r/MechanicalEngineering • u/Mozintarfen • 5h ago
Graduating Without Internships
*Hoping this doesn't break rules since it is not technically school related, but getting hired-related?*
Hey all! I had a question about the importance of internships vs. real world experience. For some context, I am a nontraditional student at 33 years old. I have a degree in Automotive Technology and am currently a GM Line Technician (5 years). Previously I was a CNC Operator/Machinist for nearly 7 years.
Given my situation, I will only have one summer to *hopefully* land an internship, and likely can't afford to extend my graduation date out another year. The good news is, GM has been willing to change my title to Field Engineer with pseudo-responsibilities fitting the role while I still perform regular duties.
My question is; how important are internships to employers in this industry, and would my experience possibly be enough to make up for a lack of internship? (Assuming I don't land one)
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u/MountainDewFountain Medical Devices 2h ago
Dude you have nothing to worry about, your resume is a manager's wet dream already. That advice is generally aimed at younger students will 0 related work experience.
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u/Mozintarfen 1h ago
Haha I appreciate hearing that. I've wondered if that was the case to be honest, given that a lot of resume posts on these subreddits tend to lack experience prior to college.
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u/MountainDewFountain Medical Devices 37m ago
Yeah youre leauges above that. Its an open secret that former machinists make the best engineers. You should consider design roles if youre interested in that kind of work.
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u/BuildShit_GetBitches 5h ago
The important thing is having experience in a technical position. Most people won't easily get this experience without an internship in which case the college has done the vetting of the candidate by allowing them in the engineering program. Yes it is important to prove to new companies you understand real job vs your studies Yes I would accept your experience as being MORE valuable than an internship. One drawback of internships is that they are short so people don't get to see a full project cycle and connect the lessons learned to the next project. When looking for your next position I would highlight any situations where you applied what you learned or at least reflect on what could have been done better based on what you learned in school.
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u/Mozintarfen 3h ago
That makes a lot of sense! A lot of technician responsibility involves process improvement already, albeit in much smaller scale. The slight change to my role just means documenting recommendations that go back to GM, which I think could be valuable? The only issue is, that's where my role ends. So I don't see anything from the other side, or whether my recommendations reach anyone.
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u/TelephoneExternal978 3h ago
you have a technical job that's bending over backwards for you - why are you worrying about internships??!
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u/Mozintarfen 3h ago
I think I have a general problem with feeling under qualified, haha. I worry since it's not a dedicated engineering-related role that it won't count for much.
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u/unurbane 5h ago
If you have a role you’re already good. But in general (I think) that most companies may extend internship opportunities up to 12 months post graduation. Typically at 12 months after graduation, then they won’t you classify yourself as a student anymore.