How To Get a Mechanical Engineering Internship?

 

1. Perform Your Research

Finding industries that interest you and making an effort to learn about their characteristics—such as nature, location, revenue, etc.—is the first step. Make a list of possible internships, categorised by job role, pay, LOR, etc., for each of the five to ten industries you believe you would like to work in.

Before deciding on the company you want to intern with, there are two things you should consider.

1) Choose Relevant Company

It's always advisable to choose your ideal mechanical firm. This makes it easier for you to make decisions in the future and also helps you become more goal-oriented. You have the option of interning directly at your dream company or through one of their manufacturing partners once you've found it.

You may also choose a company that will help you develop professionally.

2) Don’t Run After Money

We should all be looking for paid internships all the time, as many of us already are. While paid internships are essential, you shouldn't let unpaid opportunities pass you by. Gaining some engineering skills for future job applications is the main objective of your internship.

A LendEdu report on internships states that 93% of students choose the internship that will lead to more opportunities over one that offers a higher salary.

2. Learn About The Company

Locating information about the products and services offered by the business is the next step. It is actually recommended that you familiarise yourself with the whole industry. Think about searching for the following:

• What is their reputation?
• Have they recently been in the news? In that case, why?
• What kind of individuals work there?
• Which product is the most well-liked?
• Which product is least preferred?
• What are people admiring and condemning about those things if they are writing about them?

Use Linkedin, their website, and review websites to learn more about them. This can make you stand out to the employer during the interview process even though it isn't something that will be included in your resume or cover letter.

3. Become Well Acquainted With Software

Learning is the third step. Software is used by all businesses to expedite and facilitate work. All you have to learn is the bare minimum about the software. It will help you say yes in the interview if you can learn it later in accordance with the standards.

Each and every mechanical engineer should be conversant with these two pieces of software:

1) CAD Software

The creation of products is the responsibility of a mechanical engineer, and product creation requires software. Every software company has a different preferred CAD software, so it can be difficult to decide which one to learn. You can, however, start learning CAD by selecting just one.

2) Spreadsheets

All engineers, regardless of specialisation, must acquire this essential software skill. Every business must use spreadsheet programmes like Microsoft Excel to manage the data it generates. In fact, a study by Indeed found that the most in-demand software expertise is spreadsheet knowledge.

4. Learn Some Theory

It is not sufficient to know software in order to apply for a mechanical engineering internship. As I just mentioned, you can also choose to intern with a manufacturer that supplies your dream company. This increases the need for mastery of certain theoretical manufacturing subjects.

You can learn more about the theoretical subjects listed below to improve your chances of landing an internship.

1) Lean Tools

The first and most crucial production topic is lean tools. Every manufacturing company uses a range of lean techniques, such as Jidoka, Kaizen, the 5S system, and the Kanban system. While it's not essential to become an expert with every tool, it helps to know the fundamentals of the most important ones.

2) Quality Terms

Learn about quality-related terms like CAPA and COPQ. You will be asked to prepare COPQ reports and conduct quality audits on a regular basis as an intern.

Note: The goal of internships is to obtain experience in order to secure employment. As a result, if you already have transferable skills like computer, leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, and communication, you don't need to acquire these ones. In a competitive field, these skills could be advantageous.

5. Do Your Paperwork

Creating a resume or cover letter is the fourth and most important step in getting an internship in mechanical engineering. Make sure that your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically to the internship you are applying for. Avoid generalising.

1) Cover Letter

When applying for internships, the significance of cover letters cannot be emphasised enough. It acts as an indication of your enthusiasm for and desire to work for that specific company.

2) Resume

According to our research, an employer takes an average of 11 seconds to review your resume. This emphasises how crucial it is to write a polished, businesslike resume. Additionally, you can easily find videos on "How To Make Resumes" on YouTube to learn how to write a compelling and captivating resume.

6. Make Connections

Making connections is essential when applying for jobs and internships. Indeed, according to a LendEdu survey, 91% of graduates thought that relationships were more important than grades when looking for an internship.

While there are many approaches to locate and establish connections, these are the three most effective methods:

1) LinkedIn

Right now, LinkedIn is the best place to meet new people. You can look up the company directly and get in touch with any of its employees. Once you've connected, you can reply to their posts, tag them in your own, and ask for advice on how to get better.

2) Professors

Remember to show your lecturers respect. They have a great deal of connection. Make an effort to get in touch with them all and ask for a recommendation for an internship.

3) Relatives

Now is the time to consider your family members. Family is the foundation for the best relationships. Maybe some of your relatives or their friends are employed by a mechanical company. Make contact with them. Give them your resume and cover letter, ask them to recommend you to their employer, and make three calls to them.

7. Start Applying For Internships

Getting started with internship applications is the second-to-last step. When you're ready to apply for a mechanical engineering internship, you can do so using any of the three options provided below.

1) Go Directly To The Company

This is the first and most recommended application method. You have two options: use the career section on each company website, or send your CV straight to the recruiters on Linkedin. Try finding the recruiters' contact details and mailing your resume to them if none of them work.

2) College Placement

The second option is to apply through your college placement department. They have connections and affiliations with many different companies. You can reach out to them in order to request a recommendation for an internship.

3) Internship Websites

The final strategy is to perform a clever Google search for "mechanical engineering internship near me." A tonne of results will appear. Numerous websites, such as Graduateland, HelloIntern, LetsIntern, and Internshala, allow you to apply for internships.

8. Follow Up

Following up is the very last step. Many students submit their G2G INNOVATION without following up. Your chances of getting the internship are reduced as a result, and all of your progress is lost as well. Additionally, by following up, you put yourself at the top of the employer’s list, which improves your chances of being chosen.

Now, this does not require continuously sending mail after mail. After submitting your application, you should only contact the recruiter two weeks later. Never, ever inquire about the internship; instead, express gratitude that they are taking your application into consideration. It will serve as an official statement of appreciation and a reminder of your application.