Engineering internships are a great way to start putting roots down in your chosen field and get a better idea of what life will be like when you’ve completed university and are working on your career. They’re a lot more than just a course requirement, however, and can set you up for success if you go about things the right way. That’s why today we’re sharing how to make the most out of engineering internships so you can head into your next one with your eye on the prize.

Take Notes On Everything

It may seem odd to suggest taking notes during your engineering internships – they’re the practical side of your course after all, so your main focus is probably on getting things done. However, taking notes while on your engineering internships allows you to look over what you’ve gotten done and explore anything you had trouble with more closely. Not only does this make writing your reflection essay for university a whole lot easier but it also allows you to identify any issues as soon as they arise and work on your weaknesses so you don’t face any severe issues when starting out officially in the workforce.

Always Be Looking For Extra Tasks 

You’ll also want to constantly be on the lookout for extra tasks during your engineering internships. We know that nobody likes working for free, but by covering as much ground as you can while you’re in a learning environment, you’ll help minimise the mistakes you make once you land your first paid position. This type of behaviour during engineering internships also shows initiative and sets you apart from other students completing their course at the same time. This may not seem like a big deal but it could be the difference between being offered a position at the end of your engineering internships and simply returning to university still hunting for work so it’s worth putting in the extra effort.

Explore As Many Areas Of The Company As You Can

Although the focus of your engineering internships will generally be within the area you’re looking to gain employment upon graduation, now is a great time to explore as many areas of the company as you can. This is because engineering internships are a low risk environment which you can use to discover which parts of a business you really love being involved in without having to worry about whether switching things up will derail your career.

Network With Everyone

Engineering internships are just as much a networking opportunity as they are an educational one so be sure to network with anyone and everyone while you’re out in the field. You never know who has pull in the areas you’re looking to occupy and it never hurts to have friends in the right place. 

Ask For A Formal Letter Of Recommendation Upon Completion 

Finally, when it’s time to head back to university, don’t forget to ask for a formal letter of recommendation. Not only will this be useful in securing work in the future but it also allows you to see what areas a prospective employer thinks you perform particularly well in. This can help you shape your resume when applying for future roles and is valuable feedback that you won’t necessarily get if you don’t ask for it.

It’s important to make the most out of every opportunity if you want to reach your goals and create the life of your dreams. Next time you head out on any engineering internships be sure to follow these tips to make the most of them, you’ll be surprised by the results.