Let’s face it, there’s a lot of advice about job searching out there – whether it’s from your career coaches or while browsing the web. With so much information, it’s not surprising if you end up completely overwhelmed. So much, in fact, that you might lose track of the basics when it’s time to start applying for engineering internships and full-time graduate jobs.
So, to help you with this, we’ve boiled down all that job search advice down to a short(er) list of sound, useful tips to help you secure the engineering position of your dreams.
The basics
Grades: It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an internship or full-time graduate job – academics matter to employers when it comes to students and fresh graduate hires. You’re just starting out, so it makes sense that your academic achievements and grades make the bulk of your resume at the moment. With that in mind, be sure to maintain good grades!
Applying: For full-time roles, most engineering firms in Singapore – from Garlock Singapore to Cyclect Group of Companies – keep their application slots open on a rolling basis, though they do make adjustments according to graduation timelines of local universities.
For instance, companies will focus more on recruiting through career fairs (whether physical, virtual or hybrid) held from September to January, which is the graduation and hiring season. However, positions will still be available through March to April, with roles being posted as they become available.
Internship programmes, on the other hand, tend to be offered all year-round, with different companies offering programmes at various times of the year, such as Ascenda Loyalty’s winter internship and You Technologies Group’s summer internship.
The length of the positions may vary, from three-month internships offered by firms like Emerson and Carro Singapore, all the way to five-month programmes from Keppel Infrastructure. There are even flexible options where students can indicate their internship availability, such as the arrangement that Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company offers.
Research: Don’t be afraid to use the different resources you have at your disposal, from career advice sites like gradsingapore.com to your campus’ internal forums. Consider asking your career coaches for their insights, too.
Networking: There’s no such thing as “too early to network”! Get to know people and start your network as soon as possible. Leverage on university career events and register for other external networking events, too! These events can be sourced through LinkedIn and other professional independent bodies such as Singapore Global Network (SGN).
Consider smaller companies
Why: Limiting your applications means that you’re also limiting the number of recruiters you expose yourself to. So, consider applying not only to multinational corporations (MNCs), but small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well.
Pros of joining an SME: Due to having a smaller headcount (not more than 200 people), SMEs usually don’t have a fixed training structure, which means that you’ll have to learn on-the-job quickly. While this can result in a steep learning curve, it generally results in new hires and interns having opportunities to pick up more responsibilities earlier than in an MNC.
Moreover, because departments work more closely together, you’ll also have the chance to build a wider range of skills that can both benefit the company and help you chart your own unique career journey.
Some SMEs can even potentially offer global opportunities – such as the collaboration between Flexmech Engineering and global giant Bosch Rexroth.
Cons of joining an SME: Although SMEs can offer competitive pay, lower profit margins normally translate into fewer non-cash benefits. On top of that, because they’re not in the public eye as much as MNCs, it might be harder to discern the company’s culture, though that doesn’t mean that there’s no way to get to know at all!
Finding work experience
Why: Due to the technical nature of the industry, experience is highly valued, especially for full-time positions. So do apply for internships when you’re still in school to improve your chances at your next job interview. If you missed out, consider taking on graduate internships instead.
Other ways you can gain experience: Gaining experience isn’t just limited to internships. If it’s up your alley, there’s nothing wrong with picking up part-time or temporary engineering gigs over your summer holidays!
Take note: Competition for spots in larger engineering firms, like ST Engineering, SIA Engineering Company and AECOM Singapore, is incredibly stiff. Bulking up your resume with prior, relatable experiences from relevant internships and part-time jobs can give you a huge leg up over other applicants.
Pick up non-engineering experience too
Why: Yes, while having as much relevant work experience in the engineering industry can greatly boost your resume when you begin your job hunt, you also shouldn’t pigeonhole yourself either. Having experience in non-related fields can help you build vital transferable skills, like communication and interpersonal skills, and time management and problem-solving skills. These skills are just as important to employers as your skills in mathematics!
Where you can pick up experience and skills: A common solution among students is to participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs) and student societies, as they’re great avenues for you to develop these skills hands-on.
Alternatively, you can consider volunteering instead. In fact, on top of being a great place to gain experience, volunteer work also gives you the chance to network with a wide range of people, which could work in your favour if your dream company pursues corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives!
Travelling is another area where you can pick up transferable skills – though they’ll generally be of the problem-solving and critical thinking variety. It can also show off your initiative and willingness to try new things and go out of your comfort zone.
Research the job and industry you most want to work in…
Why: Doing your homework and looking into the sectors and engineering firms you’re interested in is good. But don’t just leave it at that!
What you can do: Look into the specific positions and areas of work you would like to go into, and develop the knowledge and skills needed. This will give you an extra edge over other candidates.
You should also stay up-to-date on industry news, which will help you build commercial awareness (essential to most engineering employers). It’ll also demonstrate to prospective employers your passion for the industry, and willingness to keep in touch with the latest developments.
… but don’t get obsessed with an ‘ideal job’
Why: Don’t get us wrong; being persistent is a good thing! You should apply to as many quality engineering employers as you can, and even make a few calls to check on the status of your application. But keep in mind that there’s a limit. There’s no need to spam a recruiter’s phone or email with calls or messages all day, every day for an answer.
What you can do: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different opportunities out there. In some cases, this might mean taking a role that goes beyond your specific degree area, such as technical sales. Who knows, you might even find your job there more satisfying!
Keep in mind: This is especially so if there’s a job you want, but don’t have all the qualifications required (at least, not yet). In this case, there’s nothing wrong with taking up other offers in the meantime. Take this as an opportunity to build the skills and experiences, as well as earn the qualifications you need. If this is the case, your first job is your first step to your dream job!
Take note: This approach also works if you know you have an ideal job out there but don’t know the details. Taking up a different offer can help you figure out your likes and dislikes in a role.
Prepare properly for applications and interviews
Why: When it comes to applying and interviewing for roles, it pays to be meticulous! Recruiters are looking for the best fit for their company, not only in terms of skills, but also in background and personality. They’ll have to suss this out through applications and interviews.
Applications: When you’re filling in application forms, be sure to tailor your resume to the position offered, too. If a cover letter is needed, be sure to customise it as well, to best show off your skills and enthusiasm for the role!
Resume: On your resume, pinpoint competencies desired by your prospective employer, such as communication and interpersonal skills. Then arrange examples of how you applied those skills in your project work, internships and daily life. For hard skills, like knowledge of engineering processes, put them in a portfolio (whether physical or virtual), and be sure to bring it in either a folder or thumbdrive to your interview.
Before the interview: Come up with a few questions for your recruiter, particularly about the role, company and career prospects of the position. Make use of the research you did on the company to help you with the questions – this will also indicate your level of interest in the company.
Interview: During the interview itself, demonstrate the skills you listed in your resume, from commercial awareness (“According to the news last week, the industry is going in this direction. In my opinion, I think the company could do this to build on the trend.”) to technical knowledge, and even cost-performance trade-off (“Swapping out this material can be done, but the product will have a shorter lifespan.”). Be sure to link your answers to the company to show how you can add value to them!
Keep in mind: In the engineering industry, technical interviews are almost always guaranteed when applying to an engineering employer. Before you go for it, be sure to brush up on your basics, and be honest if you don’t know the answers!
Tip: Be honest throughout the recruitment process. If you’re not honest on your resume, the truth will come out during the interviews itself. And if you try to fib in an interview, your interviewer will know! For a list of red flags employers look out for in candidates, click here!
If you're unsuccessful...ask for feedback
Why: Asking for constructive feedback from recruiters who’ve rejected you may feel like adding salt to the wound, but the truth is that the feedback you get can help you find out how you fared during the process and how you can improve for future endeavours.
Tip: Consider calling your recruiter instead of emailing, as emails can be easily ignored or lost in the shuffle.
Extra tips
Be positive and passionate: If you target jobs that you’re passionate about, rather than those that you’d only tolerate for the pay, it shows in your applications! Interviewers will even be able to figure out the truth during your interviews.
Portfolio: You can add personal projects that you have great interest in into your portfolio as well. It’s even better if it’s linked to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you have a side project of building mini-bots and you’re applying to a company that specialises in drone services, like Avetics, it can serve as a large leg up on the competition!
Never: Write an application when you’re going through job hunting burnout. It shows!
The sky’s the limit: Don’t just limit yourself to jobs within your area, or even in Singapore! With reopened borders and Covid-19 becoming endemic worldwide, save a few countries, you can consider organisations that offer foreign internships.
Connect-123 offers internships in six cities around the world, such as Barcelona and Cape Town. Meanwhile, The Intern Group in Melbourne takes in batches of interns of multiple disciplines, and places them in different companies around Australia. They take in engineering interns, too!
For full-time positions abroad, GMP Technologies Pte Ltd and Oaktree Consulting have been known to post employees overseas. PSA Corporation also offer engineers overseas postings.
Tip: Completing an overseas internship or working abroad can help you build character and expose you to unique experiences.
While this advice is rather basic, we do hope it’ll help you in your search for an internship or job in the engineering industry!