How to gain practical work experience as a student engineer

You’ve likely heard countless times about the importance of gaining practical work experience. It’s annoying, right? Need experience to get experience, where is the logic!

But why is it so critical, and how can you make it happen while juggling your studies?  This guide will help you understand the benefits of hands-on experience and provide practical tips for securing opportunities. These ideas come from my own time spent interviewing school leavers and graduates and from employers I worked with over 15 years in emerging talent acquisition.

Why Practical Work Experience Matters

Practical experience is more than just a box to tick on your CV—it’s a game-changer for your career prospects. According to a study by the UK’s Engineering Council, 62 per cent of employers value relevant work experience as much as, or more than, academic qualifications when hiring engineers.

Here’s why it’s vital:

• Skill Development: Real-world projects expose you to practical skills, tools, and techniques that aren’t always taught in the classroom.
• Industry Insights: You’ll gain an understanding of how engineering principles are applied in various industries.
• Networking: Work experience helps you build connections with professionals who could offer guidance or even job opportunities.
• Increased Employability: Graduates with work experience are 50% more likely to be hired for engineering roles, according to the UK’s Graduate Market Report.

Ways to Gain Work Experience

1. Apply for Internships and Placements

Many engineering companies offer structured internships or sandwich placements for students. These opportunities often last between 8 weeks to a year and provide valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of the industry.

Check platforms like Gradcracker, RateMyPlacement, and Prospects for engineering internships.

Tailor your application to each company, highlighting relevant coursework, personal projects and highlight your fit with culture and vision.

2. Take Advantage of College or University Programmes

Many education organisations have strong links with local and national organisations. These partnerships can lead to exclusive placement opportunities or collaborative projects.

Join your college or university’s career services: they can provide workshops, mock interviews, and access to job fairs where you can connect with employers.

Get involved in research projects. Teaching staff often lead funded projects where student assistance is needed—this counts as valuable experience.

3. Seek Part-Time Roles in Related Fields

If a formal internship isn’t an option, consider part-time roles that align with your studies. For example, a technician role in a manufacturing or construction company could provide exposure to engineering concepts - even if its in customer service or more admin-heavy roles.

Websites like Indeed and LinkedIn often list part-time technical roles.

Even if it’s not directly aligned with your field, highlight transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and project management.

4. Participate in Student Competitions

Engineering competitions are a fantastic way to gain practical experience while showcasing your skills. Competitions often simulate real-world challenges, pushing you to design, test, and present your solutions.

Consider participating in challenges like the Shell Eco-Marathon, or the Formula Student competition. Employers highly value these experiences as they demonstrate initiative, creativity, and technical ability, as well as softer skills, highly in demand.

5. Volunteer for Projects

Volunteering can be another avenue for gaining hands-on experience. Organisations often need engineering expertise for community projects, which can give you practical skills while contributing to a good cause.

You could volunteer for local STEM outreach programs or assist in building sustainable infrastructure projects, for example. Websites like VolunteerMatch or Do-It.life can help you find opportunities.

6. Create Personal Projects

If traditional work experience isn’t immediately available, take the initiative to create your own! This can include getting involved in local enthusiast clubs, hobbies, building a prototype, coding a software application, or designing a sustainable energy solution. Many entrepreneurial businesses have started from just such projects and launched careers

Be sure to showcase your work: document your projects on platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, or a personal website or social media. Many engineering societies provide funding or platforms to help you with this.

How to Balance Work Experience with Studies

Juggling coursework and practical experience can be challenging, but it’s doable with proper planning.

• Use summers wisely: Apply for internships or complete volunteer projects during summer breaks.
• Plan ahead: Align work experience opportunities with less demanding periods in your academic calendar.
• Talk to your tutors: They can provide advice or flexibility if you’re balancing work and study commitments.

Practical work experience can be the start of your engineering career. Whether it’s through internships, volunteering, competitions, or self-driven projects, every opportunity helps build the skills and confidence employers are looking for.

By the time you leave education, your hands-on experience will set you apart in a competitive job market.

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities. 

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