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Job outlook for project engineer interns in the United States
Project engineer internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected project engineer internship job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About -100 new jobs for project engineer interns are projected over the next decade.
Project engineer internship salaries have increased 8% for project engineer interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,314 project engineer interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 69,593 active project engineer internship job openings in the US.
The average project engineer internship salary is $40,356.
Are project engineer internship jobs in demand?
Project engineer internship job and salary trends over time
Project engineer internship jobs over time
Project engineer internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,314 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,685 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,959 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 11,216 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,202 | 0.00% |
Average project engineer internship salary over time
Project engineer internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $40,356 | $19.40 | +1.3% |
| 2025 | $39,856 | $19.16 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $39,237 | $18.86 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $38,520 | $18.52 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | $37,296 | $17.93 | +1.5% |
Project engineer internship jobs by state
Most common states for project engineer interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 206 | 30% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 148 | 24% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,280 | 23% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 166 | 22% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 287 | 21% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 123 | 21% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 381 | 20% |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 988 | 17% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 549 | 17% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 289 | 17% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 467 | 16% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 900 | 15% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 198 | 15% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,405 | 14% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 962 | 14% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 298 | 14% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 124 | 14% |
| 18 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 3,657 | 13% |
| 19 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,477 | 13% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 587 | 12% |
Most common cities for project engineer interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelmsford | 2 | 6% | $47,089 |
| 2 | Rockville | 3 | 4% | $41,839 |
| 3 | East Hartford | 2 | 4% | $43,971 |
| 4 | Middletown | 2 | 4% | $44,039 |
| 5 | Baton Rouge | 4 | 2% | $38,333 |
| 6 | Cedar Rapids | 3 | 2% | $40,261 |
| 7 | Huntsville | 3 | 2% | $37,230 |
| 8 | Anaheim | 4 | 1% | $48,657 |
| 9 | New York | 5 | 0% | $38,751 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $35,757 |
| 11 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $35,040 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $48,789 |
| 13 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $49,110 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $30,604 |
| 15 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $43,502 |
| 16 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $29,500 |
| 17 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $29,464 |
| 18 | Minneapolis | 2 | 0% | $40,706 |
| 19 | Portland | 2 | 0% | $40,584 |
Project Engineer Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of project engineer internship experts
Xavier University
The University of Texas at Arlington
San Jose State University
Dillard University
University of Alabama at Huntsville
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
SUNY College at New Paltz
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University
University of Utah
Pennsylvania State University
Hope College
Wilkes University
Robert Morris University
Boston College
Miami Dade College Padrón Campus
Duquesne University
Idaho State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Project Engineer Interns possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What general advice would you give to a Project Engineer Internship?
Bijan Shapoorian: In most Construction Management programs, Internship courses prepares the students for the job market and the industry. Those CM students who have obtained a degree in CM but lack work experience are recommended to search for internship opportunities if finding employment becomes a challenge. Students are advised to be flexible and willing to relocate to geographical areas with higher demand for this profession.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
David Wagner: This pandemic will only endure if graduates allow it to continue to impair themselves. There is no question that the switch to online schooling has changed higher education, but I see positive outcomes every week of educators changing their methods so that students can learn in better ways. This also highlights the importance of soft skills and the ability to market yourself. The first assignment for my senior capstone students every year is to submit a resume so that they always have one on-hand if a good job comes their way. In short, there will always be a need for engineers, but it is up to the student or graduate to synthesize their skills and hone them in order to get their dream job; however, there will likely be some non-dream jobs along the way.
What's a good job out of college for Project Engineer Interns?
David Wagner: Simply put, some of the best jobs out of college are the ones that pay. That is to say, not everyone is offered a paid job with benefits upon graduating. Some contracting work is typically involved, which can be on a short-term basis and work into a long-term or permanent position. A good job is when you, as the employee, and your employer are mutually benefitted from your presence. If you feel welcome at work, then you'll do a better job; it is that simple for some graduates. If, however, you want to move up from technician to engineer to manager to executive, or anywhere in between, then a good job will allow this ascension. On the other hand, being your own boss is a great job as well as long as you are disciplined enough to do so. Ultimately, there is a cost-benefit analysis you will have to perform, either consciously or subconsciously, as to what you define a good job and what obligations you have upon graduation.
What will help Project Engineer Interns increase their earning potential?
David Wagner: I see graduates benefit the most when they learn skills, apply those skills, and communicate how those skills helped them. While this is much easier said than done and it can be time-consuming to learn skills in addition to your education, there is absolutely no substitute for a person that has accrued knowledge and its application and then knows how to use it to their benefit. Certifications, learning badges, project applications, and even letters of recommendation convey to people that you know aspects of your discipline well and can apply them to other disciplines and jobs seamlessly. Skills get you hired; success gets you promoted; you get yourself paid.
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.
Professor of ChemistryDillard University
Department of Chemistry
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: There may be a short term, negative impact of COVID-19 on graduates with respect to employment, emotional drain, and experiences. The severity of these depend on how soon the pandemic is contained, how quickly the economy recovers, and when the hiring freeze is lifted. Unfortunately, graduates will be impacted differently. Graduates with social network, resources, and right skills will find jobs and adapt faster than their counterparts with skills not sought after. Those with experience in computer and data science, information, and other technology related areas will find employment easier. Graduates who majored in areas that require face to face skills such as chemistry, where experiments require personal interaction with chemicals and analysis tools, would be affected more than those who can work from remote sites. For us, it was essential that we expose our students to the needed hands-on experiences, skills and techniques in chemistry. To maintain social distancing our laboratory occupancy dropped to 50% or less in order for us to have face to face laboratory activities.
At Dillard University, the pandemic metaphorically moved our good old sweet cheese (as in the fable "who moved my cheese"? by Spencer Johnson) and imposed on us Zoom, Google Meet, Canvas, Pronto and other different learning platforms. Like Scurry and Sniff, we tried to find new cheese source with the hope of finding opportunity, satisfaction, collaboration, engagement, and creativity in those new teaching and learning platforms. Similarly, graduates who take inventory of their skills and knowledge but also have passion, determination, discipline and strong work ethic will always find ways to overcome any shortcomings posed by the pandemic. Zoom job interviews and meetings and hybrid work schedule models will be lasting impacts of the pandemic. However, like Hem and Hall, graduates who find it difficult to adapt and see opportunity in such a change will feel betrayed, disappointed, lost, and probably depressed.
The pandemic created hardship for everyone including the graduates and industries alike, but it also created new opportunities. In the February edition of the chemical and engineering news, it was reported that employment for those with bachelor's degree was lowest in 2020 due to the pandemic as many industries initiated hiring freeze. Thus, with the current employment for new graduates dips southbound from pre-pandemic level, I recommend that graduates should consider graduate education or certification in areas that will add value to their skills, employability and earning potential as options. Certainly, the clouds of the pandemic will soon clear and the sun will shine again for those who are prepared.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Engineer Interns?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: The certifications/licensures and courses that can have the biggest impact on job prospects are degree dependent. In STEM fields, technology was an engine that kept afloat many sectors during the pandemic. For non-technology-oriented science majors, getting certified in coding, Phython, etc., will increase a student's skill set and job prospects. For a chemist, certification in coding, analytical tools (HPLC, GCMS, AA, and NMR), computational chemistry, bioinformatics, and water remediation and management will guarantee employment.
Students should consider getting a certification in an interdisciplinary area within their field of study that proved to be relevant during the pandemic.
We have been discussing majors of growth potential with the Hanover Group and based on their recommendations we are in the incubation stages of developing new but relevant majors, built-in minors and certifications; particularly those that are interdisciplinary in nature.
What will help Project Engineer Interns increase their earning potential?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: Earning potential is commensurate with expertise, skills, and experience. Acquisition of additional field-related skills will add value to one's resume and thus increase employability and earning potential. Employers appreciate and reward candidates who display initiative, imagination, and creativity in solving problems with clarity, relevance, and logic. It is conventionally understood that those with higher degrees tend to make more income. A chemist with a doctorate degree earns between twenty to thirty thousand dollars more than a bachelor degree holder. Thus, I encourage my students to enroll in doctorate programs or pipeline programs with the goal of earning a doctorate to increase employability and earning potential. Furthermore, as I have stated earlier, acquisition of additional skills, especially in technical and cross discipline skills and experiences will increase earning potential.
Michael Anderson
Department chairUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Department of civil and environmental engineering
How have salaries changed over time for Project Engineer Interns?
Michael Anderson: They have risen. Civil Engineering salaries for entry-level positions have almost doubled in the last 25 years.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Engineer Interns?
Michael Anderson: Obviously the Fundamental of Engineering Exam is vital. Senior Design course and the role of the individual is important. During an interview the ability to speak to your contribution on the project, both technical and management is key to impressing a potential employer.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: The pandemic hit us unexpectedly, unlike the last two recessions the construction industry managed to survive. I point that out to say that leading up to the pandemic, the industries and customers we normally built for were still planning and designing projects, expecting them to continue. Much of the industry, that I am aware of, has continued to build, albeit with sparser workforces, which would indicate there should still be a lot of work to catch up on when the pandemic clears.
On the other side of that argument, businesses are finding they are functioning effectively with their employees working remotely. This could trigger them to reduce, or nearly eliminate, their need for physical plants in the future. This, in turn, could leave a lot of current spaces vacant, triggering a slow down on building new, and increasing rehab. If this does happen, there will be an even bigger demand for mega data centers, and, of course, there is still a need for medical facilities, assisted living, and retirement homes.
Kevin Shanley Ph.D.
Associate Professor & ChairSUNY College at New Paltz
Division of Engineering Programs
What's a day at work look like for a Project Engineer Internship?
Kevin Shanley Ph.D.: Work is going to be a blend of in person and virtual meetings. I suspect this will continue well into the future. I suspect that travel will decrease. While COVID-19 has its grip on us, workers will likely rotate days in and out of the office. Some new hires may go months if not years without meeting some colleagues in person.
What technical skills for a Project Engineer Internship stand out to employers?
Kevin Shanley Ph.D.: Critical thinking and problem solving are still the big draws. Obviously, employers are looking for flexible team players now more than ever.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Kevin Shanley Ph.D.: Yes, I think the effects will stay with all of us for quite some time.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Project Engineer Interns?
Jared Wilson: The goal for the surveying and mapping program at East Tennessee State University is to educate students in the field of land surveying and mapping. The hope is that the students find gainful employment in that field and obtaining professional licensure, in a given state, is a significant motivator for employers. However, a significant factor that I have noticed is the successful passing of the Fundamentals of Surveying, FS, exam in conjunction with the four-year degree. This combination of education and successful completion of the first hurdle in examinations, seems to open many doors for job seekers in the field of surveying and mapping.
What's a good job out of college for Project Engineer Interns?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Engineer Internship job market given the pandemic?
Jared Wilson: The information I have been provided is positive, when the outlook is concerning the workload job market, that is being performed by the professional land surveying and geomatic industry. Land surveying, and subsequently land surveyors, have been deemed essential; thus, work is still being performed. The profession, as a whole, is driven highly by the status of the economy, and in the current economic state, the current workload is in demand. Thus, graduates should be able to find gainful employment regardless of the impact COVID-19 has. As with all professions, adaptation is necessary, and the profession is adapting well.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Engineer Interns to find work opportunities?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
What's a day at work look like for a Project Engineer Internship?
Anthony Butterfield: For many engineers, the workplace has always required strict adherence to safe procedures and the use of proper PPE. The pandemic has brought such requirements out of our laboratories and plant floors and into our office spaces, but I feel any employee at a company with a health safety culture will easily adapt to these new restrictions. The most striking difference for the typical workday is the absence of in-person meetings and the limitations on socializing with coworkers outside of work. Most seasoned engineers know their career has been helped significantly through a mentor or friend in the workplace. I think the pandemic makes giving attention to the human aspects of an engineering workplace all the more important, even if they have to be done through a screen.
What's a good job out of college for Project Engineer Interns?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Any job when you are getting out of college is a good job. Government, consulting, small organization, large organization-each of these provide valuable experience for the engineer just starting out in a career. There is something to be learned from each of these fundamentally different kinds of experiences. In government service, you get great exposure to the regulatory side of the field. In consulting, you get to experience the business aspects of engineering and client relations. In a big organization, you get to bore down and develop some very specific expertise in a technical area. In a small firm, you get to do a little bit of everything.
Ned Nielsen
Professor of Engineering DesignHope College
Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Ned Nielsen: Employers are looking for engineering graduates who have had an internship and who have some type of international experience. Since not many engineering graduates have international experience, those who do are highly sought after.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Robert Taylor: It is difficult to guess what impact C-19 will have, since we are still in the middle of it. To date, companies are still hiring EE graduates. Many companies are still working face-to-face (F2F) and are using social distancing and other acceptable protocols. Graduating seniors last and this year have taken many hands-on labs and therefore are prepared for the hands-on work environment. For future graduating classes, which have participated in more remote learning and "artificial" or simulated lab environments, they may experience some issues going from the remote to hands-on environment. On the other hand, those students would be better prepared for simulations (and gaming) better than the previous classes. Many schools, and ours included, are trying to prepare the engineering students for both the simulated AND the F2F labs by using simulations and sending kits to the students for home practice labs. The jury is still out on the "home lab" results!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Engineer Internship job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.: I have heard from CEOs and Presidents of companies that have embraced working from home and are considering keeping this arrangement for several of their work groups, even after the pandemic. Allowing remote work decreases the need for expensive office space (especially in high rent areas like Silicon Valley or New York City) and virtual meetings cut travel costs. A company can recruit worldwide and invite a prospective employee to live anywhere that has a high speed internet connection. Employees value the flexibility, comfort, and non-existent commute of working from home. There are sectors where managers and their teams have adjusted well to working remotely. As long as the productivity doesn't suffer, I feel this trend will continue.
For those recent graduates entertaining the workforce, they will need to demonstrate the ability to work remotely, and manage their own schedule when they don't have an office structure surrounding them. This can be conveyed in an interview by talking about their online education during the pandemic, and the work ethic they developed managing a course load of synchronous or asynchronous online courses with individual and group assignments. An internship that required working remotely is another great talking point in an interview. Discuss a typical day on that job, the technical challenges faced and the solutions developed under the adverse circumstances of the pandemic.
What's a good job out of college for Project Engineer Interns?
Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.: For the recent graduates, I recommend you get any job that challenges you, where you can build experience relevant for your desired career. It's rare to find your dream job right out of college, but a savvy engineer can identify jobs opportunities that will promote skill building and mobility for motivated employees. Ask the interviewer if there is support available for continuous improvement; inquire about training across the organization to better understand how the company functions. Beware of jobs that confine you to a very limited and repetitive role. If the job isn't challenging, you likely aren't growing as an employee or building your resume for the job you want. Also, work the current job like it's your dream job. Many promising candidates have lost offers when references are checked and previous employers give lackluster assessments. Always keep an eye to the future by watching for new opportunities; build out your network with the people you meet through work, professional organizations and networking events. Very few people perfectly fit a job description; take a chance interviewing if you feel you can develop the job skills you lack but don't exaggerate your qualifications to compensate. Don't be afraid to make a change if you aren't happy in your current job, but avoid burning bridges on the way out. Another option for recent graduates is to seek out a promising start-up and offer to work for lower pay in exchange for equity in the company. At this point in your life you probably have the low expenses (other than college loans) and ample free time (if you are single with no kids and no mortgage) that you could direct into working the long hours needed to make a startup successful. A small company requires employees to wear many hats while working with other motivated people in a high risk but high reward environment. If the company fails or you burn out, take your experience and move on. If the company is successful, your equity will minimize your financial concerns while you decide what your next job should be.
What technical skills for a Project Engineer Internship stand out to employers?
Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.: When I talk to employers of engineers two key skills tend to stand out: problem solving skills and communication skills. These skills are very difficult to develop quickly on the job, but a new employee that can demonstrate strength in these two areas can quickly integrate into a team or train into a job that requires specific technical skills. Communication skills can be assessed verbally during the interview. If it's a virtual interview for a remote job, present yourself like you will be representing their company: professional dress, clean and unclutters backdrop, practice eye contact into the camera with clear speech, and make sure there are no external distractions or noises (pets, roommates, etc). Sometimes the interviewer will request an impromptu writing sample. Communication skills can also be assessed before the interview with how quickly and professionally a prospective employee responds to the company's requests for information. Problem solving skills are often assessed by asking the job candidate about a difficult technical problem they faced and the how they solved it. Be prepared with several examples in mind and prioritize them by the tasks that are most relevant to the job description or the interests of the interviewer. Having a portfolio on hand or some unique visual aids can leave a distinct impression; and if virtual, have files readily accessible if you need to screen share but have an uncluttered desktop and inoffensive computer wallpaper. Some interviewers will assess both problem solving and communication skills simultaneously through role playing the solving of a technical problem or asking for a pseudo-code solution to a programming task.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Engineer Internship job market given the pandemic?
Janet Kolodner Ph.D.: It looks like the new government will make a lot of public service and infrastructure positions available. That's good. There will be jobs up and down the ladder-administration, management, craft work, etc. People who are feeling entrepreneurial might start businesses in areas where businesses have closed down; we've lost a lot of small businesses: retail, restaurants, personal services. Those who owned many of those businesses won't want to start again; there will be lots of room for new blood as we become more vaccinated as a population and ready to eat out and get our nails and hair done, go on vacations, and buy things we've put off.
What Project Engineer Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janet Kolodner Ph.D.: Communication skills, collaboration skills, imagination skills, project skills, computational (computer) skills related to what they are interested in doing. There are plenty of online classes for computaional skills; communication, collaboration, project, and imagination come through getting involved with others on projects. Getting involved in something that helps them feel a sense of purpose and that has them working towards goals with others will do the trick.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Dr. Diego Tibaquirá: I'm not sure enduring, but there will things that will probably be done differently. How people communicate and work might be different. Telecommuting and Remote work might become more prominent and permanent. Creating a viable way to ensure the job is done remotely will be more of a permanent change, and new graduates will need to be prepared for this environment.
What experience really stands out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Dr. Diego Tibaquirá: Manage to get some hands-on experience and Industry Certifications. Internships can help a resume stand out. Having recognized Industry Certifications add to the experience and knowledge recognition that candidates are prepared for the job. Just like everyone else, Industry Certification can now be done via remote proctoring so students can upskill at a distance.
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biomedical EngineeringDuquesne University
Department of Engineering
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Engineer Interns to find work opportunities?
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.: Several cities/regions appear to be hotspots: Bay Area, Boston, Seattle, Austin, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, DC, Research Triangle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.
What skills stand out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.: Problem-solving, flexibility, adaptability, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, technical/computer skills
Dr. Mustafa Mashal Ph.D.
Civil EngineerIdaho State University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Engineer Interns?
Dr. Mustafa Mashal Ph.D.: I do not think the pandemic will have an enduring impact on engineering graduates. Not sure about other fields.
What type of skills will young Project Engineer Interns need?
Dr. Mustafa Mashal Ph.D.: Taken all design classes, graduated from an ABET accredited engineering program, familiar with engineering software, taken the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam, Engineer-In-Training status, and master's degree
What experience really stands out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Dr. Mustafa Mashal Ph.D.: Research work in the labs, internships outside the campus, student competitions, student chapter membership/extra curricular activities, scholarly work, presentation in technical conferences
What skills stand out on Project Engineer Internship resumes?
Dr. Bruce DeRuntz Ph.D.: There are three skills that I think will be the most valuable: mastery of online collaboration, interpersonal skills, and taking initiative.
Many of the organizations today are adapting to online meetings and work, but aren't very good at mastering the new online meeting platforms and integrated tools. This is where new grads can excel. Just as everyone lists MS Office as a skill, the graduate who can demonstrate that they can make an organization more productive by having a mastery, and not just a proficiency, of online meeting platform. Employers have been asking for people with interpersonal skills for a decade because building trusting relatinships are what gets work done. Moving online only exacerbates this relationship problem. I believe that this current generation has potential to pivot off of their social media experiences but they won't be able to ghost their co-workers when conflict arrises. Taking initiative is the third skill that organizations value especially during these times. Because they are trying to figure out how to work remotely and develop new business processes, they will have less time for hand holding with new employees. New graduates who understant that they have a tremendous opportunity to excel when they take the initiative to go beyond what is expected of them and help their managers create business solutions to the new work environment.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Engineer Interns to find work opportunities?
Dr. Bruce DeRuntz Ph.D.: If you are speaking of geographical locations, the south and southwest continue to be growing faster than the rest of the country and provide more opportunities. With the pandemic, companies are hoping to capitolize on having employees who can work remotely so they can capitalize on attracting talent who get to live wherever they want to and they don't have to provide office space for them. My best advice to a new graduate is to be flexible. Demonstrate to your new employer that you are ready to adapt to their needs and can bring value with minimum guidance.
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
College of Engineering
How do you envision technology impacting Project Engineer Interns in the next 5 years?
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor: Adopting new technology should be an exciting (and expected) reality for those with an engineering degree. The virtual space will continue to grow as folks seek jobs and work online more. But what holds paramount, no matter what particular technological changes arise, is the ability to adapt-and to demonstrate that critical aptitude in their application documents and through their interviews, always highlighting those moments they've done so and articulating their propensity for learning.