Congrats on your upcoming graduation! A couple of thoughts on your question:
1. Most of the jobs I've had have come through either hustle or my network. My very first full-time job was because I had a friend who interned at a company that was looking for more than one new graduate....we both ended up starting there shortly after graduation. Talk to your friends, talk to your professors (who often have industry connections), go to university career fairs. If you have an idea of the companies you'd like to work for, consider making connections with people who work there, even if they aren't currently hiring. Something might open up, and then you'd be the first person in line. Above all else, keep all options of even the slightest interest open until you have an offer in hand. Avoid completely ruling out a first position that isn't your "dream job", something that is a good job but not in the "perfect" location. The economy can change between now and graduation (it happened to me!), and it's better to have several offers than none at all. I'm certainly not advising that you "settle" for a job long-term; only that most of us have to work our way up to our dream position, and it almost never happens right at the start.
2. Given that you are a student looking for your first job, obtaining a certification at this time - in my opinion - is a distraction from both your coursework and finding a job. Focus on your classes, especially if you have a senior project relevant to the industry, this is your top priority. After that, researching, reaching out, and following up with companies for your job-hunt will be a better use of your time. (I do think certifications are valuable, but not without some on-the-job experience first.) The only exception is if you haven't taken your EIT exam yet (which is a pre-requisite to the PE in the USA). That should be taken before graduation if possible.
3. In the first 5 years, get your PE (assuming you want to practice in the USA, or get the equivalent where you live). On your way there, try everything at work you possibly can. Be humble and understand that there is a lot to learn. Say "yes" when someone is looking for a volunteer for a project outside your comfort zone. Say "yes" to volunteering with professional organizations. Try different technical areas, work with different managers, find out what you enjoy and what you don't.
I wish you a long and prosperous career in this industry!
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Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Founder
Engineers Rising LLC
State College PA
www.engineersrising.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2018 14:12
From: Sumanth Kudrimani
Subject: Suggestions for a New Graduate?
Now, I'm studying my final year of Civil Engineering, R.V.C.E, Banglore, India. I'll graduate in May 2019.
I have started to search for jobs already , in hopes that I can start to work as soon as I graduate.
I have a few questions:
- What is the best way to search for jobs?
- Are there any certifications from ASCE which might help me to get recognition in market?
- What do you suggest to do in first five years to give my career a good kick-start.
I appreciate any advice.
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Sumanth Kudrimani S.M.ASCE
Hubli
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