Mechanical Engineering: Electronics Technician Resume Benefits?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Whitefire_Nomura
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of working as an electronics technician for a mechanical engineering student, particularly regarding how such experience may enhance a resume for entry-level positions. Participants explore the implications of various job experiences, including those outside the engineering field, and consider strategies for gaining relevant experience while studying.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that working as an electronics technician could be beneficial for a mechanical engineering resume, as it demonstrates relevant skills and experience.
  • Others argue that employers prioritize internships and personal projects over unrelated job experience, questioning the necessity of pursuing technician roles if the goal is to become an engineer.
  • A participant mentions the importance of maintaining good grades and suggests seeking summer internships at mechanical engineering firms as a way to gain relevant experience.
  • There is a discussion about the value of including any job experience, including working at a gas station, on a resume to avoid gaps in employment.
  • One participant shares their personal experience, indicating that their previous work as an electrician was less valued by employers compared to their internships and personal projects in mechanical engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of working as an electronics technician for a mechanical engineering career. While some believe it adds value to a resume, others contend that it may not be the best use of time if the goal is to focus on engineering-related experiences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal job choices for students in this situation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of relevant skills and experiences, suggesting that the perceived value of different job roles may depend on individual circumstances and career goals. There is also mention of varying educational backgrounds and the impact of past experiences on current job prospects.

Whitefire_Nomura
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Hello everyone,

As I've said in my introduction I'm planning on going back to school but I want to do this right for once.

I am shooting for a BA in mechanical engineering (Most likely part time cause of this strange thing I need to do also called paying bills) But I don't want to do just any job, I want something I can add to my resume when I graduate. So my question is pretty simple. Does working in the field of electronics as an electronics technician look good on an entry level mechanical engineer resume? Why or why not? And finally, if not, then what job would you recommend I should pursue during my time in school?

Needless to say, I don't think working at a gas station (My current job) would be all that impressive.
 
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Working at a gas station might not sound impressive, (for instance); but it still says something positive about you. It says you can do an honest day's labor, get to work on time, you are self-sufficient, and know how to treat people. Not everybody can demonstrate this.

There is a saying in the acting profession, there are no small jobs.

I'm not sure including a gas station job should go in a resume, you might want to consult a career counselor(s) at your school, but do not be surprised if they recommend including it, rather than an resume gap

Working as an electronic technician should be included in the resume.
If you can take a course in your professional interests while working, this can be positive.
 
Whitefire_Nomura said:
Needless to say, I don't think working at a gas station (My current job) would be all that impressive.
well, it would impress me. I also suggest getting a Summer internship at a ME firm after your junior year. And good grades. And a mastering of the basics of ME courses. Some volunteer work. And a willingness with enthusiasm to learn.
 
Thanks, Yeah, I am already trying to research internships.
Volunteer work? Anything specific or do you mean in general?
 
Thanks, that was my thinking as well. One of the biggest hurdles I've seen and ran into is "You have the degree but not the experience." So I want to work in an area that will help with that until I can get my foot in the door.
 
Whitefire_Nomura said:
Does working in the field of electronics as an electronics technician look good on an entry level mechanical engineer resume? Why or why not? And finally, if not, then what job would you recommend I should pursue during my time in school?
Yes, it would probably look good but you'd need two years of education to become a tech. in the first place, if you intend on becoming an engineer, why bother?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_technician
IME employers are more interested in relevant skills. Eg internships and your own personal projects.
I was an electrician before studying mechanical engineering and, as a graduate, employers were more interested in my internships and even more so my personal projects than my electrician experience (beyond it being evidence I could hold down a job).
 
billy_joule said:
Yes, it would probably look good but you'd need two years of education to become a tech. in the first place, if you intend on becoming an engineer, why bother?

Well I already have an associates degree in electronics in 1997. Granted it's from a school that is now closed and all of my work experience in that field is pre-2000s. but if I can find a way to get my foot in the door, I think it would be beneficial to work in that field while I'm going to school instead of working currently at a gas station.
 

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