2008, I can empathize. 
Most companies I know are hiring right now. Posting here is certain to get you some action. 

Where are you searching for opportunities?
How are you submitting resumes? Are you submitting cover letters? 
Have you had your resume professionally looked at? 

Are you taking any classes on the side of your warehouse job to continue to develop your engineering and/or related skills to show companies you are investing in your own technical development during your time of difficulty? 

Are you willing to travel/relocate?  AND does your resume reflect that? 

My company is hiring: 
https://careers-gsi.icims.com/jobs/search?hashed=-435656030&mobile=false&width=1100&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240 



------------------------------
Matthew Reihl P.E., M.ASCE
Regional DIrector
Chadds Ford PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Depends on what field you are looking to go into. Some ideas thought might include the following:

• Volunteer with local chapter of ASCE or another professional organization
• Do meaningful research and publish
• Look for jobs that are a bit different (for example technician jobs, construction, etc.) but still related
• Look for jobs in different locations (some small companies don't post online on the big websites, try reaching out directly)
• Explore presenting your resume differently, practice interview skills regularly
• Upgrade and update your skills through additional schooling or teaching yourself
• Obtain additional professional certifications related to your field of interest (use these to 'fill in the gap' on your resume)

Job hunting can be difficult. In particular for the first job where your experience is limited. One thing that can help is to develop a network of friends and acquaintances through volunteering and interacting with others. Those who are working can be more 'in the know' about upcoming job opportunities and also can give you pointers on what companies are looking for. Finally, don't forget that companies can be very slow with the hiring process. Larger companies in particular can take months to process through resumes, make decisions, and contact you to bring you in for an interview and then months more to make a decision. Smaller companies sometimes don't post openings online or just on their website. Keep looking, get creative about where you look (perhaps local county jobs, state jobs, construction jobs) and stay motivated.

Good luck!

-Alex

------------------------------
Alexander Wright P.E., M.ASCE
Project Professional
Kleinfelder
Rancho Cordova CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Everyone here has posted some great suggestions for you to follow. I would specifically add that you should make sure your resume tells the best "story" about yourself that it can, and details whatever in your life would make you a good fit at a job. This doesn't have to be previous professional experience, but even just classwork and lab experiments. 

Another suggestion is to try to refresh yourself on any terminology you may have not heard since your time in school. ASCE has free webinars for members to watch. Some of these may help you find a direction you want to go, or delve deeper into the field you are interested in working.

Finally, I suggest this to everyone - it never hurts to know a programming language. R or python are great languages to try and both have lots of online support and trainings.  R has a free package you can download called "swirl" which will let you learn R, in R. A  great way to learn is to find a task that you would otherwise have to do manually, and find a way to automate it. This could even be something that you or your manager at your warehouse job currently do by hand (filling out spreadsheets, organizing inventory, tracking spending, etc)

Good luck!

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Andrew take some deep breaths. I understand how you may feel as I graduated in 2009 when the economy was in a difficult spot. You may have to open your geographic area in the near term before landing your preferred career spot. For instance I had to do a lot of traveling for my first 5 years. This was not my ideal plan but these experiences helped shaped my career moving forward.

On a separate note, my firm is having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions. I would shoot your shot and apply for positions where your think your experience falls a bit shy. Based on our recent hiring, the applicant pool is not as deep as some would lead you to believe and your lack of experience may not be as detrimental as you think.

I would also consider internship positions which would be an upgrade from the warehouse and aid your lack of experience. 

Good luck!

------------------------------
Parker Suess P.E., M.ASCE
Principal Engineer (Structural)
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice. One of the things I struggle with is having that engineer mindset when I'm not around engineers every day. How can I feel like an engineer again?

Can I even take on an internship position if I'm not in college anymore? I might not mind a short term position if it helped me get my career going and relocate to a better area.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2021 01:11 PM
From: Parker Suess
Subject: Feeling Lost

Andrew take some deep breaths. I understand how you may feel as I graduated in 2009 when the economy was in a difficult spot. You may have to open your geographic area in the near term before landing your preferred career spot. For instance I had to do a lot of traveling for my first 5 years. This was not my ideal plan but these experiences helped shaped my career moving forward.

On a separate note, my firm is having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions. I would shoot your shot and apply for positions where your think your experience falls a bit shy. Based on our recent hiring, the applicant pool is not as deep as some would lead you to believe and your lack of experience may not be as detrimental as you think.

I would also consider internship positions which would be an upgrade from the warehouse and aid your lack of experience.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Parker Suess P.E., M.ASCE
Principal Engineer (Structural)

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Hey Andrew, 

Keep your head up. I can empathize because I was recently between jobs. I had success after utilizing LinkedIn, updating my resume and talking to my ASCE mentor. I recommend starting a free trial of LinkedIn premium and enrolling in LinkedIn Learning. Spend time earning certifications through LinkedIn Learning to beef up your resume (AutoCAD, Construction and others). These will also help keep you in an engineering mindset. I recommend changing your profile settings to "Open to finding a new job." This will let recruiters know you are open to opportunities. Spend time updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. I found great videos on Youtube explaining how to best format your resume. I recommend finding a mentor. My ASCE mentor coached me through finding, applying and negotiating my new position. Let me know if you have questions. I would be happy to talk on the phone if you have questions on my recommendations.

------------------------------
Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Saint Paul MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2021 02:42 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice. One of the things I struggle with is having that engineer mindset when I'm not around engineers every day. How can I feel like an engineer again?

Can I even take on an internship position if I'm not in college anymore? I might not mind a short term position if it helped me get my career going and relocate to a better area.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2021 01:11 PM
From: Parker Suess
Subject: Feeling Lost

Andrew take some deep breaths. I understand how you may feel as I graduated in 2009 when the economy was in a difficult spot. You may have to open your geographic area in the near term before landing your preferred career spot. For instance I had to do a lot of traveling for my first 5 years. This was not my ideal plan but these experiences helped shaped my career moving forward.

On a separate note, my firm is having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions. I would shoot your shot and apply for positions where your think your experience falls a bit shy. Based on our recent hiring, the applicant pool is not as deep as some would lead you to believe and your lack of experience may not be as detrimental as you think.

I would also consider internship positions which would be an upgrade from the warehouse and aid your lack of experience.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Parker Suess P.E., M.ASCE
Principal Engineer (Structural)

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

I would say that "yes" a good number of companies would consider hiring your for an internship even if you've graduated. Communicate your situation and desire to get into the field and you may be surprised how many people can empathize with your situation and give you a chance. I would say on your resume to specify that you are looking for a full-time position but are open to internship opportunities as well.

One of my best friends had to move home after college and was working at a golf course. After months with no luck he landed a great job and has been promoted a few times in the last 5 years. Don't lose hope.

------------------------------
Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2021 02:42 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice. One of the things I struggle with is having that engineer mindset when I'm not around engineers every day. How can I feel like an engineer again?

Can I even take on an internship position if I'm not in college anymore? I might not mind a short term position if it helped me get my career going and relocate to a better area.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2021 01:11 PM
From: Parker Suess
Subject: Feeling Lost

Andrew take some deep breaths. I understand how you may feel as I graduated in 2009 when the economy was in a difficult spot. You may have to open your geographic area in the near term before landing your preferred career spot. For instance I had to do a lot of traveling for my first 5 years. This was not my ideal plan but these experiences helped shaped my career moving forward.

On a separate note, my firm is having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions. I would shoot your shot and apply for positions where your think your experience falls a bit shy. Based on our recent hiring, the applicant pool is not as deep as some would lead you to believe and your lack of experience may not be as detrimental as you think.

I would also consider internship positions which would be an upgrade from the warehouse and aid your lack of experience.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Parker Suess P.E., M.ASCE
Principal Engineer (Structural)

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Andrew: The struggle with feelings is for life. Those on the job with "engineer" as part of their title struggle with that question when the assigned work does not seem to match the title, especially when you start. Then later on in life, stay-at-home parents with engineering degrees, professional licenses, and all types of certifications struggle with similar questions. Take it from a stay-at-home parent with a P.E. license, the doubting and questioning of one's own ability never goes away. 
You already have a step up on other engineering graduates with your EIT. That shows you have a plan and are on the path for professional licensing. While you want employment, you still want to be selective regarding what company you partner with. Spending 5 to 7 years as an engineer and none of the experience nor the individuals aid you in meeting the qualifications for sitting to take P.E. exam can be discouraging. 
Start where you can. Some skill sets that are not typical of engineers can make unique and invaluable to a company. If they have tuition reimbursement, even better. IMO, the key is to have a plan for moving to the engineering side. I am self-employed, closer to the side of  retirement and still considering taking classes at a community college for welding; I have designed, analyzed, and inspected structural welds but never actually performed any welding. Practical knowledge plus the theoretical is always a great combination.
All the best. When a tree limb falls and hits a passing car, I marvel at the timing while at the same time being heartbroken at the outcome. When someone apologies for holding me up at a cash register, I tell them "I am every where I am meant to be. Thank you!" You are every place you are meant to be. Keep your head up and eyes open for those great opportunities meant specifically for you.

------------------------------
James Williams P.E., M.ASCE
Principal/Owner
POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC
Yorktown, VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2021 02:42 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice. One of the things I struggle with is having that engineer mindset when I'm not around engineers every day. How can I feel like an engineer again?

Can I even take on an internship position if I'm not in college anymore? I might not mind a short term position if it helped me get my career going and relocate to a better area.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2021 01:11 PM
From: Parker Suess
Subject: Feeling Lost

Andrew take some deep breaths. I understand how you may feel as I graduated in 2009 when the economy was in a difficult spot. You may have to open your geographic area in the near term before landing your preferred career spot. For instance I had to do a lot of traveling for my first 5 years. This was not my ideal plan but these experiences helped shaped my career moving forward.

On a separate note, my firm is having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions. I would shoot your shot and apply for positions where your think your experience falls a bit shy. Based on our recent hiring, the applicant pool is not as deep as some would lead you to believe and your lack of experience may not be as detrimental as you think.

I would also consider internship positions which would be an upgrade from the warehouse and aid your lack of experience.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Parker Suess P.E., M.ASCE
Principal Engineer (Structural)

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

I would like to update that I did land a job back in November. It's a CAD tech position with a firm here in Roseburg, Oregon. So now I am working as a CAD tech and hoping to be able to work my up from there.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Congratulations! I hope the job helps you find more about what you like and gives you some useful experience (and of course, enjoyment along the way).

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 01:00 AM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I would like to update that I did land a job back in November. It's a CAD tech position with a firm here in Roseburg, Oregon. So now I am working as a CAD tech and hoping to be able to work my up from there.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Hey, I am glad you are back in the door. If you are an EIT then you qualify for engineering roles also! You should do all your job searching on Linkedin and when you apply for a position reach out to the recruiter who posted it directly through Linkedin and let them know. It's the closest thing to walking into an office with your resume in this day and age. My recommendation/advice is to be friendly, aka be friendly to the recruiters. Wishing you the best, P.S. my biggest difficulty is not being entirely committed to one path or another. I hope that helps.

------------------------------
Donovan Morrell S.M.ASCE
Orlando FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 01:00 AM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I would like to update that I did land a job back in November. It's a CAD tech position with a firm here in Roseburg, Oregon. So now I am working as a CAD tech and hoping to be able to work my up from there.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Congratulations! I was going to suggest the CAD/drafting route, it can be beneficial in its own right. Also try temp agencies if you want to gain experience and expand your network. Good luck.

------------------------------
Tsee Lee, A.M.ASCE
City of New York
Long Island City, NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 01:00 AM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I would like to update that I did land a job back in November. It's a CAD tech position with a firm here in Roseburg, Oregon. So now I am working as a CAD tech and hoping to be able to work my up from there.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Congratulations. The CAD/Drafting route provides an excellent skillset that will enable you to standout among engineering peers. Many years ago when CAD was being introduced (and the use of the drafting board was declining), my co-operative education sessions was all about CAD and solid modeling. After joining the company full-time, the other engineers had resisted gaining access to CAD programs and choose to rely on the designers to obtain information when they needed it. That experience in CAD provided opportunities to work projects as both CAD operator and engineer. Eventually, the other engineers were either forced or sought the CAD training.

------------------------------
James Williams P.E., M.ASCE
Principal/Owner
POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC
Yorktown, VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-14-2022 01:23 PM
From: Tsee Lee
Subject: Feeling Lost

Congratulations! I was going to suggest the CAD/drafting route, it can be beneficial in its own right. Also try temp agencies if you want to gain experience and expand your network. Good luck.

------------------------------
Tsee Lee, A.M.ASCE
City of New York
Long Island City, NY

Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 01:00 AM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I would like to update that I did land a job back in November. It's a CAD tech position with a firm here in Roseburg, Oregon. So now I am working as a CAD tech and hoping to be able to work my up from there.

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Andrew,

My family has been reminding me that a job search is an unpaid job nowadays. That since I plan to get a master's degree in December of this year, I will have better times to be searching company websites for internships, as well as full-time jobs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYIlI5o2LZo

While you are sorting through potential engineering jobs, maybe you could also focus on your other talents? My second degree is about Statistics-Analytics, but that has not stopped me from teaching myself how to make fan videos since the summer.

------------------------------
Alexander Granato A.M.ASCE
Student
Bexley OH
granato.3@...
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------

Lets communicate Andrew! They key to be found is to find ways that not reject our Concerns! Maybe the answer still remains inside of  you. 

Since you expressed in that way... We know that when we express ourselves truthfully, we can authentically connect to the world!

and our friends here can give you some recommendations, as long as you feel that is possible!

I would like to send you another perspective message to enable a higher positive impact in your life too:

"Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible."
- Carl Gustav Jung

------------------------------
Andre Newinski S.E., A.M.ASCE
Engenheiro Estrutural
AN
Santo Angelo
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2021 11:03 PM
From: Andrew Wilson
Subject: Feeling Lost

I've had a really hard time landing an engineering job after college. I've been stuck living with family and working a warehouse job to get by, and I feel like I can't get a job due to lack of experience and time since college. What can I do to get back on track?

------------------------------
Andrew Wilson, EIT
Winston, OR
------------------------------