Going on an internship interview as an engineering student or a recent graduate is different from going on an interview as an experienced engineer. You don't have a lot of experience to brag about, you might not even know a whole lot about the job, but you really want to land the role.
As always, we asked the IRG community for help. Here's a summary of tips that have helped young engineers land internships:
“Know your resume in and out” - @jeunille.charisma_
The point here is to know your resume inside and out BUT don't repeat what's already on the piece of paper. Talk about the process and journey of what's written on your resume. Talk about the behind-the-scenes and how you overcame challenges.
“I did a 2min presentation essentially running through my resume. I shared my screen”
-@kathleencurrann
Someone made a presentation of their resume and I think that's such a great idea.
“Upload your resume on to chatgpt with the role description and have it ask you questions” -@nayooshh
This is such a great tip! They will ask questions based on your resume and ChatGPT can help you practice answering those questions!
“Research the company/position you’re interviewing for and prepare questions” -@robin_lauren_
This is an important step because a lot of responses said to do this in your engineering internship interviews!
“Read the job description before” -@jeunile.charisma_
“Come prepared with your own questions to ask the interviewer at the end” -@sholafashanu
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show interest in the position” -@jessicamacdonaldd
You might ask, what type of questions should I be asking?
You can look up finished projects and ask them about the challenges they faced. You can ask what qualities they look for in their candidates. It could be anything about projects, culture, how they run their teams, or who you will be reporting to.
“Prepared tailored questions for the interviewer” -@miranda_heredia
“Do background on the company. Ask about types of current projects” -@jordie_coirier
“Research the company beforehand and get familiar with some of their initiatives” -@nayooshh
“ALWAYS have questions for the company. ‘What does a normal day look like in this role?’ ‘What are qualities you look for in an idea candidate?’ Then fill our the gaps you fit” -@alexandri_poole
And remember:
“You can never ask too many questions” -@am.gurney
Highlight your willingness to learn
So many responses said to do this in your interviews, and it makes sense! You don't have a lot of experience to show for, but instead you can let them know how eager you are to learn more.
“Express your interest to learn and develop rather than what you’re already good at” -@orlakatemcallister
“Do your best to show the recruiter that your main priority is learning” -@rosalyniray
“Show enthusiasm to learn!!” -@miranda_heredia
“Show interest to learn, soft skills are greater than hard skills in internships” -@naboff
Highlight your technical engineering skills
We can't forget about the technical skills in engineering. Doesn't matter how advanced you are, mention any software you're able to work with and any technical projects you've done. One thing that stood out in the responses was talking about your problem-solving skills as well. How did you overcome a challenge when working on a specific project?
“Share a practical experience you might have” -@powderina
“Most common question always asked is how you work with others that disagree with you” -@marianaarodriguez._
“Focus on highlighting problem solving, willingness to learn and adapt and your positive attitude” -@maeve.mckee
“Really highlight projects you’ve worked on and your technical and collaboration learnings!!!” -@k8valent9
“Emphasis experience over classwork if you have it” -@wy.nyet
Be yourself in the interview
Another popular response. Don't feel like you need to look like you know everything. Showing personality and character is so important in interviews, that's why they select people after interviews and not just on paper!
“Be yourself <3” -@jianna_clinton
“Be yourself, let them like you for what you really are” -@gaby__cat
“Don’t be afraid to show your personality/ talk about hobbies you’re passionate about” -@ana_mihaylova
“Focus on soft skills. I worked in a hospital scrubbing dishes and my engineering internship was very impressed” -@forreststrategies
“Be yourself! Most companies are looking for engineers that can actually speak to people” -@miialong
“Be personable” -@faleesha_11
“Do not try to come across as knowing everything. The know you’re there to learn - learn!” -@karliemanor
Projecting confidence
You might not feel confident, but you can still project confidence.
“Remind yourself that you are also interviewing them back, so keep that confidence up!” -@teacartwright
“Be confident!! You’d be surprised how far speaking confidently & clearly can go” -@teagsmoore_
“Be confident! They chose you for an interview because they saw something in you!” -@nayooshh
“Always project confidence and be confident in stating what you do an don’t know” -@dgalp66
“Be confident! Approach it more as a conversation, they more want to know you vs technical skills” -@ulia.qiseman
Hope this blog helps and thanks for everyone who helped with the content!
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