ThLiOp

Hi everyone,

I am in my senior year and will be graduating in May 2013. I have always thought that I enjoyed doing research. However, I have done research with several (~3-4) professors these past couple of years. Upon some further reflection, I feel like perhaps the MS/PhD tract just isn't for me, at least not yet. Therefore, I have actually been leaning more toward the industry.

With that being said, I have been pouring all my energy into graduate school preparations (i.e. GRE study, research, application stress, etc.). Juggling all this on my plate, I have neglected to get any real-world experience in terms of internships and co-ops.

So here are some questions I am struggling through:

1.) Am I still an attractive candidate for hiring even though I have no internships under my belt, but have a ton of research experience?

2.) Should I desperately apply for internships / part-time jobs for this and next semester?

3.) Is it worth it/possible to get an internship the summer after graduation? Or are those slots usually more reserved for sophomores and juniors?

4.) What other things should I do in order to maximize my chances of employment?

Any help would be really great!

Thank you in advance!

xraymancs

Internships are generally for students who have not graduated but there may be some options. Getting real world experience as an engineer before applying to graduate school is usually a good idea.

You need to contact your College Career Center and get help on your resume and give some practice interviews. Your research experience can count in your favor when you are applying for jobs because it indicates your ability to work in a team. Definitely look for a position once you graduate.