What Is an Engineering Intern and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Does an Engineering Intern Do?
An engineering intern is a student or recent graduate of an engineering program who is gaining hands-on experience in their field through an internship program. Interns in most fields, including engineering, are paid very little and sometimes work only for academic credit. The value is in the experience gained working alongside experienced professionals. In engineering, interns will find that they have an opportunity begin to specialize their skills in an otherwise broad field. They will conduct basic engineering tasks, under supervision, as well as various administrative duties.
How Do You Become an Engineering Intern?
You can become an engineering intern by applying for various internship programs with companies you might aspire to work for. Many interns apply for summer internships during or for full-time internships after graduating. You will complete various application requirements, provide academic records and recommendations, and undergo an often rigorous interview process when seeking an internship. The best internship opportunities are often highly competitive so you should apply early and to as many as possible.
What Are Engineering Intern Career Paths?
There is some variety in the path people take to become an engineering intern, but generally, the process involves submitting an application, essay, academic records, and recommendations. Many students apply during their last two years of university or directly after graduating. You will likely face multiple interviews before being accepted into a program. Securing a solid engineering internship may take several attempts, but once you have done so, you will be on your way to getting the engineering job you desire.
What Are the Benefits of an Engineering Intern Job?
There are many benefits to being an engineering intern, Engineering is a very broad field, and aspiring engineers often need some degree of specialized skills. Internships are a great way to develop those skills and explore what it is really like to work in certain areas of expertise. Internships can give you an edge when applying for jobs, and some may even result in employment for the intern after completing the program.
Engineering Intern Job Description Sample
With this Engineering Intern job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Engineering Intern role.
Job Summary
We are seeking an aspiring engineer to fill an Engineering Intern position. Our ideal applicant is a current student or a recent graduate of an industrial engineering or mechanical engineering program. While you do not need to have prior job experience, you must have a high GPA and training in common engineering computer programs, such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, and MATLAB. You will learn the responsibilities of a professional engineer under the supervision of our more senior employees.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Learn the responsibilities of an engineer
- Fulfill administrative duties around the office
- Run errands for the engineering staff
- Incorporate academic knowledge into hands-on work
Requirements and Qualifications
- Recent degree or current enrollment in an engineering program
- High GPA
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Flexible schedule
- Strong organizational and communications skills
