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Old 05-07-2016, 09:05 PM
 
128 posts, read 148,623 times
Reputation: 74

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Hey everyone,

I finally graduated with a BSME from the University of Alaska Anchorage (ABET accredited). Small school but great engineering program. For now my plan is to take the FE exam on June 29. I want to work in the Seattle area but dont know if i should start applying now or wait till after I take the FE exam? I live in Anchorage Alaska by the way.

a bit more about me and my situation is I'm 26 years old turning 27 in September and I have only a summers worth of internship experience that is mostly civil/construction engineering based. So not much experience coming out of college but better than nothing I guess.

Could anybody give me some advice on what you would do at my age to get a job and get going in the Mechanical engineering industry? I keep hearing how hard it is to get a job out of college so I dont know what to do except to mindlessly apply to any engineering opening I find.

thanks for any input
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Old 05-07-2016, 09:38 PM
 
Location: State of Transition
102,211 posts, read 107,931,771 times
Reputation: 116159
Apply to openings, but also consider another summer internship. There's nothing wrong with that.
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Old 05-07-2016, 10:10 PM
 
Location: Seattle
1,651 posts, read 2,784,392 times
Reputation: 3026
Ruth makes a great point, if you can get another summer internship - that can be a big 'in'. Boeing is definitely one of the big ones, and they will consider entry level. Also, consider contracting. At your experience level, you want to move into FTE as soon as possible, but contracting can be a way to get started and make contacts in the industry.
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Old 05-07-2016, 10:12 PM
 
8,865 posts, read 6,874,754 times
Reputation: 8679
Anything related to building design or construction is booming right now. I bet you get a job quickly.
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Old 05-07-2016, 11:03 PM
 
128 posts, read 148,623 times
Reputation: 74
internships wouldnt be a bad idea. Sounds like there isnt much mechanical engineering jobs except for Boeing?
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Old 05-08-2016, 02:02 AM
 
1,359 posts, read 2,481,901 times
Reputation: 1221
This area is more known for software engineering than mechanical engineering. With that having been said, you'll see ME jobs more in the Tacoma or Everett areas, and MEs can be found in more rural parts of the state. You might also have luck looking around in the manufacturing areas in South King County (in Kent and/or Auburn).
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Old 05-08-2016, 05:35 AM
 
Location: Seattle
8,171 posts, read 8,304,797 times
Reputation: 5991
Boeing or its subcontractors in Snohomish County would be a great place to focus. Besides, the cost of living in Snohomish County is reasonable compared to Seattle and King County.
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Old 05-08-2016, 06:40 AM
 
836 posts, read 774,939 times
Reputation: 1780
Quote:
Originally Posted by varun2123 View Post
Could anybody give me some advice on what you would do at my age to get a job and get going in the Mechanical engineering industry?
As a 25 year experienced ME, if you're not married with kids I suggest you work overseas for 4-5 years. Insane money, see lots of interesting places, and you get early shots at management you won't get if you stay stateside.
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Old 05-08-2016, 07:52 AM
 
Location: Seattle
8,171 posts, read 8,304,797 times
Reputation: 5991
Shark, great idea. Saudi Arabia, petroleum industry. I'm not joking.
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Old 05-08-2016, 10:03 AM
 
Location: Bend OR
812 posts, read 1,062,281 times
Reputation: 1733
Lots of companies are hiring ME's right out of school.

Start applying.

My ME career was electronic packaging in all the high tech companies in the area. (33 years)

Once you have your degree, get into a company, listen to the older experienced engineers (you don't know everything already, really) and take every "advanced training" class opportunity they offer you.
That is your best continuing education plan.

Just plan on being kicked to the curb by the age of 60, regardless of your retirement plans. You will be replaced by someone right out of school at that point.

You should gave gotten a software degree though.
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