Thinking about moving to Houston after college. (mattress, credit)

[Modern_Nomad]

Hello everyone, this is my first post even though I've been lurking here for a while.

So here's whats up, I'm about to graduate with an accredited degree in Chemical Engineering from a good school in the SUNY (State University of New York) system. Entry-level engineering jobs are very competitive here. I haven't had much luck job hunting through applying to postings or networking. Although networking seems to be the way to go because you actually get meet people that way. I worked a part-time internship while going to school but I have no upward mobility at this company. And then I came up with this crazy idea...

1. Find out where the cool parts of Houston are for people in their 20's.
2. Find someone on craigslist looking for a roommate.
3. Introduce myself, tell them what my deal is, and ask them if they know where I can find ANY job.
4. MAKE THE MOVE! Bring essential belongings and an inflatable mattress on my cross-country voyage.
5. Snuggle into my new home, drink a beer, relax and try to get used to sleeping on an inflatable mattress.
6. Find a McJob i.e. mcdonalds, dish washer, janitor, mowing lawns, etc.
7. Get a life, participate in clubs, make new friends, enjoy not being an engineering student anymore.
8. Work at McJob while secretly looking/networking for an engineering job at one of those sexy refineries.

Let me know how feasible this plan is. I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions. This might be the boldest thing I have ever done, I don't know anyone down there.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by Modern_Nomad

Hello everyone, this is my first post even though I've been lurking here for a while.

So here's whats up, I'm about to graduate with an accredited degree in Chemical Engineering from a good school in the SUNY (State University of New York) system. Entry-level engineering jobs are very competitive here. I haven't had much luck job hunting through applying to postings or networking. Although networking seems to be the way to go because you actually get meet people that way. I worked a part-time internship while going to school but I have no upward mobility at this company. And then I came up with this crazy idea...

1. Find out where the cool parts of Houston are for people in their 20's.
2. Find someone on craigslist looking for a roommate.
3. Introduce myself, tell them what my deal is, and ask them if they know where I can find ANY job.
4. MAKE THE MOVE! Bring essential belongings and an inflatable mattress on my cross-country voyage.
5. Snuggle into my new home, drink a beer, relax and try to get used to sleeping on an inflatable mattress.
6. Find a McJob i.e. mcdonalds, dish washer, janitor, mowing lawns, etc.
7. Get a life, participate in clubs, make new friends, enjoy not being an engineering student anymore.
8. Work at McJob while secretly looking/networking for an engineering job at one of those sexy refineries.

Let me know how feasible this plan is. I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions. This might be the boldest thing I have ever done, I don't know anyone down there.

Indeed.com list 1832 jobs hits when you search Chemical Engineer in Houston within 100 miles. Maybe it will not be as hard as you think.

Chemical Engineer Jobs, Employment in Houston, TX | Indeed.com

[Oildog]

Praxair is hiring...and they are in your area.

[Modern_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Praxair is hiring...and they are in your area.

Well maybe. I applied to them back in the fall and met them for a brief interview at the career fair, handed them my resume and that was that, I never heard back. Even my colleagues who did internships there will not be getting full-time jobs there. But I'll take another look to see if they are reconsidering hiring for entry level positions.

[crono_clone]

I think there was a thread here several months ago about engineering jobs in Houston. Might be worth searching it for tips on how to land that job.

Otherwise, your plan is certainly crazy but it might work if you're persistent enough and don't mind roughing it for a few months, like you said. Also, I'd recommend applying for the Whole Foods in Montrose instead, that's what one of my friends did before he finally landed a downtown job in Finance.

[Schumacher713]

Hello everyone, this is my first post even though I've been lurking here for a while.

So here's whats up, I'm about to graduate with an accredited degree in Chemical Engineering from a good school in the SUNY (State University of New York) system. Entry-level engineering jobs are very competitive here. I haven't had much luck job hunting through applying to postings or networking. Although networking seems to be the way to go because you actually get meet people that way. I worked a part-time internship while going to school but I have no upward mobility at this company. And then I came up with this crazy idea...

1. Find out where the cool parts of Houston are for people in their 20's.
Midtown or Montrose is where the majority of young professionals live
2. Find someone on craigslist looking for a roommate.
You can possibly do that.
3. Introduce myself, tell them what my deal is, and ask them if they know where I can find ANY job.
Engineering jobs here grow on trees. You should be applying. Every third person here is an engineer. Well for young professionals.
4. MAKE THE MOVE! Bring essential belongings and an inflatable mattress on my cross-country voyage.
I would not move without a job
5. Snuggle into my new home, drink a beer, relax and try to get used to sleeping on an inflatable mattress.
Ummm ok
6. Find a McJob i.e. mcdonalds, dish washer, janitor, mowing lawns, etc.
I am wondering why you can't get a job as an engineer. Were your grades that bad?
7. Get a life, participate in clubs, make new friends, enjoy not being an engineering student anymore.
There is plenty to do
8. Work at McJob while secretly looking/networking for an engineering job at one of those sexy refineries.
There is nothing sexy about a refinery.

Let me know how feasible this plan is. I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions. This might be the boldest thing I have ever done, I don't know anyone down there.

It sounds really strange to me. I have never heard of a young engineer having trouble finding a job. I do think it is nuts to move here without having one. Live with your parents. Save money till you find a job in the US. Not all engineering jobs are here.

[H'ton]

you'll do very well in Houston

[mrehman2]

I am following the same path. I graduated from SUNY at Binghamton with mechanical engineering. Worked on a project for few months and haven't had no luck finding a full time entry level afterwards. Thinking of moving to Houston. In fact I might be moving in two weeks. Will do some McJobs and meanwhile look for some sexy refineries.

[majicdonjuan]

Originally Posted by H'ton

you'll do very well in Houston

This. He's an engineer and willing to hustle to get what he wants.

These are the types of folks that thrive in Houston.

[ipuck]

Originally Posted by majicdonjuan

This. He's an engineer and willing to hustle to get what he wants.

These are the types of folks that thrive in Houston.

Something really doesn't add up here. Chemical engineers have one of the highest starting salaries after college and if you can walk straight you will probably get hired by somebody.

I can't imagine why you would want to come here and work fast food jobs and then look for a job.

You really need to take advantage of the career center and start applying for jobs now. You really miss the opportunity in doing it the easy way and now you have to scramble.