“Engineering is a great profession. There is the satisfaction of watching a figment of the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realisation in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings homes to men or women. Then it elevates the standard of living and adds to the comforts of life. This is the engineer’s high privilege.”
-Herbert Hoover, American President and engineer by training.
The economy may be hurting, but merging technologies and advancements in fields like composite material manufacturing, robotics and nanotechnology are enhancing career opportunities for mechanical engineers around the world. The field has a bright future since reliance on mechanical equipment is integral in today’s economy.
Jobs for mechanical engineers however, can be quite competitive. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 mechanical engineers made up the second largest discipline for engineers in America behind the civil engineering field. Approximately 239,000 people were employed as mechanical engineers making up about 15 percent of the industry.
What can you do to stand out from the rest? With the right tools and strategy, you can be 3 steps ahead of the game, and get the inside track on job leads.
Here’s how…
Network
One of the best ways to discover openings is to develop your network. For college graduates, this can start with school resources such as alumni and instructors. Engineering firms may have relationships with schools that help cultivate new hires.
You should also develop your personal network. Social media sites present great opportunities for getting job leads through friends, friends of friends or friends of friends of friends… Having a presence on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, and expressing your availability can produce results, and fast. And often, these results are better aligned with your ultimate goals.
Recruiters and hiring authorities do peruse social media sites for candidates. By linking with people and groups with similar backgrounds and interests, you are opening doors to a wealth of options you might never have had otherwise.
Broaden Your Search
Certain areas may be hotbeds of hiring for mechanical engineers. Regions may have projects and companies involved in engineering due to activities in that area. Professional Associations may also have job leads. For example, for career leads in mechanical engineering Ontario , residents can research the Professional Engineers Ontario group. Internet research can be a great resource, but limiting searches to regions of interest or industry groups makes it more efficient. Using keyword searches by city, company name, and job specific terms can help condense your search.
Create a Web-based Resume
Many job seekers are using the option of placing a resume on a personal website. This helps increase your web presence and in turn, your visibility to recruiters. A web-based resume or portfolio gives instant access to background and achievements. Companies can see if you are a match for their needs.
Blog About The Industry
Programs like WordPress and Blogger have provided people an easy, free platform to develop a site of interest. Bloggers can start a site related to the mechanical engineering field where the more they post, the more they advertise their knowledge. A site with articles, pictures and videos about the industry shows your professional know-how to prospective employers and makes you a very attractive candidate that is abreast of current trends in the industry.
Happy hunting!