Per Mare Per Terras: By Sea By Land IES: Institution of Engineers in Scotland

The Institution of Engineers in Scotland

A Multi-disciplinary Engineering Institution

How to get work experience and a job

Work and Career Development

We strongly recommend getting practical experience [industrial placements] wherever you can; it may help you and a possible future employer make the right choice!  

Where to look? 

  • Most universities have connections with companies and advertise jobs and placements. 
  • Large companies and organisations are generally more able to accommodate placements, however many smaller companies also welcome students, visit the websites of companies that you are interested in, find out what they are doing.
  • CeeD are an organisation Contact | CeeD (ceed-scotland.com) whose 160 member companies have established a scheme to help students get relevant work experience.
  • Make use of Professional Institutions, you will be able to speak to professionals working in your chosen field, make contacts that could last your whole career, develop friendships, hear about job opportunities, learn about new developments, maybe find some professional references. Joining an institution will help you build your own network off professional contacts, circulate as widely as you can at events.Many events are free for student members - take advantage of the opportunity!
  • Offer to shadow in a work place, even for a short while, it will give you some experience that you can discuss at an interview.
  • Have you thought of volunteering? There are several charities with an engineering interest who would welcome help ie RSS Discovery, Maid of the Loch, GalGael

How to get an interview?

  • Remember that employers are not just looking for brains but also energy, drive and team working skills, and what you can bring to their company?
  • Try to get a name before you apply to an organisation. Emails without a named recipient are easily ignored. Follow up an email with a call (and show keenness and determination) if you don’t receive a reply. Phone and say, “Just wondering if you received my email…”
  • Send as many applications as you can. Don’t wait for a refusal before sending the next. Learn as you apply, try to address any shortcomings as you apply for other jobs. Try to improve on what you have written, is it clear and concise? Have to tailored your application to the company? If you are not getting any positive responses try re-drafting your CV/covering letter.

Interviews

Interviews are a hazardous process for both employer and potential employee. 

  • View the interview as an exchange of information. 
  • Prepare, research the organisation, read any published articles. 
  • Write out a couple of questions to ask.
  • If you get nervous it is quite acceptable to have some notes with you to act as a prompt
  • Prepare what information you want the interviewer know about you
  • Arrive a little early

Coming Soon - common pitfalls

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