I have had a few jobs, but would like to gain experience for future job opportunities. Are there any jobs that would be useful to have right out of high school if I want to go into engineering?

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Grace asked Elizabeth Schlegel, KSN Inc.

AddedSunday, February 18, 2018 at 10:35 PM

I have had a few jobs, but would like to gain experience for future job opportunities. Are there any jobs that would be useful to have right out of high school if I want to go into engineering?

I have worked at a few places, such as Mcdonalds. I have to get a job this summer and would like it to help me gain experience in the engineering field. Currently, I have been taking colleges classes throughout high school and am already finished with Calculus II and many other classes. Are there any jobs you would recommend I try to get to gain experience without any type of college degree? Also, are there internships or co-ops for someone who has no degree but will be starting towards their engineering degree?

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Answer 1

Elizabeth Schlegel , KSN Inc.

Answered Monday, February 26, 2018 at 4:46 PM

Any type of office job where you fill out a timecard would be useful; I often spend a lot of an internship training someone to be an employee as much as an engineer.  Some experience working in AutoCAD or Microstation is a huge bonus; any basic drafting skills let an intern be useful to me.  You may be able to take a drafting class at your high school or the local community college.  If you can find a job where you will be exposed to Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, that is also helpful.  If someone from your recent jobs or your high school will provide you with a positive recommendation, you could apply to engineering firms in your area to see if they can provide you with some work experience through a high school/community college/early college program.  We have also occassionally brought on summer interns who are in high school if they have a positive personal recommendation, even if we just need someone to help with filing.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Marie Louis , Regis University (RU)

Answered Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 9:21 AM

Dear Grace,

That is a great question. My advice will be to first narrow down the engineering discipline(s) that you would like to study if possible. The latter will assist you with knowing the firms or organizations that offer internships for high school graduates within the concentrations of your interest. Then, you need to draft your one-page resume and a cover letter.

I know that the Department of Defense (DOD) is offering summer STEM internships. There is also the RISE summer internship program. You might also need to check out engineering or STEM summer camps. I am aware that the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) has offered engineering summer camps. LinkedIn will be a great place to start looking for internships or simply make a Google search.

The application deadlines are approaching for 2018 summer internships, so you need to hurry. I hope that helps. Please feel free to ask further questions.

Please explore these links for High School Graduates Internships or Engineering Camps:

1. DOD STEM Internships: http://www.dodstem.us/stem-programs/internships
2. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/summer-2018-software-co-op-internship-for-high-school-graduates-at-bae-systems-inc-539239207
3. https://oso.stanford.edu/programs/39-rise-summer-internship-program
4. http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/summer
5. https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/pltw-engineering
6. http://www.same.org/STEMCAMPS

Best of luck!
-Marie