A mechanical engineering internship is a great way to gain work experience and develop relevant technical and soft skills before entering the professional world. It provides the opportunity to use school learning in actual projects. Understanding how internships work can help you make an informed decision when applying for one. In this post, we discuss how to get a mechanical engineering internship with no experience, understand the roles and responsibilities of an intern and find out what skills they use to do their job well.
Here are a few steps that demonstrate how to obtain a mechanical engineering internship:
01. Get the education you need.
Employers typically look for interns with the necessary skill sets and a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree. In mechanical engineering, you have the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or a Bachelor of Engineering (BE). A master’s degree can increase your chances of landing an internship opportunity, although it is not necessary.
02. Conduct research and pick a reputable company.
You can do some independent research before applying for an internship. Make a list of the industries and companies you are most interested in under each industry. Finding out which of your shortlisted, recommended businesses are now offering internship opportunities is the next step. Using parameters like location, work environment, learning environment, duties and responsibilities, work hours, and type of internship, you may then further reduce your possibilities.
Gaining practical experience in real-world tasks and developing valuable skills are the main objectives of an internship. Keep the goal in mind while you choose a company.
03. Develop the required skill set.
You can benefit from having the essentials of computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), and other relevant technical skills in addition to having the required educational qualifications. Working to improve your understanding of spreadsheets and presentation tools is also beneficial. The development of your communication and interpersonal skills can be beneficial because the selection process may include an interview.
04. Prepare your healthy resume.
Make sure your objective statement and relevant skills are on your CV. List any voluntary work you’ve done, any leadership positions you’ve held, and any related courses you’ve taken on your resume. Create a résumé that is specific to each internship opportunity. Incorporate any pertinent terms you find in the job description into your resume.
05. Prepare a cover letter.
You probably don’t have any professional experience because you’re applying for an internship. It is therefore even more crucial to write a compelling cover letter. Explain what you can do for the organization and demonstrate your passion and eagerness for the position in the letter. Give instances of your core competencies and work ethic. You might also discuss any relevant projects you’ve worked on in the past and how you contributed to making them successful.
06. Submit an internship application.
Apply for internship positions as soon as your CV and cover letter are complete. Start an internship early in your career for the best learning opportunities and sufficient work experience. You can submit an application through a company’s official website or by sending your résumé straight to the company. On 11 Inches Engineering Jobs, you may also look for internships for mechanical engineers and apply to various companies.
Essential mechanical engineering internship skills for your resume
When recruiting an intern, employers typically seek for fundamental technical expertise and critical soft skills. These abilities could make you stand out from other applicants if you list them on your CV. You can list the following technical and soft skills on your resume:
Technical skills
You might emphasize the following technical abilities in your CV for a mechanical engineering internship:
CAD
Computer-aided design, or CAD, is the process of using specialized software to produce two- and three-dimensional images and animations for commercial production projects, marketing campaigns, and technical manuals. From conceptual stages to strength analyses and component production systems, engineers can use CAD software at each stage of the engineering process. Adding this ability to your CV can help you in your job search because it is one of the more difficult skills required in mechanical engineering.
Product design
The process of planning and creating new items in accordance with customer needs is known as product design. It’s essential for mechanical engineers to understand how new product development works. Being familiar with the fundamentals of product design can make you stand out from the competition.
Revit
Revit also referred to as Autodesk Revit, is a piece of software that engineers and designers use to model projects. Both two- and three-dimensional building modeling structures can be created with the aid of Revit. Your understanding of the program might be mentioned on your resume along with an explanation of how the organization you are applying to can benefit from it. Mention a few previous instances where the program was used in significant projects if the organization already utilizes it.
Finite element analysis (FEA)
In order to create better products, engineers use FEA software to reduce the number of physical prototypes and test and improve components during the course of the design process. FEA is an essential method in mechanical engineering and one of the cornerstones of simulation. Because engineers frequently utilize this software to address engineering issues and mathematical models, firms choose candidates for internships who have a basic understanding of FEA.
Maths
Mechanical engineers often use calculus, statistics, and other sophisticated mathematical ideas to answer engineering problems. Their ability to calculate accurately helps them avoid having to do expensive rework as a result of errors. When estimating the cost of product design improvements, they also use mathematics. You might need to assist engineers with these activities as an intern. You might think about including this talent in your CV.
Soft skills
You can highlight the following examples of soft skills in your mechanical engineering internship resume:
Problem-solving
Mechanical engineers deal with a variety of client difficulties almost every day. In addition to creativity, they need problem-solving abilities to repair broken equipment or address current issues. They employ their knowledge to develop prototypes for new products and resolve technical issues. To be a possible candidate for the employer, you can think about honing your problem-solving abilities and putting them on your resume.
Communication
You might need to properly explain your design evaluation to your peers as a mechanical engineering intern. You may work with non-technical employees, such as the sales staff, in addition to interacting with mentors and other engineers. The presentation of product analyses may occasionally be a part of your work. You may make potentially complex project concepts simpler by having strong communication skills. Your CV should make notice of your excellent communication skills.
Attention to detail
To complete a design or fix mechanical issues, engineers may need to review numerous documents. To make sure everything is in its proper position, careful attention to detail is required. Additionally, when issues develop, they might be asked to examine computations and test equipment to identify the problem’s root. Since the internship is a learning experience, there is a risk of error, but you should highlight this ability on your resume to show that you can complete your job as accurately as possible.
Roles and responsibilities of a mechanical engineering intern
A mechanical engineering intern may have the following responsibilities:
- presenting concepts and defending them with evidence
- evaluating the initial and later design
- creating and analyzing CAD project drawings
- testing mechanical prototypes and collecting important information
- creating three-dimensional drawings and models to support research and development
- helping with the production’s planning and management
- assisting with production area operations
- making presentations for interactions with customers and sales
- preparing report
How long do mechanical interns work?
It entirely depends on the kind of internship they are pursuing and the time frame. There are full- and part-time positions available. While finishing their studies, interns typically work part-time, and then full-time during breaks, primarily over the summer or after receiving their degree. The type of employer an intern works for will also affect the hours they put in. Most jobs demand set hours, but many also provide task-based roles.
