Graduating BSEE: Internship or Classes?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between pursuing an internship or taking elective courses before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). Participants strongly advocate for securing an internship, emphasizing the importance of real-world experience for both graduate school admissions and future employment opportunities. A major aerospace company representative noted that graduate degrees without prior experience are less desirable, reinforcing the value of internships over additional coursework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school admission processes
  • Knowledge of the importance of internships in engineering fields
  • Familiarity with the BSEE curriculum and relevant electives
  • Awareness of industry hiring practices, particularly in aerospace
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of internships on graduate school admissions in engineering
  • Explore the types of internships available for BSEE graduates
  • Investigate elective courses that align with career goals in electrical engineering
  • Learn about industry expectations for new graduates in aerospace engineering
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate electrical engineering students, prospective graduate students, and anyone interested in understanding the balance between academic coursework and practical experience in engineering careers.

Maxwell
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Hey guys, I have one more summer left before I graduate with a BSEE. I am about 99.9% certain that I want to go right to graduate school when I graduate.

My question is: During the summer, should I take a few electives that I really want to take or should I focus on getting an internship? What would look better to a graduate admissions panel? More classes relevant to the field I want to go into, or an internship?

And, just in case, I for some reason totally change my mind and decide to go right to industry, would not having an internship really hurt me? Would this be acceptable if I explained why I didn't pursue an internship?

Thanks guys.
 
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I would take the internship. Get some real world experience. The major aerospace company I work for isn't really hiring any engineers with graduate degrees without experience. You can always go back and take the courses later.
 
Dr Transport said:
I would take the internship. Get some real world experience. The major aerospace company I work for isn't really hiring any engineers with graduate degrees without experience. You can always go back and take the courses later.

Thanks, Dr.T.

Do graduate admissions put a lot of weight on internships?

Also, do companies check out what classes you took as an undergrad? Will taking relevant electives impress prospective employers?
 

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