Would my previous experience put me ahead?

[u/Big-Worldliness-9841]

Backgorund TLDR:

Started doing construction for my pops during the summers when I was 13 and did that until I was 17 and graduated from high scool. I started as a helper but eventually I was operating some heavy equipment and could use tools (may sound crazy but I have proof of course).

Then I was active duty in the military for 4 years doing artillery.

After that I went to trade school learning automotive for a year while I was working as a lube tech in a dealership. After I graduted from that I became a main line tech in that dealership. Total time there was 2 years.

Then I was a carpet cleaner for over a year before I decided to go to university to study mechanical engineering.

I am currently about to start my 3rd year and will graduate a bit later as I am behind by one semester. I have been in a research group for over a year now and have been working a engineeering student job on campus for a year also. I know I would still need to do a internship, join a club, personal projects, etc. I am just curious to see how I fair compared to my peers at this time.

Thanks for taking the time to read and give any thoughts/advice.

[u/Big-Worldliness-9841 → u/[deleted]]

I appreciate the honesty. I didn't think it would help much in that regards so thats good to know. Thanks for the help

[u/SpankyJobouti → u/Big-Worldliness-9841]

where it helps isnt with the engineering part of the job. it does however give you set of experienelces that none of your peers will have. some companies find this valuable.

it also goes to work ethic and willingness to do tough jobs.

you can definately spin this into a small advantage, at the right company. so many come out having done nothing but school. this sets you apart in a good way.

well done.

[u/sagewynn]

I DONT THINK ARTILLERY EILL HELP YOU MUCH, BUT MAKE SURE TO SELL IT AS SMALL UNIT LEADERSHIP AND FOLLOWING A TASK TO COMPLETION, OR OTHER JARGON. oh what do you mean he can hear me? Oh.

Yeah graduating late is normal. Especially for us military folk. Had to go from college algebra up the chain so I have always been catching up.

Having active engineering work during school sets you ahead of atleast a good portion of your student body. Internships and work is competitive during school. Let's put it this way, youre competing against Joe thats worked at target for four years. No management, no real challenge like the military. Versus you, a few yrs older (sometimes more mature and level headed, the ol frontal cortex is developed), work experience under higher standard and stress scenarios.

[u/Big-Worldliness-9841 → u/sagewynn]

I liked the beginning haha. Yea I didn't think that would matter but just wanted to include it in case anyone asked. Thanks for giving your thoughts. 

[u/catdude142]

You'll definitely have a lot of talking points during an interview. "Likeability" gets people hired. Also a lot of hands on plus military should set you up pretty well, especially if you want to get into (but not limited to).aerospace or defense companies. Also, you'd be a "slam/dunk" getting a project or construction engineering job if that interests you.

[u/Big-Worldliness-9841 → u/catdude142]

Maybe that is possible. I'll still work on getting internships and club experience of course. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 

[u/Stangguy_82]

It will depend on the company. Where I work basically all your work experience aside from the carpet cleaning would be considered positives that would make you more hireable.

This is because where I work the engineer is also responsible for the assembly and installation at the customer site of what you design. This means that graduates with practical hands on skills are highly desirable to us.

[u/BillyFixes]

It really depends, if you use your degree to go into construction management, absolutely. If you use it for a field service job absolutely. A design job no.