Podcast #2 - How to get your first engineering job?
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode details practical strategies for securing a first job in structural engineering after graduation.
There are three key takeaways from this conversation. First, proactively search for engineering firms and directly contact them, even if no openings are advertised. Second, employ a mass application strategy, meticulously tracking each submission with a spreadsheet. Third, prepare to discuss past mistakes and lessons learned during interviews, demonstrating humility and self-awareness.
Rather than solely relying on job boards, directly identify and research structural engineering firms in desired locations. This approach allows graduates to target potential employers who may not actively advertise entry-level positions but are open to receiving applications.
Applying to a large volume of companies significantly increases the chances of securing interviews. Maintaining a detailed spreadsheet for all applications is crucial, ensuring preparedness for unexpected calls or interview requests from any firm.
Interview preparation should include crafting a narrative around a mistake, outlining what happened and the lessons gained. This demonstrates critical thinking, a growth mindset, and the ability to learn from experiences, vital qualities for a new engineer.
These strategies offer a robust framework for new structural engineering graduates to navigate their initial job search successfully.
Episode Overview
- This episode focuses on the practical steps and strategies for securing a first job in structural engineering after graduating.
- The hosts share personal experiences from their own job searches, including methods for finding potential employers.
- They discuss the application process, including the importance of resumes, cover letters, and applying to firms that may not have active job postings.
- The conversation covers what to expect during interviews, from initial phone screens to in-person meetings, and how to prepare for them.
Key Concepts
- Proactive Job Search: The primary strategy discussed involves actively searching for engineering firms in desired geographical locations rather than passively browsing job boards.
- Mass Application Strategy: The hosts advocate for applying to a large volume of companies, keeping track of applications with a spreadsheet to manage the process.
- Cold Contacting Firms: A key theme is reaching out to companies directly, even if they don't have an open entry-level position advertised on their website.
- Interview Preparation: The hosts detail their interview experiences, including preparing to discuss past mistakes and learning experiences, dressing appropriately, and having questions ready for the interviewers.
- Value of Non-Engineering Experience: The discussion highlights how to frame any work experience, even if it's not directly related to engineering, to demonstrate work ethic, problem-solving skills, and personal growth.
Quotes
- At 00:29 - "How do you get that first job? It's cool to, you know, how to handle your first week, but how do you get there?" - This quote establishes the central theme of the episode: the process of securing the initial job after graduation.
- At 01:35 - "I was not looking for job boards, I was looking at firms." - This highlights the core job search strategy of proactively identifying and targeting potential employers directly.
- At 02:22 - "I had so many I had... I kept track with a spreadsheet... so that if I got back to... if they got back to me, I had at least what I was [talking about]." - This quote offers a practical tip for managing a large-scale job search by staying organized.
Takeaways
- Be proactive in your job search by researching and contacting firms in your desired location, even if they don't have current job openings listed.
- Create a spreadsheet to track every company you apply to, including key details, which helps you stay organized and prepared for unexpected calls or interviews.
- In an interview, be ready to tell a story about a mistake you made and what you learned from it; this shows humility, a willingness to learn, and self-awareness.
