| ThisIsOly |
I graduated this May with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and it's been tough for me landing a job. I've had some interviews but have had no luck. I do have an interview with Rolls-Royce this Monday so hopefully I end up with a job.
Anyone have any suggestions for a recent grad who have not had any interships or co-op experience? I was so excited when I graduated and thought I would finally get my foot in the door. I've tried monster and careerbuilder.
Should I try an agency? Is there a good one here in Illinois for engineering jobs?
It's been a little frustrating but I don't want to give up because I know there's a perfect job for me out there. Any input would be really appreciated..:1zhelp: |
|
|
| SIM |
| When I began a long time ago (I feel so old tonight!), an agency gave me a head start in a big firm that hired me full time a few months later. I would say that your guess is right about this. Entering though the backdoor usually leads to a good job for a serious and hardworking person. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
And my company found me from monster 1.5 months after i graduated.
A couple days b4 being offered, a big airlines offered me a position as well down in Florida but this one i got via an agent. Same job description but in the end I go for the one that pays more.
Moral of story:
Try all venues you can: agents, job sites, friends, parents and even pulling strings. It is a tough times out there, especially for Electrical Eng. The whole semiconductor industry is still recovering slowly.
I got EE friends who graduated at my times and still has no real job besides part timing (as call center agent, sales rep kind of job). |
|
|
| Kris |
First, what are you really want to do..........EE means many things......
I agree wth previous posters - try every avenue........you never know........times are still tough, though many companies (including mine) are hiring people. Specific skills set required. PM me with your email address. We have offices in Chicago region. EE are always welcomed. However it depends on skills set........cannot promise anything but you never know..........
Just remember one thing - never quit!!!!!!!
Good luck... |
|
|
| jaak |
Since you don't have work experience, talk about what you did in school and what you may have done as a hobby.
Also, be open to anything. My career has taken me from repair and the broadcast video industry, when I was still in school, to telecommunications, to writing operating and service manuals for test and measurement equipment in the telecom world, to RF spectrum management, leading to training of other people in RF interference resolution, to doing it for a major cellular carrier, to working for the worlds two leading test and measurment instrumentation suppliers.
I crave learning and problem solving, so I love the industry I'm in, as it's a never ending change and challenge.
There is no way, that I could ever predict my career path. But I've enjoyed it and I still look at myself, in my job, at least 2-3 times a year and ask "If I just started this job today, how would I do this?". That in itself has caused me to re-invent my own job, it's priorities and goals, a few times.
Welcome change and learn from anything that comes your way, that sounds like it's a challange.
And most of all, reach for more than you think you can do. You'll surprise yourself! Over and over....
Many employers will hire people based on attitude, more than skill set. If they're having problems getting things done, sometimes, it's the people that are driven, even if they don't have the knowledge, that make it happen. After all, we all start off "stupid" and it's what we do, and how we do it, that makes the difference in what we know and can do, later in life.
Just my 2 cents...
Leap into the flames and don't look back. Don't be afraid to be fired for trying your best and don't be afraid to tell employers what you will do for them. If there's a company you really want to work for, research them and make sure you're very knowledgable of their business. Think about how you can help them acheive their goals.
Oh, one other thing I do in interviews... I interview them. I ask them more questions than they ask me. People love to talk about themselves and their life experiences (look at this forum!) and usually come away with a positive feeling about someone, if they told them a lot about themselves. It also shows a genuine interest in the business.
What else... Don't give up. Talk to everyone you can. Go to trade shows, seminars, and talk to people. Ask for guidance. People that like to mentor, will often help you find more contacts...
There's a saying about engineers, which isn't completely true, but does tend to be the case with many. An outgoing engineer is someone who looks at your shoes, instead of his/her own. Be the engineer that's a great communicator. It's a powerful combination.
OK, now it's 4 cents...:D |
|
|
| ThisIsOly |
Hey guys,
Thanks for the support. I have an interview tomorrow so wish me luck. I am looking into going to an agency and will do that after the interview. I'll keep you all posted and hopefully with good news. |
|
|
| jaak |
Good Luck!
And no matter what, just keep going and smiling...:D |
|
|
| Eric L. |
Jaak has some good advice, and so did many others. I cannot say how important it is to pursue every single available channel of opportunity - and this does not mean sending your resume out and waiting for replies, it means actually taking charge and getting to know the people who can get you in through the back door.
Good luck on your interview. |
|
|
| Überbiker |
Good Luck!
I manage a technical group and have a word of advice, no matter what job you finally take, be diligent and dependable. Go to work with the sniffles or whatever. You'd be surprised how much this trait is appreciated by employers. |
|
|
| wandl |
| how did the interview go? |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| If you look like Tigers wife you got it made. :D |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
If you look like Tigers wife you got it made
IMHO, it sure does ;) |
|
|
| elliotgb |
| If the interviewer's name just happens to be Dumas, pronounce it properly and don't call him Mr. Dum-Ass! |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| LOOKS, Dress, Demeanor, Best is a contact from networking that gives you a connection. Find out their school, if you dig for contacts via networking you will find gold. Believe I know the best job is via a contact. They know what you know and will tell thoes you want to know. Read my profile. Grip :D |
|
|
|
