How to get an engineering job with no experience

To get an engineering job with no experience, use this guide:

Determine what type of engineering you want to pursue

There are so many different types of engineering, if you don't have experience, the essential first step is to figure out what type of engineer you want to be.

Here is a list of common engineer positions:

• Software engineer

• Civil engineer

• Mechanical engineer

• Electrical engineer

• Chemical engineer

• Biomedical engineer

• Aerospace engineer

Gain the necessary knowledge

Engineers, generally, are very good with math and science-related subjects. These two areas come into just about every type of engineering there is.

So, if you want to become an engineer with no experience, you should determine the type of engineering you want to do and make sure you master the math and science requirements of this field.

Get an engineering degree

While it is possible to get an engineering job without a degree, it is very difficult. Unless you already possess the necessary knowledge and skills and have demonstrated these in personal engineering projects, you should look into obtaining a degree.

Online Courses

In some forms of engineering, online courses are a great alternative to traditional degrees. These can be a great source for people looking to gain knowledge, and even experience, in a certain area without obtaining an actual degree.

The tech industry probably has the most engineers without degrees working. Software engineering can be learned at a coding boot camp, which costs anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 and takes only a matter of weeks to complete. After completion, your job prospects are generally the same as someone who has a degree in software engineering.

Modern companies are finding it hard to fill software engineering positions because the amount of open software engineering roles is more than the amount of software engineering degree holders. Because of this, many companies do not care if you have a degree, only that you possess the necessary qualifications for the position.

Engineering jobs you don't need a degree for

• Electrical technicians gain prerequisite engineering experience by wiring systems and installing hardware. This can be a step to becoming an electrical engineer.

• Junior-level computer programmers get an opportunity to learn the basics of different tech-related specializations, such as mobile development or web development. This can eventually propel them into a software engineering career.

• CAD technicians participate in drafting designs for structures, buildings, and machines, leading to a career as structural, mechanical, or architectural engineers.

Create an impressive resume

A well-crafted resume can help you get a job in engineering. You should primarily focus on work experience and skills that lend themselves to engineering.

Write an impressive opening statement. If you can grab your potential employer's attention right from the beginning they might look past the fact that you don't have any professional experience in engineering.

The persuasive power of words can do some amazing things, so don't just create a standard opening statement, imbue it with your passion for engineering and hint at your unique knowledge and skills.

Be sure to include academic achievements, awards, clubs you were involved in, your GPA (if it is high), and volunteer work.

Network

This was mentioned earlier but it should be expanded upon. Networking is very helpful for getting a job in engineering, especially if you don't have experience.

You can utilize social media and professional career sites to expand your network. Reach out and try to gain as many contacts as you can. These people may be able to help you find a job. They may even recommend you. Companies, organizations, and institutions may disregard your lack of experience if an engineering professional has vouched for you.

Final thoughts

Whether you go the traditional education route, the online course route, or the self-taught route, be sure to put in a lot of hard work, because although it is possible to become an engineer with no experience, it is not easy.

It takes years of dedication, trial and error, and fortitude to keep searching for the right opportunities.