Advice to the Engineering Graduate…

Advice to the Engineering Graduate…

So you’ve worked hard over the last 4 years and now you are leaving University with your Engineering degree in your back pocket? The big question is; where do you go from here?

The thought of entering the working world is exciting and thrilling but can also be somewhat daunting - especially for those who haven’t experienced this environment before. 

Hopefully you have had the opportunity to complete a Coop placement as part of your degree but if you haven’t this could be your first step into professional employment.

We anticipate that many Engineering Graduates leaving College this year will be wondering; how to start the process of finding the engineering job they’ve worked so hard for?  To assist you in taking this next big step, we have asked our Engineering Business Unit Lead, Ruth Scanlan, to provide some helpful tips on searching for an engineering role as a raw graduate. This is the advice she has for you….

There are lots of Opportunities – Take the time to look for them! 

As an Engineering Graduate, you will have a lot of opportunities available to you. “The Engineering sector in Ireland is thriving with over 180 overseas companies generating €4.2 billion in exports annually across areas such as Life Sciences (Pharma, BioPharma, MedTech)”  You will find the right job for you – just take sufficient time to look for it.

Make a plan for your job search!

Planning is an important element of job searching.  A plan encourages you to move forward, measure progress and achieve your goals.  Make a plan to give your search structure and give yourself targets.  The following 5 steps will help you to compile your job search plan;

1. Decide what industry you are interested in working in.
2. Research your ideal companies & their graduate programmes
3. Look at job boards to identify companies that have current & open opportunities
4. Talk to your Careers office in your College and your Lecturers as they will have contacts in Industry.
5. Write your CV and tailor a Cover Letter to each role that you apply to and follow up on your applications where appropriate.

Decide what Industry you are interested in working in

It is important that you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses when looking for a new role.  Understanding your strengths and weakness will help give direction to your job hunt. Understanding your capabilities and requirements to progress in your chosen field will enable you narrow your search and the variety of companies you will need to explore. If you know Engineers who are working in Industry, talk to them to get their advice on what roles they took and their career paths.

Research your Ideal Companies & their graduate programmes

Make a list of companies you would like to work for and research their graduate programmes. Researching the graduate programmes and the company will allow you to get a feel for; the company, its culture, how it operates and most importantly; the opportunities available for you to progress as an Engineer in your chosen field.

Keep updated and read articles on industry news and trends. This can often help to identify interesting companies – it also makes for interesting and relevant conversation in an interview!

Look at job boards to identify companies that have current & open opportunities

Explore different job boards (RecruitIreland.com and IrishJobs.ie) to see what engineering opportunities are available and it will give you a good indication of who is hiring and potentially expanding their operations.  

Tailor your CV to the Role and follow up on your applications

Once you have identified the roles and or the graduate programmes you would like to undertake, sit down and tailor your CV and Cover Letter to each job spec.  It is important to take the time to do this – your CV is what will get you an interview.  Find hints and tips to creating a ‘winning CV’ over on our website; career-centre

It is important to keep track of all the companies and positions you have applied for - Document the company, the name of the recipient and the role you applied for.  This will make the follow-up process very easy.  Contact the company a week later to see if they had a chance to review your CV – this shows you are proactive, keen and enthusiastic. 

Preparing for an Interview;

Top Tips;

1. Research the Company who is interviewing you.  The first questions you are asked may be “What do you know about our Company”?
2. Know your CV and be able to talk through your Education, Work Experience, Skills and Hobbies in detail.
3. Know where the company is situated and arrive 15 minutes early.
4. From the moment you step on site you are potentially being observed.
5. Friendly smiles and firm handshakes are a must!
6. At the end of the interview, thank them for the opportunity to interview you and ask when you might expect feedback.
7. Don’t be afraid to let them know that you are interested in the opportunity.

There was never been a more exciting time for Engineers in the Life Sciences Industries.  Your graduate role is only a first step to the rest of your career.  When you get that job opportunity give it your all and you will reap the benefits.