Mechanical engineering is a broad field that involves designing, developing, and producing mechanical devices, systems, and processes. It’s a fascinating and challenging field, but standing out among the other talented mechanical engineers can be tough. That’s where internships come in.
Here are seven reasons why internships in mechanical engineering are beneficial.
1. Gain Practical Experience
One of the most significant benefits of internships is gaining practical experience. As an intern in mechanical engineering, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the field. Interns work alongside experienced engineers, learn from them, and contribute to ongoing projects. You can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.
2. Develop Technical Skills
Because mechanical engineering is a technical field that requires specialized skills, internships let you develop these skills. For example, interns may learn to use CAD and CAM software to create and test designs. You may also learn how to use tools and equipment, such as lathes, milling machines, and 3D printers, to create prototypes.
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3. Build Professional Networks
Internships can be an opportunity to build professional networks with your colleagues and bosses. Interns get to work alongside experienced engineers, meet other professionals in the field, and attend industry events. You can gain life-long mentors who can help you grow in your career and may help you find future job opportunities.
4. Enhance Resume
Your internship experience is an excellent resume booster. Employers often look for candidates with practical experience, and internships deliver on that promise. They can help set you apart from other candidates, and the experience shows that you are committed to your field to learn more, gain skills beyond the classroom, and have a strong work ethic.
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5. Explore Different Career Paths
Internships are great avenues to explore different career paths in mechanical engineering. You may work on various projects and products as an intern and collaborate with different teams. You can then determine what type of work you enjoy and don’t enjoy, so when you look for your next job, you can focus on your interests.
6. Gain Insight into Industry Trends
Working alongside experienced engineers and attending industry events can give you a glimpse into what’s new and emerging. You can also ask questions and engage in thoughtful conversations about how the current industry trends affect your job and company. Industry knowledge can be useful when making future career decisions and staying up to date with the latest technologies and practices.
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7. Earn Academic Credit
Many colleges and universities offer academic credit for mechanical engineering internships. If you’re a student, you can earn credit toward your degree while gaining practical experience in the field. For most students, this helps them save time and money, so they already have working experience that will help them land their next job when they graduate.
You can check with your professor, department, or school advisor to see if there’s a way to earn credit for your internship. You may need to loop in your employer for support depending on what your school needs to give you credit.
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The Bottom Line
Internships are a great way for mechanical engineering students to gain practical experience, develop technical skills, build professional networks, enhance their resumes, explore different career paths, gain insight into industry trends, and earn academic credit.
It’s a win-win situation for both students and employers. Employers get to work with talented and enthusiastic students, and students get to gain practical experience and make meaningful contributions to ongoing projects.
So, if you’re a mechanical engineering student, consider applying for an internship. It could be the first step toward a successful career in mechanical engineering.
Explore our virtual internship program if you need help finding internships.
