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Engineering work experience

aido79

I posted this already in the work and jobs forum but didn't get a response so I thought I'd try here.

I am a second year electrical engineering student currently on summer holidays. I am a mature student having previously worked as an electrician. I'm wondering if many companies are taking on engineering students for work experience given the current situation with covid19 restrictions and social distancing?

I haven't been looking for work previously because I am looking after my kids while my wife works so wasn't sure what was going to happen with childcare but it looks like that will not be a problem from the end of June as our childminder will be able to take them from the 29th.

Am I better off looking for work as an electrician or is experience in an engineering environment a possibility?
I know financially I'd be better off as an electrician but it wouldn't be my first preference.

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Turbulent Bill

Long term you're better off getting engineering work experience, even if it pays worse than a summer electrician's job. I always prefer job candidates who have gotten some relevant experience during the summer.

Many employers are maximising work from home now, so they might be reluctant to take students on as they won't have the staff to supervise them.

mikhail

I would say a second year student can afford to prioritise money. Plenty of time for an internship next summer, when they won't be as tricky to get and carry out, and I'd imagine most places would struggle to give any really useful work to a 2nd year anyway.

aido79

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

Long term you're better off getting engineering work experience, even if it pays worse than a summer electrician's job. I always prefer job candidates who have gotten some relevant experience during the summer.

That's the main reason I am keen to get engineering experience rather than just work as an electrician for a few months.

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

Many employers are maximising work from home now, so they might be reluctant to take students on as they won't have the staff to supervise them.

That's kind of what I thought. That and the social distancing measures would probably deter a lot of companies from hiring students for the summer.

aido79

mikhail wrote: »

I would say a second year student can afford to prioritise money.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

mikhail wrote: »

Plenty of time for an internship next summer, when they won't be as tricky to get and carry out, and I'd imagine most places would struggle to give any really useful work to a 2nd year anyway.

I realise there is plenty of time next year but surely the more experience the better?
What sort of work would they give to a 3rd year that they wouldn't give to a 2nd year?

Turbulent Bill

aido79 wrote: »

What sort of work would they give to a 3rd year that they wouldn't give to a 2nd year?

Traditionally student internships are for 3rd years as they've enough academic knowledge and project work completed to make some contribution. It also identifies potential candidates for hiring the next year or two.

As you're a mature student with plenty of work experience already, the fact that you've just finished 2nd year should be less relevant.

aido79

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

Traditionally student internships are for 3rd years as they've enough academic knowledge and project work completed to make some contribution. It also identifies potential candidates for hiring the next year or two.

As you're a mature student with plenty of work experience already, the fact that you've just finished 2nd year should be less relevant.

Yes we have our work experience scheduled for next summer at the end of 3rd year. I have a fair idea of what industry I want to work in so thought about approaching companies specialising in that area.

I think with my experience companies might overlook the fact I am only finished 2nd year and take a chance on me.