Get Valuable Work Experience for Electrical Engineering Studies

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I want to study Electrical Engineering at university and want to do a bit of work experience before I would have to be making any definite choices about doing this topic.

I have contacted 2 companies who have offered me work experience. The first is the company my school gave me the details for and with this one I would be working for a larger company that will be known by the university. However this placement would be unpaid and wouldn't have a lot of hands on experience.

The second is owned by a family friend and is a decent sized company which makes control panels for motors. He has said that he would be able to organise work experience that would be a bit more hands on and he will write a letter to the school confirming that he will do my work experience.

The problem is do I go for the more well known place with less hands on work or try and get some proper experience?

Thanks
AL

 

[TonyG]

Dear AL,

First of all, congratulations on being proactive and seeking out work experience in the field you are interested in before making any definite decisions about your university studies. This is a great way to gain insight and hands-on experience in the field and can help you make a more informed decision about your future studies.

In terms of your dilemma, I would suggest considering the following factors before making a decision:

1. Hands-on experience: As an electrical engineer, hands-on experience is crucial in developing practical skills and understanding the real-world applications of your theoretical knowledge. Therefore, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience should be a priority in your decision-making process.

2. Reputation of the company: While working for a well-known company may look impressive on your resume, it is important to also consider the reputation and quality of the work they do. A smaller, lesser-known company may offer more hands-on experience and a better learning environment.

3. Networking opportunities: Look into the networking opportunities that each company can offer. Working for a larger company may provide you with the opportunity to meet and network with professionals in the field, which can be beneficial for your future career prospects.

4. Letter of recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a family friend may carry less weight than one from a well-known company. However, if you have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects and gain hands-on experience at the smaller company, this could be more valuable in the long run.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal goals and priorities. If hands-on experience is your top priority, then the smaller company may be the better option. However, if networking and having a well-known company on your resume is important to you, then the larger company may be a better fit.

I would also suggest considering the possibility of doing work experience at both companies, if time allows. This will give you a well-rounded experience and allow you to compare and contrast the two environments.

Good luck with your decision and future studies!