Graduated Yet Unemployed

[Molten]

I know I haven't been on CD for a few months, the last bit of college was a bit more then I expected. I'm on the job hunt and haven't had too much luck yet. I thought I might try posting on here just on the off chance one of our mentors might be able to help. Let me know if you potentially know of a job that could help me out.

Thanks,
Jason

[AdamHeard]

You should probably provide some information like; your degree, where you'd like to work, etc...

[Jimmy Nichols]

Exactly, my company is interviewing for engineering positions, but I need to know some info before recommending you to apply.

[EricH]

Ooh! Ooh! Can I join in too? I'm in the same boat. B.S.M.E., location negotiable (read: can work anywhere).

[DonRotolo]

In general, finding a job is about relationships. Most jobs are found because someone you know alerted you to an opening.

Also, it will universally take time to get a job after graduating. Many companies don't hire fresh grads. Those that do sometimes hire a big bunch, and fire the less capable ones after 3, 6, 9 months.

This goes back a long time, but I had my first (!) interview in August, and didn't get the offer until October. In the Human Resources world, things always take longer than they do.

Take the time to continue your education. You've learned about (engineering maybe?) and now know how to teach yourself most anything. Teach yourself how to get a job. There are a LOT of resources out there - books, people, web pages - treat it like Machine Design or Circuit Theory and learn the science as best you can, then execute.

We're here to help!

[smurfgirl]

I'm not sure if this will be relevant to you, but UTC (a huge sponsor of FIRST since 1995) just started a new internship program for FIRST alumni.

Whether with UTC or otherwise, it could be worth considering looking for an internship that will likely culminate with an offer of full-time employment. I know a few people who have gone this route after graduating.

[dtengineering]

This probably isn't exactly what you were looking for, but... if you were looking to work in Canada, the term you should search for is "EIT" for "Engineer in Training". You'll have to go through some paperwork (and likely write an exam) to have your degree accepted here as it is unlikely your university has sought certification with the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

But the Fort McMurray Oilsands area is booming, and all of Alberta/Saskatchewan/Northern BC is a great place to look for work.

One example: https://www.suncor.apply2jobs.com/Pr...wJob&RID=25582

Jason

[Mark Sheridan]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

This probably isn't exactly what you were looking for, but... if you were looking to work in Canada, the term you should search for is "EIT" for "Engineer in Training". You'll have to go through some paperwork (and likely write an exam) to have your degree accepted here as it is unlikely your university has sought certification with the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

But the Fort McMurray Oilsands area is booming, and all of Alberta/Saskatchewan/Northern BC is a great place to look for work.

One example: https://www.suncor.apply2jobs.com/Pr...wJob&RID=25582

Jason

As a Canadian working in the USA, I am pretty sure the North American Trade Agreement allows engineer degrees to be recognized in both countries. I forget the name for the USA equivalent but them and the CEAB tend to keep the degrees relatively standardized. I remember one of my proffessors mentioning a meeting/conference about education standards with his American counterparts. I know the that ASME recognizes Canadian engineers. I think its only when degrees move away from science and business that there are issues with recognition. Plus with EIT, you are taking a test anyways so I guess that would prove if one is qualified.

[dtengineering]

I'm not an expert on these matters... however I believe NAFTA primarily gives people in various fields the opportunity to work in the other country without needing a work visa. It may also confer interchangable credentials upon those already certified as a P.Eng.

Entry to the profession, however, is regulated slightly differently. Prior to my institution (BCIT) gaining accreditation with CEAB, our graduates had to travel to Bellingham to write the exams for graduates of foreign engineering schools (http://www.engineerscanada.ca/e/pr_i...nal_ieg_1.cfm).

They had a 100% pass rate, if I recall correctly, so I wouldn't count this as a big barrier... but it is something to check into.

Jason

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Mark Sheridan

I forget the name for the USA equivalent but them and the CEAB tend to keep the degrees relatively standardized.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. I passed the mechanical engineering version, so the state of South Dakota (where I took it) recognizes me as an Engineering Intern.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jason and Eric,
Underwriter's has jobs postings. My son works in the Northbrook Office.

http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/c...careers/paths/

[Chris Hibner]

For those listing a BSME, you'll need to be more specific. ME is a very broad field. What did you specialize in and where are your interests? Thermal/fluids, dynamic systems, control, structural, mech design, vehicle dynamics, etc.?

[A_Reed]

I am in a slightly similar situation. I am going into my senior year this fall and so far this summer I have been unable to find an internship. The last company I worked for hired me last year as an intern and kept me on as a co-op for the fall and spring semesters. Even though I was in the middle of a design project that I was told would last through the summer the company could no longer continue my employment due to a limited grant program. I was only notified three weeks prior to finals this past semester that I would no longer have a job. With such short notice and said notice being after the typical internship interview period I have had trouble even finding viable job postings to apply for.

While it was convenient at the time to catch of for finals and have a week or two off after school and FIRST the reality of life catches up quick when your efforts in finding a job aren't getting much notice in the way of interviews.

[Molten]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

You should probably provide some information like; your degree, where you'd like to work, etc...

I'm a recent graduate with a BSME and currently live in the Indianapolis area. I'd prefer to stay somewhat close, but I'm open to moving if it means a job. I mainly just need somewhere to get my feet wet and a little experience under my belt.

Originally Posted by EricH

Ooh! Ooh! Can I join in too? I'm in the same boat. B.S.M.E., location negotiable (read: can work anywhere).

Welcome aboard the S.S.Unemployed. The best of luck to you.

Finally, thanks to those who have already spoken up. I'll be sending my resume out tomorrow and will be checking on this forum periodically. I'm always surprised how many people step forward from FIRST whenever a person is in need.

Jason