Advices for entry level chemical engineer looking for a career start in Houston (Beaumont: co-ops, job market)

[yinghawl]

Hi everyone, I am fresh graduate with a bachelor degree in Chemical & Biological Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo.Prior to my graduation, I have completed an internship in pharmaceutical company for 4 months and a 8-month-long research project in a nanotechnology lab.

I have currently moved to Houston, TX about 1 month ago right after my graduation, hoping to get an entry level chemical engineer position in oil & gascompanies here as the engineering industry in Houston seemed to be pretty promising. Over these few months, I have been sending out tones of my resume through indeed, simply-hired, career-builder and monster. No much positive reply has been received.

It seems to me that my lack of engineering experiences is a big barrier for me in my job search. I also came to realize that barely applying jobs online is not enough.

To be honest, I really have no idea about what else I could do to increase my possibility of landing a job? I will be highly appreciate if someone in the oil & gas industry or experienced dudes here could give me some advices.

Thanks a lot.

[HoustonRonnie]

What did the school's placement office do for you?

Ronnie

[nana053]

Chemical Engineers with the right skill set are in high demand, but... pharmaceutical experience does not seem compatible with the oil industry to me nor does nanotechnology experience. I am not sure where those skills would fit best.

[vegankris]

Unfortunately, you suffer from not having chosen the best internships or co-ops while you were in school. Pharmaceutical is fine, research is fine, but it would have really helped your situation if you had taken an internship or co-op at a chemical plant or refinery. You might want to extend your search beyond Houston to Beaumont or Lake Charles, LA. Not really great places to live, but it would give you much needed experience and then you could move to a more desirable location.

You might want to consider looking for a head hunter or two to help find you a job. You don't pay them, they get paid by the company that hires you once you sign on.

[Dopo]

My guess is that you are being too picky because the oil industry here is going crazy looking for engineers.

[mikegrowingintohouston]

Imagine the oil economy in Houston if the global economy was also booming.

[BoydS]

Several local engineering companies have been having job fairs held around the Houston area recently. You can check the Houston Chronicle employment section for up coming fairs (Sunday paper the best). Or if I were you, I would make a list of the local companies here in town that you find of interest. Then with resume in hand drive to each of them and drop off your resume at their HR and contractor's office. While dropping off your resume, engage the person at that office and tell them your interest in why you are seeking employment with their company. So do your homework on each company first. You'll be surprised at the advantage you'll have over someone just dropping a resume on someones desk and leaving without a discussion.

Also, almost every firm has a website that anyone can view their employment or job offerings. If you find a position that suits you, state that when you drop off the resume.

There is a demand for many engineers here in the city. Target companies specifically, know their business and engage them when you visit them. Interviews will follow.

[vegankris]

I certainly do not disagree that engineers are in high demand here. However, they really look for at least some semblance of experience. This is probably why he/she can't find a job. Someone will take a chance on a non experienced engineer it may just take awhile.

[nana053]

Another possibility - can you hire on as a temporary contract engineer? That might give you a foot in the door. My son did this when he started, but he has his masters in Chem E, not a Bachelors. He moved around a bit before ending up here in Houston. I don't know anything about the reputation of SUNY Buffalo either.

[Dionne7]

Originally Posted by yinghawl

Hi everyone, I am fresh graduate with a bachelor degree in Chemical & Biological Engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo.Prior to my graduation, I have completed an internship in pharmaceutical company for 4 months and a 8-month-long research project in a nanotechnology lab.

I have currently moved to Houston, TX about 1 month ago right after my graduation, hoping to get an entry level chemical engineer position in oil & gascompanies here as the engineering industry in Houston seemed to be pretty promising. Over these few months, I have been sending out tones of my resume through indeed, simply-hired, career-builder and monster. No much positive reply has been received.

It seems to me that my lack of engineering experiences is a big barrier for me in my job search. I also came to realize that barely applying jobs online is not enough.

To be honest, I really have no idea about what else I could do to increase my possibility of landing a job? I will be highly appreciate if someone in the oil & gas industry or experienced dudes here could give me some advices.

Thanks a lot.

Why would you relocate here before finding a job? The job market here is not very good although it is perhaps so I have heard a little better than the rest of the county, but it doesn't seem like it to me. I guess it is alot of hype.