Aerospace engineering career advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a junior Aerospace engineering major in securing internships within the field. Participants explore various strategies for improving job prospects, the impact of GPA on internship opportunities, and the value of networking and recruitment services.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster questions whether their GPA is the primary reason for not receiving internship offers, despite having relevant experience and recommendations.
  • Some participants suggest contacting the university's co-op office as a potential resource for securing internships.
  • There is a suggestion to leverage personal networks, including friends, family, and professors, to uncover job opportunities.
  • One participant mentions the potential benefits of working with headhunters or recruiters, although there is skepticism about their effectiveness for student interns.
  • A later reply clarifies that recruiters typically focus on experienced candidates, which may limit their utility for new graduates or interns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of various job-seeking strategies, particularly regarding the role of GPA and the use of recruiters. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to securing internships in aerospace engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the impact of GPA versus experience in the internship application process, nor on the utility of headhunters for students. There are also varying opinions on the importance of networking.

Carter
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Hello

About me: I am a transfer junior Aerospace engineering major at U of Minnesota and will be getting a degree in physics from U of Wisconsin the same time I graduate from MN (don't ask how that works, it just does). I have had an REU nuclear physics internship (+ a year and half of nuclear research), a Quality engineering internship and currently a lab technician at 3M while in school. I have 3.1 gpa and am apart of Formula SAE. I am a alright student (not a genius but I do the best I can), I excel in a work environment (have stellar recommendations).

Problem: Since transferring I have found it near impossible to even get a call for an interview for any internships, it was actually easier to get a call back while a physics major. I have applied every where from Boeing to small town engineering firms and nothing. I have a professionally done resume and all of my previous managers attest I was their best interviewee they have ever had.

To me it seems that the more I buff up myself with experience and technical training (referring to doing a 2nd degree) the more doors close for me.

IS MY GPA REALLY THE REASON I CANT GET AN INTERNSHIP TO LOOK AT ME? (I know its not stellar but I figured my experience would at least help me a bit)

IS THIS NORMAL?

IS IT WORTH STAYING IN ENGINEERING?

I love science and actually learning about engineering and how our world functions to an immense degree but I have sacrificed my personal life to be where I am and honestly right now it doesn't seem worth it. I know I am not a genius and probably will be only able to maintain around 3.2 so did I screw up? should I jump ship before I commit more time?
 
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Contact the UM co-op office about getting a position through them. It would be fool hearty to quit now.
 
Carter said:
I have applied every where from Boeing to small town engineering firms and nothing
Are you just resume blasting?

You should talk to your network. Make a linkedin account.

Also you would be surprised how you are connected to companies. Your friends cousin might work somewhere. Talk to your professors. talk to your family. etc
 
I might add, talk to head hunters. I've gotten several positions through them.
 
Dr.D said:
I might add, talk to head hunters. I've gotten several positions through them.
What would qualify as a headhunter?
 
Carter said:
What would qualify as a headhunter?
"Headhunter" is slang for recruiter. But I've personally never heard of student interns being placed by recruiters. For that matter, it's rare for fresh grads to be placed by recruiters. The fee for a legit recruiter is paid by the employer; typically the employer is willing to pay for experienced people ... no need to pay for newbies (there are plenty knocking on the door).
 
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