Mechanical Engineering major...internship/job help?

Question

I'm an ME major entering my junior year with a 2.5ish GPA. I know its not a perfect GPA but my school is pretty hard...I do try. I have never had a mechanical engineering internship, job, or extracurricular activity (besides cheerleading) since I entered college. I know its a poor move on my part but I do want to change that. Due to my GPA, lack of experience, etc how can I work around these issues and possibly get a summer internship or job? How can I make myself seem appealing?

Answer 1

I would join a student brach of a professional society, such as ASME, SAE, etc.  These let you work with other students on degree related type projects and competitions.  It would be good for you to try to get into a leadership role in an organization as well.  Companies love to see leadership and teamwork.   Thats what I think at least.

Answer 2

Hey there, I just graduated with a MechE degree from a challenging school myself, and my position was similar: no real internship, no job experience.  Here's what I think:

1) There's time to bring your GPA up.  Get it over a 3.0 if you can, because that's the magic number in a lot of cases for grad school.  Or, if you're not interested in that, it's still something people do look at for jobs, internships, etc.

2)  As far as joining societies like ASME, that may be helpful, but that's not the track that I followed and I think you'd be alright without it.  If you have the time, it wouldn't hurt though I suppose.

3)  Your school can probably help you with internships and summer jobs.  Go to the career office, or if you don't have one, to the undergrad office and see what someone can tell you.  Often, there are partners with the school that will accept you easier than just finding a company.  The government is a pretty easy place to get into as well, but be warned, red tape can take a long time to get through.

4)  Look for opportunities on campus, such as helping professors in their research.  Either ask professors directly, or most schools have a listing of these things somewhere (again, go to the undergrad or career office).  Many times these jobs will be low paying or no pay at all, but they're great for experience, something to put on the resume, and so that you know a professor who can give you a good reference.  Most of these you can do during the school year.

5)  Take project classes, or ones that give you unique experience/skills/knowledge.  You can and should put these on your resume.  People know that you're still a student and don't expect you to have tons of experience, but these things count.

It's great that you're thinking of these things now; I really wasn't in your position.  But having said that, let me reassure you- I was in your exact position as far as not having anything really to my name, except classes, and I turned out just fine.  In fact, the job I have now is exactly the one I wanted and it's the second highest paying out of all my friends, even the ones who had higher GPAs and experience with internships, societies, etc.  So it's not that crucial.  In my area at least (Washington, DC), it was very easy for me to find a job- I had a couple offers within two weeks of putting my resume out there, and I applied to less than 10 places (some I wasn't really qualified for).  If you can get your GPA and experience up, you'll be in a much better position than I was.  Oh yeah, and also be on the lookout for career fairs, at your school or otherwise.. take advantage of those (again, I didn't) to put your resume out there and talk to companies.  

I know engineering is hard, especially in a good program, but keep with it- you're half way through.  Junior year is hardest, but as long as you go to class, do all of your work, and get help when you need it, you'll be just fine.

I hope this helps and good luck to you!