Start Building Your Future in Mechanical Engineering
Here’s everything you need to know to secure a mechanical engineering internship that will take you to the next step in your career. If you’re unsure where to start, you’re in the right place. FactoryFix has helped thousands of skilled workers make more in manufacturing and we can help you too with job recommendations and free training resources tailored to you.
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What Does a Typical Mechanical Engineering Career Path Look Like?
A mechanical engineering internship can give you a head start by providing the hands-on experience and connections required to excel in your career. Skilled professionals working as mechanical engineers can rise to senior levels of engineering in an organization and, in some cases, may fill top executive roles. Mechanical engineers who opt to receive master’s or doctoral degrees can extend their career options by qualifying them for faculty roles or positions as engineering consultants. There are numerous ways to navigate the mechanical engineering career path.
What Are the Education Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Interns?
To land a mechanical engineering internship, you should be enrolled in an electrical, mechanical, civil, or general engineering bachelor’s program. Some employers may have additional requirements based on their fields, such as knowledge of specific materials, the application of engineering principles, or communication skills. Employers may also have a minimum GPA or class enrollment requirement.
How Do You Get a Mechanical Engineering Internship?
There is a wide variety of opportunities available for aspiring engineers. Some schools may build internship opportunities into their curriculum. For those who don’t, beginning with a simple search on FactorFix’s job board can give you a sense of what mechanical engineering internships are currently available and the necessary skills and qualifications. Do your research and get a sense of which companies might appeal to you.
Once that’s done, you can begin the application process. For this step, make sure you’ve got a strong resume that demonstrates your growth potential. After you’ve secured an interview, you’ll need to prepare so you can be sure to put your best self forward. Again, research is key here.
If you’re still struggling to find something, talk to our Career Coach, who can provide advice and job matches tailored for you.
What are Typical Interview Questions for Mechanical Engineers?
- Have you ever interned before, and what engineering experience did you gain?
- Why did you choose to pursue a career in engineering, and why did you choose our company for an internship?
- What skills do you have that will help you excel as an engineering intern, and how will you implement them while interning with us?
- What do you hope to get from this engineering internship?
- What field of engineering would you like to specialize in?
- What can you offer us that other internship candidates cannot?
- Tell us about the best engineering project you’ve ever worked on.
More tips to ace that interview
Get Your Mechanical Engineering Resume in Shape
Whether this will be your first internship or not, having a strong resume is critical to making it to the interview stage. Make sure your resume is up to date with all your latest skills, experiences, extracurriculars, classes, certifications, and so on. Take a look at the job descriptions and requirements for mechanical engineering internships you’re interested in and note any keywords. Then, be sure to incorporate those keywords into your resume. Oftentimes, employers use an algorithm to sort through the thousands of potential applicants, and keywords are important for making it more likely that your resume will pass through.
Check out our blog, for a more in-depth guide on how to polish up your resume.
Mechanical Engineering Internship FAQ
- Are mechanical engineering internships paid?
Yes, you can find paid internship roles on FactoryFix’s job board.
- What is the average pay for mechanical engineering internships?
The national salary is roughly $64,000, though this number does vary depending on the level of experience, geographical region, and company.
- Are internships necessary for mechanical engineering majors?
While a mechanical engineering internship isn’t required to start a career in manufacturing, they are certainly an asset. Internships offer opportunities to build skills and relationships with industry professionals who can help you throughout your career.
- What does a mechanical engineering intern do?
While responsibilities vary from company to company, generally, you will prepare calculations and reports, gain experience with engineering systems, integrate tracking plans, and perform analysis of mechanical design choices. You may even help test products, learn how to work on a project team, and create or modify CAD models.
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