Finding an internship in engineering will help you start your career. It will give you experience and expose you to the realities of the engineering industry in readiness for a full-time career in this field. In addition, you will make worthwhile connections, learn the tricks of the trade, enhance your CV, get recommendations from reputable industry players and possibly transition into full-time employment. You can find an internship in a company of your liking by positioning yourself properly in the market. Even so, you will have to convince the company to offer you an internship opportunity. Here are some of the considerations you should take to account when finding an internship in engineering.

Be Specific

Figure out the specific engineering field you would like to major in. Typically, internship helps you get the necessary experience you need to land a job. Therefore, finding internship in engineering that suits your strengths will help you land a job you like faster.

Begin by asking yourself questions that will bring to light the preferences you already have. These questions include:

1. Would you like to find a design oriented or desk-based job?
2. Do you have interest in any given sector area?
3. Are you interested in working for a specific company or would you like to join a graduate scheme for a given company?
4. What is your next best option should you fail to land an internship in your desired company?
5. What kind of experience are you looking to gain in specific?

These questions will help you narrow down your focus to specifics. You will have a more deliberate and laser focused search on finding what you want in specific.

Determine What Employers Want

Playing the long game while looking for an internship is likely to pay the highest dividends. As such, know what employers want in advance and marry it to your specific needs. This will help you look for placement in the right company.

Look what a company wants from its grads. Use this information when sending your internship request. In addition, this information will help you determine the possibility of transitioning from being an intern to an employee of the engineering firm.

Research, and Looking at Job Sites

Research to find an internship in an engineering firm that specializes in your area of focus. Look at advertisements, online publication in sector specific area you are passionate about, and firms that advertise for graduate opportunities. These companies can be willing to onboard students on a temporary basis.

Research more about these companies to find out what they do, what they represent and who to send your internship request letter to in the company. Write letters that demonstrate your enthusiasm to work for the company, a deep understanding of what the company does and explain why you would be a great fit as an intern in the engineering firm.

You can look at job sites too to find more companies offering internships. Job boards list companies that are currently looking for interns. These lists often explain the desired qualities of a candidate and how to apply. As such, you will be able to know if an opportunity speaks to your interest and how to send in your request for an internship.

Consult Your University

Your lecturers probably know someone looking for interns in their firm. Ask them for leads. Other than your lecturers, there are other staff in your university who may have contacts in the engineering business world. If your school has mentors from the business world, you can talk to them wisely. Avoid direct questions that might end up working against you. Instead, ask indirect questions by seeking advice and establishing cordial relationships. In this case, your mentor might consider you for an opportunity as soon as it arises.

Lastly, approach your university’s placement adviser or career office for advice on opportunities they might know. In some cases, companies reach out to universities in search for students who may work for them temporarily.

Conclusion

Finidng internship in engineering should be as easy as determining what you want,  packaging yourself right, looking for the right engineering company to apply to, and sending in your internship request letters. This article has explored a few tips that will get your started in your search for internship in engineering.