Perhaps you find yourself in one of two situations looking for an engineering job: 1) you have recently graduated with an engineering degree or2) you are changing jobs after working for some time either because you want to change or because you are being forced to make a move. There are similarities in all of these situations; it is really mostly a difference in urgency.

GOALS

After graduation your goals likely include 1) putting to use what you have learned, 2) gaining experience, and 3) making money!  If you are looking to change jobs after working for some time your goals might include one or more of the following:

1. Obtain greater responsibility
2. Take on new challenges
3. Increase the breadth and/or depth of your skills and experiences
4. Relocate to a new geographic location
5. And let’s not forget — to make more $$$$

STRATEGY

• Clearly define what you are trying to accomplish. (write it down for your own use & benefit)
• Take a comprehensive inventory of your skills and experience. (this is the data that will be used as the basis for a resume and/or job applications)
• Determine how your job search will be conducted; example:  job fairs, online, search services, outsourcing resources. (you need to be complete - “leave no stone unturned”, but you should avoid overlap or too narrow of a focus)

TACTICS

•  Write out your Career Plan. (you don’t need to show this to anyone - it is just for your benefit)
• Develop your resume(s). (Please see our resume page for helpful recommendations)
• Visit online job search sites
• Make it known to everyone your know that you are looking for a job; contact all known acquaintances especially those involved in your field of interest (including sales, service, and other associated business functions).